Acupuncture needles are as thin as 2-3 strands of hair. Most people do not find the insertion of such hair fine needles to be painful, however you may feel a bit of a pinch when the needles are tapped in. We use fine, solid, filiform needles, unlike hypodermic needles, which are thicker, hollow and have cutting edges. This is why acupuncture feels nothing like getting a shot or having blood drawn.