A healing art entailing the insertion of incredibly fine needles into specific points in your body - acupuncture. Its origins are steeped in traditional Chinese medicine, with its proponents touting benefits from pain relief to invigoration of emotional health. Contrary to popular belief, acupuncture is rarely painful, thanks to the hairline-thin needles barely noticeable as they penetrate the skin.

According to a study on pediatric patients, a whopping 87% reported minimal to no pain during acupuncture. A leading reason for discomfort during or post-treatment is indeed improper needle placement, emphasizing the importance of a well-trained, licensed practitioner handling your acupuncture session.

The number of painful experiences post-acupuncture is quite limited. As per the American Academy of Family Physicians, only about 10% of individuals report minor soreness at the prick points. If it's your first time considering the treatment, discussing all concerns with your provider is a recommended step. They should be able to give you a 'trial run' by inserting fewer needles in a minor area, allowing you to anticipate what follows in a full treatment.

What happens during an acupuncture session?

Upon needle penetration into pressure points, patients might experience a slight pressure sensation, maybe even a mild ache. Generally, patients express feeling more relaxed and less anxious post-treatment, with others reporting an energy surge. However, full understanding of the mechanisms behind these beneficial results still eludes us.

Traditional Chinese practitioners perceive the body as an arena of two contrasting forces, yin and yang, thrown off-balance by disease, leading to disruption in the life energy or 'qi.’ Inserting needles at defined points is believed to reinitiate qi flow, thus restoring both physical and emotional health. Modern medicine, however, explains acupuncture's effects in the light of endorphins, opioids, immune cells, and neurohormone release stimulated by the needles. The ensuing chemical cocktail purportedly helps to counter pain and modulate how the body perceives it, also impacting body temperature, blood pressure, and central nervous system function.

When done right, acupuncture is generally painless, although soreness could be increased under certain circumstances. For instance, lesser muscle or fat areas like hands or feet can possibly elicit increased discomfort. Skinny individuals with scarce soft tissue might also perceive more soreness as needles are inserted. Vital here is a robust and constant communication line with your practitioner to safeguard a comfortable acupuncture session.

A usual acupuncture session spans between 20 to 30 minutes, with potential post-treatment soreness naturally dissipating within one to three days. Always remember to keep in touch with your acupuncturist during this time to discuss any ongoing discomfort.

For those seeking holistic health, acupuncture can be a valuable tool, found useful in managing chronic pain from arthritis, back pain, post-surgical issues, even up to handling addiction symptoms, hot flashes, and generalized inflammation. However, remember, the level of comfort during acupuncture is heavily dependent on your practitioner's expertise and your ability to communicate effectively about arising discomfort during the procedure.