Needling Discomfort

AJSClaussen: September 10, 2019, 9:19pm
I am aware that strong needling technique is indicated for Sa’am treatments. What do folks do when a patient
complains of insertion sites continuing to ache 5-10 minutes into treatment? My policy has always been if the
needle sensation is so strong that the patient cannot relax then I either re-insert or choose a different point. With
Sa’am is there benefit in telling the patient to grin and bear it? Does re-inserting the needle compromise the
treatment? Is taking out the offending needle and leaving in the others an option?

KristinWisgirda: September 10, 2019, 11:27pm
[quote=“AJSClaussen, post:1, topic:599”]
AJSClaussen:
My policy has always been if the needle sensation is so strong that the patient cannot relax then I either re-
insert or choose a different point.
I first make sure that the patient understands that some sensation is ok as patients don’t know what to expect and
some freak out if they feel anything. If the sensation prevents relaxation, I first back the needle out the tiniest bit.
This is usually enough to ease the intensity. On rare occasions, I remove the needle and reinsert.
AJSClaussen:
Is taking out the offending needle and leaving in the others an option?
No. You need all 4 points for the treatment to give the body the intended, clear, stable message.
Happy needling!

AJSClaussen: September 11, 2019, 8:46pm
Thank you, the clarification is much appreciated.

ngmatthews: October 4, 2021, 5:15pm

25/01/2024, 11:20Needling Discomfort – Sa’am Clinical Questions – Qiological Community
https://forum.qiological.com/t/needling-discomfort/599/print2/2
I tend to explain to the patient that the needles may be uncomfortable but that the strong action will work well for
them. I ask if they can tolerate leaving them in place. If something is very tender, then I’ll back out a smidge and
see if that helps. Most of my long term clients are OK with this system, as they are seeing the big shifts and
appreciating it. For some newer people I’ll use something other than Saam at first if jing points are indicated. Over
the year that I’ve been using this system I’ve experimented with a number of different needles, and landed on
Seirin purples and browns for most situations. I use the 15 mm ones on the jing points and that helps a lot. Like
some other people on the discussion I found that using thinner needles just does not give as strong of a response.

michaelmax: November 16, 2019, 1:33am
I also find it helpful to remind people that the slight temporary discomfort of the needle is usually minuscule
compared to the problem that propelled in your door.