Acupuncture is literally the insertion of hair thin, sterile, disposable needles into the skin. Many of us fear needles from previous experiences in the doctors’ office, but few realize that acupuncture needles are extremely thin and solid. Hypodermic needles in hospitals are hollow to allow blood and medicines to be injected or extracted from the body. Acupuncture needles, on the other hand, are solid and extremely sharp, allowing virtually painless insertion.