Acupuncture Side Effects

Acupuncture Side Effects and Risks

Acupuncture Side Effects and Risks:

Acupuncture has its own side effects and risks. When treatment is not done in a proper way it tents to lot of side effects. It is very effective only if it is done by technical experts. It is mainly used to improve the functions of various organs that are not effective. Complications are developed when the needles used are not sterilized. Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA, in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used. Still, complications have resulted from inadequate sterilization of needles and from improper delivery of treatments.

Practitioners should use a new set of disposable needles taken from a sealed package for each patient and should swab treatment sites with alcohol or another disinfectant before inserting needles. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections and punctured organs. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common wit  the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome the pain. In general, most people should see some benefit within one to four treatments. Often there will be an aggravation or worsening of symptoms after the first or second treatment, which should cause alarm. This quickly gives way to improvement as the treatments continue. At first, the benefits may only be short-lived, but quickly become sustained.  All modern acupuncture needles are disposable to prevent transmission of HIV. In experienced hands, complications from needling are rare and never serious. If you are pregnant, acupuncture can still be used, although caution will be exercised with the use of certain points. Laser acupuncture has no unwanted side effects. It may not be safe to perform acupuncture if a person is on blood thinners or having a bleeding disorder.

Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with one or more conventional medical treatments or can be successfully used as a stand alone treatment for some conditions. Many preliminary studies indicate that acupuncture may provide symptomatic relief in many conditions like migraines, lower backaches, headaches, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. Acupuncture may also offer relief for certain postoperative pains including dental pain, chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, tennis elbow and chronic menstrual cramps. It is important to understand that acupuncture can only improve function; but it cannot effect structural changes. For example, it can reduce the pain and stiffness associated with a pinched sciatic nerve, but it cannot replace or repair the damaged intervertebral disk.