An acupuncturist will palpate the tissue, finding the muscles that are in a contracted state. They will sterilize the treatment area and prepare the needle. Needles are always single-use, sterile, and disposable. Then, they will needle into the contracted muscle using a specific technique that causes it to fire or twitch. Sometimes more than one trigger point will need stimulation. You will feel the muscle twitch and then relax. Next, a topical herbal liniment is used, as well as cups. These two modalities help to restore the natural blood flow of the area allowing for healing at a root level.