“What are the negative side effects of acupuncture?”
I want to get acupuncture treatment for my migraines. What are the negative side effects of acupuncture?
27 Answers
Hm, I can't think of any negative side effects of acupuncture.
If you do the acupuncture treatment at the same time, you also take a pain pill.
The most common side effect of acupuncture tends to be slight redness at the needle site that usually subsides within an hour or so, depending on your skin's sensitivity. Some patients may feel slightly light-headed immediately after the session due to laying down for an extended amount of time and accessing your resting/relaxation phase, which also subsides once you sit up and get your bearings. We recommend drinking plenty of water and having a snack before your appointment. Migraine symptoms can become increased if you come in with one, so some practitioners may recommend coming in when you do not have a migraine.
There are no side-effects to acupuncture, if performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist. L.Ac's has a 4 years Masters Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, which ensures that your Migraine will be diagnosed in terms of the Traditional Chinese Philosophy. Energy Pattern Differentiation will guide the L.Ac to the Cause of the Migraine, your treatment plan will be discussed
Small bruises are the only "side-effects" of acupuncture.
Some points feel pain. If hungry, please don't do acupuncture.
Negative side effects of acupuncture are usually in relation to the practitioner; he/she may accidentally stimulate the points too strongly or not enough to which the patient will most likely wince in pain. Or the practitioner may have misdiagnosed what could be the cause of the migraine headaches and focus on a different treatment method that may aggravate the condition or just make other symptoms except the headache better. Acupuncture has many side effects, usually they are beneficial and improve the associated symptoms of the patient's chief complaint.
Live Happy,
Michael
Live Happy,
Michael
When done by a certified/licensed acupuncturist or Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, the side effects that may happen are minor. The very thin needles can have a transient discomfort when they go in, there may be a drop of blood (much less than a diabetic gets when doing the finger prick blood sugar evaluation), possibly a small bruise and very rarely nausea, that usually doesn't last more than a few hours. Be sure you are hydrated and have had food a few hours before your appointment. The practitioner should help you feel comfortable and relaxed before beginning the treatment. Acupuncture has fewer side effects than most medications you might take for migraines.
Acupuncture does not have negative side effects.
The side effect of acupuncture is really rare. I have never seen any kind of side effect since I became a acupuncturist. A long time ago (more than 100 yrs ago), it very rarely happened because acupuncturists used very thick needle and reused it at that time. But nowadays all acupuncturist use new needles every time that are very thin and small. Migraines would be treated well with acupuncture, so do not hesitate to go acupuncture clinic.
There are very few negative side effects of acupuncture. One could be temporary sleepiness, another could be needing to urinate after a treatment. Lowering of blood pressure temporarily and feeling faint is common and can be handled by getting up slowly from the treatment table. Treatment for migraines is usually very beneficial.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thank you for your question. Acupuncture generally does not have negative side effects. In a worst case situation, there is risk of needle shock, meaning feeling lightheaded and possibly fainting, bruising, or nausea. These events are rare, but could happen.
Good afternoon,
Acupuncture treatment does not have side effects by itself if you go to a licensed practitioner. The key point is you have to find a practitioner to make a right diagnosis, just like any form of medicine.
David
Acupuncture treatment does not have side effects by itself if you go to a licensed practitioner. The key point is you have to find a practitioner to make a right diagnosis, just like any form of medicine.
David
Occasionally, I have heard of patients having rebound headaches after the migraine has gone away. It is important to understand that acupuncture, or any type of medicine, is not a cure-all or a one time fix. Oftentimes, many treatments over the course of several months is what is needed to eradicate, or at least lessen, migraines. Depending upon how severe your case is and how long you have had them, it may take more than that. Have you isolated the exact cause of the headaches? Have you seen a specialist? Could you be exposed to chemicals in your home or work? If it's a vascular issue, you may need an MRI to rule out anything more serious. If it's a hormonal issue, you may need to get on the pill (assuming you are female!!!). If it's a dietary issue, than you will need to see a dietician. Once you have ruled out all of these things, then you will need to take a look at lifestyle habits. Caffeine or excessive sugar use, eating late at night, possible having a gluten sensitivity, not getting enough or quality sleep may be to blame. Acupuncture only works when the patient is willing to take suggestions from his or her practitioner as well as getting treatment on a regular basis and giving it an honest effort of at least 6-8 treatments. Good luck and feel better!!!
Technically, there are no "negative side effects" produced by proper application of acupuncture. Acupuncture treatment administered by a credentialed professional (4 year post graduate Masters Degree in Oriental/Chinese or Traditional Chinese Medicine) will not cause the body to malfunction, which is the definition of negative side effect. This does not hold true for "dry-needling" however, which is a term used by uncredentialled persons placing needles only in area of pain without any knowledge of the Chinese medicine concepts underneath the needles. ie: Meridians, qi, yin/yang energetics, and much more.
Acupuncture, especially the very first treatment, may cause a healing crisis in client and symptoms may increase for a few hours. This is natural healing and is not a "negative side effect". The increased symptoms dissipate quickly after rest and usually do not recur with subsequent acupuncture treatments.
One may experience a small bruise at needle insertion site after removal of needle, that is neither painful or damaging. Also, a drop or two of blood may escape at certain needle sites after removal. This is expected and actually encouraged to allow old blood to move and new blood to be formed.
I urge you to seek an acupuncturist who is trained in Dr. Richard TehFu Tan's Balance Method Acupuncture and enjoy instantaneous results within the first treatment. Moreover, not one needle will be placed in the area of pain to achieve this immediate result. Even the worst HA does not stand a chance with Balance Method Acupuncture techniques applied by an experienced acupuncturist.
Hope this helps, Mari
Acupuncture, especially the very first treatment, may cause a healing crisis in client and symptoms may increase for a few hours. This is natural healing and is not a "negative side effect". The increased symptoms dissipate quickly after rest and usually do not recur with subsequent acupuncture treatments.
One may experience a small bruise at needle insertion site after removal of needle, that is neither painful or damaging. Also, a drop or two of blood may escape at certain needle sites after removal. This is expected and actually encouraged to allow old blood to move and new blood to be formed.
I urge you to seek an acupuncturist who is trained in Dr. Richard TehFu Tan's Balance Method Acupuncture and enjoy instantaneous results within the first treatment. Moreover, not one needle will be placed in the area of pain to achieve this immediate result. Even the worst HA does not stand a chance with Balance Method Acupuncture techniques applied by an experienced acupuncturist.
Hope this helps, Mari
You will feel better. Just make sure you due diligence on the physician you choose.
Every individual responds differently. You may feel worse before you get better. You may instantly get relief after the first treatment. Just depends.
Since acupuncture works to regulate hormones in the body (if they are high, it reduces them; if they are low, it increases them), there really are no negative side effects of the treatment. That said, physically there may be some bruising or lightheadedness after treatment. Be sure to eat beforehand for this reason.
Acupuncture is only dangerous when it is done by someone who had not been fully trained. The side effects of acupuncture are so rare that malpractice insurance for us is in the hundreds of dollars annually, not thousands of dollars, like it would for MD"s or other medical practitioners.
Most people who receive acupuncture feel better right away, almost all people who get acupuncture feel a stronger sense of wellbeing and relaxation. The most common 'negative' side effects are small droplets of blood released, minor bruising, minor aches where the needle was, dizziness (usually because patient didn't eat first or was very anxious about treatment), etc. Serious side effects like pneumothorax, again, are so rare and only happen with extreme negligence on the side of the practitioner or from untrained practitioners or a completely unexpected accident.
You seriously have more to worry about when taking medications than you ever would with a qualified Licensed Acupuncturist.
Your practitioner can discuss this more thoroughly, so find a Licensed Acupuncturist in your area (L.Ac.) and they will be happy to talk with you more about this.
Most people who receive acupuncture feel better right away, almost all people who get acupuncture feel a stronger sense of wellbeing and relaxation. The most common 'negative' side effects are small droplets of blood released, minor bruising, minor aches where the needle was, dizziness (usually because patient didn't eat first or was very anxious about treatment), etc. Serious side effects like pneumothorax, again, are so rare and only happen with extreme negligence on the side of the practitioner or from untrained practitioners or a completely unexpected accident.
You seriously have more to worry about when taking medications than you ever would with a qualified Licensed Acupuncturist.
Your practitioner can discuss this more thoroughly, so find a Licensed Acupuncturist in your area (L.Ac.) and they will be happy to talk with you more about this.
Most common negative side effects of acupuncture are minor bruising, soreness or aching in the areas where the needles were placed, dizziness or lightheadedness, and fatigue after treatments.
I know none. Maybe bruising, if any.
it depends on what the acupuncturist finds. If you find a good doctor, it won't have any negative side effects.
Acupuncture, when performed by a licensed acupuncturist, is generally very safe. Like any medical procedure though, there are some risks:
1. There is sometimes bruising or itching at the needle site. Light bruising or swelling typically resolves in a day or two. Itching goes away in a couple of hours.
2. Rarely there may be heavier bleeding or pain at the needle site. You should inform your acupuncturist of any needle that remains painful after the initial insertion so they can either remove or reposition the needle.
3. Very rarely, there is risk of organ puncture. The lungs are the most susceptible to this kind of damage. Licensed acupuncturists who graduated from the various schools of Chinese medicine are well trained in avoiding this particular issue.
4. Very rarely there may be longer lasting pain around the needle site. This pain may last a week or two. Again, feedback is important. Tell your provider about any unusual sensations so they can adjust the treatment if necessary.
5. Very, very rarely, there is a risk of infection. I've only ever heard of this happening one time, in Canada, before we all started using single use disposable, factory sterilized needles.
I've been practicing acupuncture for quite a while and have inserted tens of thousands of needles. The single biggest issue my patients report is short term itching.
Your provider should explain all the risks and benefits to you as part of their intake. They should also explain all the potential sensations you might experience from the needles so that you can provide feedback during and after the treatment.
1. There is sometimes bruising or itching at the needle site. Light bruising or swelling typically resolves in a day or two. Itching goes away in a couple of hours.
2. Rarely there may be heavier bleeding or pain at the needle site. You should inform your acupuncturist of any needle that remains painful after the initial insertion so they can either remove or reposition the needle.
3. Very rarely, there is risk of organ puncture. The lungs are the most susceptible to this kind of damage. Licensed acupuncturists who graduated from the various schools of Chinese medicine are well trained in avoiding this particular issue.
4. Very rarely there may be longer lasting pain around the needle site. This pain may last a week or two. Again, feedback is important. Tell your provider about any unusual sensations so they can adjust the treatment if necessary.
5. Very, very rarely, there is a risk of infection. I've only ever heard of this happening one time, in Canada, before we all started using single use disposable, factory sterilized needles.
I've been practicing acupuncture for quite a while and have inserted tens of thousands of needles. The single biggest issue my patients report is short term itching.
Your provider should explain all the risks and benefits to you as part of their intake. They should also explain all the potential sensations you might experience from the needles so that you can provide feedback during and after the treatment.
The negative side effects of acupuncture are: fatigue, which is a warning sign that you need to rest; soreness, which typically dissipates within 24 hours; bruises, which usually last longer than soreness; muscle twitching; lightheadedness, which can come from acupuncture on an empty stomach; or crying, especially for people who tend to be more emotionally stoic.
The only negative side effect is light bruising, which is caused by hitting a blood vessel. Besides that no adverse side effects.
The negative side of Acupuncture? Well, maybe the needle prick. The rest is all taking care of the problem.
Be well, be confident, we can help.
Be well, be confident, we can help.
Really none! Sometimes people just get 1 shot for a permanent life cure. Whereas acupuncture may require a series of treatments to get results that are lasting.
