The Risks of Acupuncture

The Risks of Acupuncture

High Risk or Low Risk?

Acupuncture is generally considered a low-risk treatment. Numerous studies support this assertion, showing that serious adverse effects are rare. For instance, a comprehensive review published in the British Medical Journal in 2014 found that the risk of serious adverse events from acupuncture is about 1.3 per 10,000 treatments, which is very low compared to many other medical procedures.

Common Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions to acupuncture include:

1. Bruising and Bleeding: Minor bleeding or bruising at the needle insertion sites is common. This is typically due to the needle puncturing a small capillary. Such bruises and bleeding are usually minor and resolve within 7-10 days.
2. Pain and Numbness: Some patients might experience temporary pain, numbness, or discomfort after the treatment. These sensations are usually mild and transient.
3. Other Discomforts: Other post-treatment discomforts might include feelings of soreness or a slight increase in the symptoms being treated, which usually subside shortly.

Extremely Rare Risks

While acupuncture is generally safe, there are some very rare risks, often resulting from improper technique or unexpected anatomical variations:

1. Pneumothorax: This can occur if a needle punctures the lung, which is extremely rare and usually a result of improper technique.
2. Organ Puncture: Puncturing internal organs like the liver or spleen is also very rare and typically due to excessively deep needling.
3. Spinal Cord Injury: Inserting needles too deeply near the spine could potentially cause injury, although this is extremely uncommon.

These rare risks are often associated with poor practice, such as needling too deeply or using inappropriate techniques.

Methods to Reduce Acupuncture Risks

In clinical practice, several methods are employed to minimize the already low risks associated with acupuncture:

1. Using Classic Acupuncture Techniques in Ling Shu: Primarily targeting limb acupoints, which are generally safer and less prone to serious complications.
2. Shorter Needles: Using needles that are 1-1.5 inches long to avoid deep insertion, which significantly reduces the risk of hitting vital organs or causing other severe injuries.
3. Superficial Needling Near Risky Areas: In areas close to vital organs or other sensitive structures, superficial needling is used to minimize the risk of complications.

By adhering to these methods, acupuncturists can ensure that the risks of acupuncture, which are already minimal, are reduced to the lowest possible level.