Many years ago I tried acupuncture for pain. It was done by my specialist physician who seemed to know what he was doing, but I really don't think he had the needles in the exact right place. After each session my pain increased. It's like he had the needles almost in the right place, but instead of easing the pain, he actually stirred it up and made it worse.

In answer to your question though, no the needles didn't hurt going in.