Pressure pain threshold and Deqi sensation increased as acupuncture simulation intensified (needling with rotation > deep needling > superficial needling).
Pricking and sharp sensations appeared more frequently when shallower tissues were needled, whereas deep, dull, heavy, spreading, and electric feelings predominated in deeper tissue levels. The introduction of needle rotation in addition to oscillation intensified deep, dull, and heavy rather than pricking and sharp sensations.
Abbreviations: NA: not available; SASS: subjective acupuncture sensation scale.