How Painful Are Acupuncture Pins ? Many people have a fear of needles. Maybe your yearly flu vaccination makes you flinch as it’s administered. But the needles used in acupuncture are far different from the ones used to draw blood or deliver a vaccine. In this case, the pins being used are quite fine. As a result, most people report little or no pain from the treatment. So if agony is your main concern when considering this treatment for your condition, rest assured: It shouldn’t hurt.