What does acupuncture feel like/does it hurt?

A pinch, followed by “qi sensation,” a feeling of warmth, or aching around the point, and often above and below it as well, along the course of the channel. Many styles of traditional acupuncture consider the qi sensation a prerequisite to effective treatment. Western research has so far supported this notion. Some people feel the insertion, some don’t. The sensations of acupuncture vary widely among individuals.