Ask the Acupuncturist: Why Do I Feel Some Needles More Than Others?

If you’ve ever had acupuncture, you may have noticed that some needles you barely feel — and others you definitely do. It’s very common to experience a range of sensations during treatment. Some people feel a dull ache, heaviness, or a quick zing when the needle is first inserted, while others feel nothing at all.

Once you’re settled in and resting, you might notice gentle sensations like warmth, tingling, pulsing, or even a floating feeling — or you may simply drift off to sleep. All of these responses are normal and part of the body’s natural healing process.

So why do some needles feel more noticeable than others? Here are a few reasons:

1. Location on the Body

Some acupuncture points are just more sensitive than others. Areas like the fingers, toes, and ears have more nerve endings near the surface, so they can feel a little sharper when the needle goes in. Points on the arms, legs, or back usually feel gentler.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is explained as Qi (energy) bubbling up to the surface at the extremities, then flowing deeper toward the body’s center. Because energy gathers near the surface in these areas, you may feel more sensation there.

2. Your Body’s Condition That Day

Your sensitivity can also vary from day to day depending on how your body is feeling. If you’re tired, hungry, dehydrated, or stressed, your system may be a bit more reactive. That’s why we recommend coming to your appointment well-rested, nourished, and hydrated, when possible— it helps your body receive treatment more comfortably.

3. The Function of the Point

Some acupuncture points are designed to move energy or stimulate circulation more strongly than others. These “active” points can feel more intense because they’re jump-starting your body’s natural healing response.

For example, a point that helps clear sinus congestion might feel more noticeable than a point used for general relaxation.

4. The Body’s Imbalances

A good general rule in acupuncture is: the more sensitive the point, the more your body needs it.

When there’s tension, inflammation, or energetic stagnation in an area, stimulating the right acupuncture point can feel stronger — but it’s also a sign that the treatment is reaching the root of the problem.

The Bottom Line

Feeling different sensations during acupuncture is completely normal — and it’s one of the ways we know the treatment is working. The goal isn’t to create discomfort, but to gently awaken your body’s natural healing response.

Most patients find that once the needles are in, they settle into deep relaxation — and sometimes even take a nap. Over time, as your body becomes more balanced, you may notice that the needles feel lighter and easier, too.