Afraid of needles but curious about acupuncture? Acupuncture needles are very different from the needles used for shots and blood draws. Here’s what they feel like, how small they really are, and what I tell nervous first-time patients.

Getting acupuncture? A few simple choices before and after your appointment can make your experience even better. Here are 7 common acupuncture mistakes I see—and what I recommend instead.