What happens if acupuncture hits a nerve?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points on the body. A common concern many people have is what could happen if an acupuncture needle hits a nerve. In fact, acupuncture is designed to stimulate nerves, however, this needs to be done carefully and correctly.

When acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin, they are typically directed away from larger nerves to avoid any form of nerve damage. A well-trained acupuncturist knows the body's anatomy well and understands where the nerves are located to avoid causing any harm. If a nerve is hit by accident, it could potentially cause pain and nerve damage. However, this is very rare when acupuncture is performed by a licensed and well-trained practitioner.

Importantly, the sensation of a needle hitting a nerve should not be confused with the "De Qi" sensation, a desired effect in acupuncture treatment. De Qi is described as a feeling of heaviness, numbness, or tingling at the acupuncture site or along the meridian pathway. This sensation is usually a positive sign indicating that the body's healing energy or "Qi" has been activated.

At Quantum TCM Clinic in Thong Lor, Bangkok, our team of licensed and experienced Chinese medicine doctors are highly skilled in performing acupuncture treatments. They have an intimate understanding of human anatomy and know how to accurately locate acupuncture points to avoid nerve damage. They are also experienced in identifying the De Qi sensation for effective treatment results.

Our goal is to provide safe, effective, and individualized treatments to help our patients achieve optimal health and wellness. We follow strict safety guidelines and use sterilized, single-use needles to ensure patient safety. Moreover, we strive to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment where our patients can fully benefit from our treatments.

If you have any concerns about acupuncture or are interested in trying it for the first time, our friendly and knowledgeable team will be more than happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.