“Should I stop taking blood thinners?”
I want to know should I stop taking blood thinners? I'm going for acupuncture.
Male | 76 years old
22 Answers
You do not need to stop taking your blood thinners to have acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture can also help your chi and blood so you eventually can stop taking blood thinners.
No you do not have to stop taking blood thinners in order to receive acupuncture, but you should make the acupuncturist aware that you are on blood thinners before hand.
No
This is a complex issue and you need to talk to a practitioner over the phone or in person. Also, acupuncturists are not legally allowed to give medical advice about drugs.
No
Mr. Anthony James Lorenzo
Acupuncturist
You should never stop taking prescribed medicines without consulting with the doctor that prescribed those medicines. Giving you advice on medications is outside my scope of practice. What I can tell you is that Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) is blood thinning and good for you... but not unless your doctor says so.
It is very important that you talk to your prescribing doctor before stopping blood thinners. Acupuncture can be very beneficial to your overall cardiovascular system; however it is important your doctor and your acupuncturist work together regarding adjusting medications. It is not safe to just stop taking blood thinners.
I would never advise to get on or get off of any medication. I am not a licensed physician. Please check with your doctor regarding this.
But just so you know, acupuncture needles are very thin and can be inserted very shallowly. Most patients have no bleeding upon removal at all. But if you are concerned, you can get acupressure, magnets, cupping, gua sha, among other types of treatment that do not require puncturing the skin. But always consult your doctor before adjusting or stopping any medication. Good luck.
But just so you know, acupuncture needles are very thin and can be inserted very shallowly. Most patients have no bleeding upon removal at all. But if you are concerned, you can get acupressure, magnets, cupping, gua sha, among other types of treatment that do not require puncturing the skin. But always consult your doctor before adjusting or stopping any medication. Good luck.
Lejla Fazlicic
Acupuncturist
There is no reason for stopping any medication for acupuncture treatments.
Dr. Leila
Dr. Leila
Never stop taking blood thinners or any medication unless you are instructed to do so by the prescribing position. As far as acupuncture, you can get acupuncture if you are on blood thinners. do not stop taking your medication just to get acupuncture. The acupuncture will not make you bleed excessively.
No, not necessary.
Absolutely not. It may mean you bruise slightly easier than others, but I personally have many patients on blood thinners and in all my years of practice not one has had an issue
It’s best to consult your primary care physician about that. If you’re concerned with acupuncture treatments and blood thinners, check the aforementioned and check with your acupuncturist. The concern would be bleeding too easily from the acupuncture; I have/had patients with the same issue but I was able to treat them fine even if there was a bleed, usually not. Definitely let the acupuncturist know so the physician will be prepared.
Live Happy,
Michael
Live Happy,
Michael
No, you should not stop taking your medication. It is convenient to let me know that you are taking blood thinners. The most common side effect of having acupuncture when taking blood thinners is bruising. Minor bruises could appear around the site of needle insertion that should disappear in 2 or 3 days.
No, you should not stop your blood thinners. As long as you aren't having any bleeding issues, it shouldn't be an issue for acupuncture. You'll just be more likely to bruise a bit from it. Enjoy your treatment!
No
Nope. You will not bleed during acupuncture.
No, there is no need to stop taking your blood thinners while getting acupuncture. Most of the time, it will not cause you to bleed at all. I strongly recommend that you don't stop taking the blood thinners.
Glad to hear you're trying acupuncture! Great decision! You may feel ready to consider changing or going off your prescription medications, but do not just stop, please go to your prescribing physicians and ask for their recommendation and do so only under their direction.
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
You shouldn't change anything about prescription medication without talking to your doctor or the person who prescribed that medication in the first place. It's important for your acupuncturist to know that you are taking blood thinners, but taking blood thinners doesn't necessarily mean you cannot get acupuncture. I treat folks who are taking blood thinning medication all the time. For the most part, it's not an issue. You might be a little more prone to bruising, but as along as you're seeing a board certified and state licensed acupuncturist, you should be fine.
Blood thinners often are prescribed for treatment of blood clots or risk for developing blood clots due to irregular heart rhythm. Typically, for more surgical type of procedures, blood thinners may be stopped prior and resumed soon after. For procedures like acupuncture, you may get some pinpoint bruising, but not at risk for any severe bleeding complications, but always safe to ask your treating acupuncturist what they would recommend.
Hope my comments are helpful.
Dr. T/Guardiant Health
Hope my comments are helpful.
Dr. T/Guardiant Health
No, I don't think so. While you have acupuncture, you still can take blood thinners.
