Big Scary Needles

There are a few general reactions people have when I tell them I’m an acupuncturist. Many people feign polite interest. Some feel obliged to tell me about an article they read in the news. A few light up like a three year old and excitedly tell me how much they love their acupuncturist and ask me if I know this amazing miracle worker who lives far-far away. Inevitably, there will be a few people who give me that look. That wild eyed look, as if they’re wondering how Pinhead from Hellraiser could have materialized in front of the in the form of a short, round woman with long, brown hair.

It’s normal to be a bit apprehensive around needles. Most of us were introduced to a syringe at birth. Childhood has its routine stops at the doctor’s office, and inevitably a needle gets poked into our little behinds and a toy or a lollipop is doled out for bravery. It’s expected that we’ll grow out of our fear, that we’ll learn to “man up”. But what if we don’t? What if we aren’t able to get over the experience of being held down by our parents while strangers cause us pain? It’s not exactly something one wishes to discuss; no one wants to seriously admit they have a needle phobia.

Needle phobia, like other kinds of phobias, is often ridiculed. Adults who are afraid of needles are laughed at in television and movies and the topic is treated lightly in medical literature. A 1995 article in the Journal of Family practice states that 10% of the population suffers from this problem and those that have it largely go untreated. One of the major factors involved in the lack of treatment is the avoidance of medical care by those inflicted. And that’s what concerns me.

I can relate to people who avoid acupuncture because it’s so different from anything they’re used to. It’s not a medicine that most American’s grow up with. But how many people out there avoid seeing their primary care physician due to untreated needle phobia? It’s under diagnosed and misunderstood. Most people think that needle phobics are afraid of the pain associated with a stick. The real problem is quite different. Folks that have this issue experience vasovagal shock due to being punctured by a needle. Vasovagal shock occurs when someone’s blood pressure drops, their brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen and they end up passing out. It’s a very scary experience, and although there’s usually no long-term problems from it most people who have been through it wish to avoid it ever happening again. The physical sensation of passing out and the fear it evoke naturally become associated with needles, thus the phobia begins.

People who have needle phobia are not wusses. They do not deserve your scorn, nor will they just “get over it” by being told to “grow up”. Thankfully, there are treatments available. If this is a problem you’re dealing with (or avoiding dealing with) it’s time for you to talk to your doc. If your doctor seems unwilling to help you through this, then find one who is. Avoiding check-ups and regular screenings is too risky to chance.