For many years since the Clean Needle Act was passed, we have used only individually wrapped sterile acupuncture needles. They are disposed of immediately in a Sharps container after use and we do not reuse needles in the United States. I tend to use a very fine gauge needle that is the equivalent of one to three strands of hair. Often a patient will feel barely a tap or not even feel the insertion. After all the needles are inserted I will check that you can feel that they are there. You will rest with the needles retained for anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on your condition.