Sometimes patients who receive injections from hypodermic needles (the common doctors office shot) fear that acupuncture will be painful. Acupuncture needles are flexible, thin, and compared to the size of human hair. About 30 acupuncture needles can fit into the opening of a hypodermic needle! Some experience no sensation while others feel when the needle stimulates the qi (body energy). Slight tingling and warmth is completely normal and most learn quickly how relaxing acupuncture can be!