Acupuncture Risks and Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has gained global popularity for its potential to alleviate various ailments, from chronic pain to nausea¹. While often touted as a safe and natural therapy, it’s crucial to understand that, like any medical procedure, acupuncture carries potential risks and side effects².

This article delves into these aspects, drawing on research and expert opinions, to provide a balanced perspective for those considering this ancient practice.

What is Acupuncture?

Before diving into the risks, let’s briefly recap what acupuncture entails. This TCM technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints. These points are believed to correspond to energy pathways, or meridians, and stimulating them is thought to restore balance and promote healing³. As the Mayo Clinic explains, many Western medical experts view these acupoints as areas that stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, potentially boosting the body’s natural pain relief mechanisms⁴.

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Common Side Effects: Usually Minor and Transient

Most side effects associated with acupuncture are mild and temporary⁵. These include:

• Minor Bleeding and Bruising: It’s common to experience slight bleeding or bruising at the needle insertion sites. This is usually minimal and resolves quickly⁶.
• Pain or Discomfort: Some individuals may feel a brief sting or ache upon needle insertion or removal. This discomfort is typically short-lived⁷.
• Dizziness or Fainting (Syncope): In rare cases, some people may feel lightheaded, dizzy, or even faint during or after a session⁸. This is often related to the patient’s position or a vasovagal reaction. As mentioned by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), ensuring patients are comfortable and relaxed can minimize this risk⁹.

These common side effects are generally nothing to worry about and usually subside within a few days.

Less Common but More Serious Complications: A Cause for Concern

While less frequent, more serious complications can arise from acupuncture, highlighting the importance of choosing a qualified practitioner. These include:

• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): This is a serious complication that can occur if a needle punctures the lung¹⁰. A study indicated that pneumothorax is one of the most common organ injuries associated with acupuncture¹¹. This underscores the need for practitioners with thorough anatomical knowledge.
• Infections: Although rare with the use of sterile, single-use needles (now the standard practice), infections can occur if proper hygiene protocols are not followed¹². A review published by the University of Hong Kong highlighted cases of bacterial infections and hepatitis linked to inadequate sterilization procedures. In extreme cases, infections can lead to severe complications, with a small percentage (5-10%) proving fatal due to severe infection, as noted in the provided material¹³.
• Nerve Damage: In very rare instances, needles can cause nerve damage, resulting in persistent numbness, tingling, or even loss of function¹⁴.
• Internal Organ Injury: While extremely rare, there have been reports of needles puncturing internal organs¹⁵. This usually occurs due to improper technique and emphasizes the importance of seeking treatment from a licensed and experienced acupuncturist.

While acupuncture is safe, serious complications such as pneumothorax, infections, nerve damage and visceral damage can occasionally occur.

Risk Factors: Who is More Vulnerable?

Several factors can increase the risk of complications from acupuncture:

• Practitioner’s Skill Level: The skill and training of the acupuncturist are paramount. Choosing a licensed and certified practitioner significantly reduces the risk of complications. As the provided material states, unqualified practitioners increase the risk of complications.
• Hygiene Practices: Maintaining strict hygiene is crucial. Sterile, single-use needles and proper skin disinfection are essential to prevent infections¹⁶. As mentioned in the material, the University of Hong Kong review pointed to inadequate sterilization as a key factor in infection cases.
• Individual Health Conditions: Certain individuals may be more susceptible to complications. People with bleeding disorders, compromised immune systems, or specific skin conditions should consult their doctor before undergoing acupuncture¹⁷. As mentioned by Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital’s Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, individuals with skin infections, bleeding disorders, or unstable medical conditions should exercise caution.

Summary: The risk of complications from acupuncture depends on the practitioner’s skill, hygiene practices, and individual health conditions. Choosing a licensed acupuncturist, using sterile needles, and consulting a doctor for certain health issues can reduce risks.

Choosing a Qualified Acupuncturist: A Prudent Step

Selecting a qualified and experienced acupuncturist is the most effective way to minimize risks. Look for practitioners who are licensed and certified by recognized professional bodies. Don’t hesitate to ask about their training, experience, and hygiene protocols.

Finding a professional and qualified acupuncturist or clinic can vary by country due to differing regulations and professional standards. Here’s how you can approach this in various regions:

United States

• National Directories: Utilize the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) directory to find a Diplomate of Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine. This certification is recognized nationally for ensuring a baseline level of education and competence¹⁸.
• State Licensure: Check with state-specific regulatory boards as most states require acupuncturists to be licensed¹⁹. For example, California has its own licensing exam.
• Professional Associations: Look for acupuncturists affiliated with reputable organizations like the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA)²⁰ or the American Society of Acupuncturists for additional assurance of professionalism.

United Kingdom

• Professional Registers: The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) and the Association of Acupuncture Clinicians (AAC) provide lists of registered practitioners who meet certain standards of practice²¹.
• NHS Recommendations: The NHS suggests checking the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care website to locate an accredited acupuncturist.

Australia

• Registration: Acupuncturists in Australia must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)²². You can search for practitioners through their public register.
• Private Health Insurance: Look for practitioners who can provide services covered by private health insurance under extras.

Europe (Examples)

• Belgium: Acupuncture is regulated under Colla’s Law, and you can find qualified practitioners through associations like the Belgian Association of Acupuncturists graduates of China.
• Switzerland: Look for practitioners recognized by the laws of individual cantons, often listed with professional societies.
• Czech Republic: Acupuncture is only legally performed by doctors who have completed additional state-recognized courses.

To minimize acupuncture risks, choose a licensed and certified practitioner. In the US, check NCCAOM or state boards; in the UK, use BAcC or NHS recommendations; in Australia, search AHPRA; and in Europe, follow local regulations or professional associations.

Q&A

Q: Is acupuncture painful?

A: Most people experience minimal discomfort during needle insertion. The sensation is often described as a slight prick or a dull ache²³.

Q: Is acupuncture safe for pregnant women?

A: While acupuncture can be used during pregnancy for certain conditions, it’s crucial to inform the acupuncturist about the pregnancy, as some acupoints are contraindicated during pregnancy²⁴.

Q: Are there any conditions for which acupuncture is not recommended?

A: Yes, individuals with bleeding disorders, pacemakers, or certain skin infections should consult their doctor before undergoing acupuncture.

Bottom line

Acupuncture, when performed by a qualified practitioner using sterile techniques, is generally considered safe. Most side effects are minor and transient. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential for more serious complications and to choose a practitioner wisely. By understanding the risks and benefits, individuals can make informed decisions about whether acupuncture is right for them. As the adage goes, “forewarned is forearmed.”

Trusted source

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