Can acupuncture do more harm than good?

About 90 deaths after acupuncture have been anecdotally documented in the medical literature. Thus, acupuncture has been associated with more deaths than most other ‘alternative’ therapies except herbal medicine.

Why do I feel worse after acupuncture?

There are many different treatment therapies practiced in Chinese medicine to achieve this balance described by Dr. Weil. Let’s take a look at some of them… Making Your Introduction: Your first visit to an acupuncturist will most likely be a consultation.

Can acupuncture puncture your lung?

Despite being a rare event, punctured lungs are a common and serious complication described in acupuncture. Just a few months ago, we reported on an older woman whose lung collapsed after a thin acupuncture needle was inserted into her back.

What happens if you leave acupuncture needles in too long?

Nothing serious will happen to you if acupuncture needles are left in for a too long. You might feel tired as over stimulation of the points can drain your energy. Currently there is no statutory regulation of acupuncture so anyone can pick up a needle and insert it and call it acupuncture.

What happens if an acupuncture needle hits a nerve?

If a needle hits a small nerve, muscle, or blood vessel, you may feel some pain or a more intense sensation. A single sensation is OK as long as it’s brief. Points on the extremities are more likely to produce stronger reactions in the form of dull aches or tingling sensations.

Who should not have acupuncture?

Bleeding disorder such as hemophilia or use of blood thinners. Infections skin disorder or disease. If pregnant, needling in the abdominal area or lumbosacral region should be avoided. It is also advisable to avoid any acupuncture that might stimulate the early delivery of the fetus or even lead to abortion.

Can acupuncture go too deep?

Acupuncture Risks In some acupuncture points, needles inserted too deeply can puncture the lungs or gallbladder or cause problems with your blood vessels. That is why it is important to use a practitioner who is well-trained in acupuncture.

Can acupuncture cause breathing problems?

Thirty-five patients suffered from breathing difficulties after acupuncture treatment but only two cases of pneumothorax were reported. Furthermore, 31 patients suffered a nerve injury, which in one case lasted 180 days but overall no permanent injuries or deaths occurred.

What are the side effects of acupuncture?

Itching and Slight Aching.

Can acupuncture do any harm?

Harms from acupuncture are rare. “It is unlikely that you will get harmed if it’s done by an experienced acupuncturist,” Dr. Chen says. The infrequently reported risks include being infected by inadequately sterilized needles or contact with the acupuncturist’s hands. An incompetent acupuncturist could insert the needle too deeply.

How safe is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is generally safe when done by an appropriately trained practitioner using clean needle technique and single-use needles. When properly delivered, it has a low rate of mostly minor adverse effects. Accidents and infections are associated with infractions of sterile technique or neglect of the practitioner.

Is it normal to feel worse after acupuncture?

People can feel wiped out after acupuncture. A more common result is increased energy, but sometimes the “acu land” effect hangs on a little longer. This is your body telling you that it’s depleted. Feeling fatigued after acupuncture is not cause for concern, but it is a warning sign that you need to rest.