The risks of acupuncture are low if you have a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner using sterile needles. Common side effects include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted .
What are the negative side effects of acupuncture?
- Worse Symptoms. Although most people feel better after having acupuncture done, some do feel worse before they get better. ...
- Fatigue. ...
- Soreness. ...
- Bruising. ...
- Muscle Twitching. ...
- Lightheadedness. ...
- Emotional Release.
Can acupuncture damage nerves?
Acupuncture needles rarely break 7 , but they may damage a spinal nerve root 8 , 9 or a peripheral nerve 10 .
Can acupuncture make things worse?
Following an acupuncture session, some people find that the symptoms of their condition, or illness, temporarily worsen , or ‘flare-up’. Some people also experience sweating, dizziness, and feel faint. These effects are usually short-lasting, and pass within a few hours.
Why is acupuncture dangerous?
The possible risks of acupuncture are: It is dangerous if a patient has a bleeding disorder or takes blood thinners . Bleeding, bruising, and soreness may occur at the insertion sites. Unsterilized needles may infect the patient.
Do acupuncture needles go into nerves?
The needles used in acupuncture are inserted into your body’s pressure points to stimulate the nervous system . This releases endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers, in the muscles, spine, and brain. This technique changes your body’s response to pain.
Who does acupuncture treat diseases?
- Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting.
- Dental pain.
- Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines.
- Labor pain.
- Low back pain.
- Neck pain.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Menstrual cramps.
What should I avoid after acupuncture?
- Strenuous Exercise. You don’t have to avoid exercise altogether, but it would probably be best to slow down a bit. ...
- Caffeine. ...
- Alcohol. ...
- Junk Food. ...
- Ice. ...
- TV and Other Screens.
How often should you do acupuncture?
For instance, we often suggest getting acupuncture treatment two or three times a week for the first few weeks . After that initial series of acupuncture treatments, you might only need a “tune-up” treatment session once a week or every couple of weeks to maintain your health.
How can you tell if acupuncture is working?
- Your pain will change. The key word here is change: change in location, severity, or intensity. ...
- Your sleep could improve (or change) ...
- Your mood will improve. ...
- You’ll be more aware of your body. ...
- You’ll have more energy.
What happens if acupuncture 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.
What happens to your body after acupuncture?
Body parts where acupuncture needles get inserted can feel sore after needles are removed . Soreness from acupuncture typically dissipates within 24 hours. Although less common than soreness, bruising can occur at the needling site. These bruises usually don’t hurt and last a few days after the treatment.
What happens if acupuncture goes wrong?
If acupuncture is done wrong, and even if it is done right sometimes, there can be acupuncture side effects. This is generally a very safe form of therapy, but it can result in side effects such as: Pain caused by the needles being pushed through the skin .
How long should acupuncture needles be left in?
In most cases, the needles remain in place for 10 to 20 minutes while you lie still and relax. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.
How far do acupuncture needles go in?
How deep do the needles go? The needle depth varies depending on location and what is being treated. Generally the needles are inserted approximately 1⁄4- to 1⁄2-inch deep .
What is a healing crisis in acupuncture?
A healing crisis is a temporary worsening of symptoms that happens after you begin a new CAM treatment . It typically lasts only a few days, although in some cases it may go on for weeks or months. A variety of CAM therapies have been associated with a healing crisis, including detoxing, homeopathy, and acupuncture.
