Acupuncture Side Effect: Choosing your Acupuncturist Carefully
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments in traditional Chinese medicine. There are many acupuncturists today who provide these services as well. However, those new to this type of treatment may be concerned about a potential acupuncture side effect that might occur during or after treatment. The key to avoiding risks is to choose an acupuncturist who practices safe acupuncture procedures and is well experienced in the science. This article will list possibilities of an acupuncture side effect, and provide tips on choosing an acupuncturist to minimize risks to the procedure.
During the Procedure
The one acupuncture side effect that many patients worry about during the procedure is pain. After all, one look at the many needles used during an acupuncture session can send many patients into an anxiety attack. However, the risk of this acupuncture side effect is relatively small, especially if you use an experienced acupuncturist. The needles used are extremely fine and the most you might feel is a brief stinging sensation as the needles are inserted. Some also experience a dull ache as the needles reach their destination, but few complain of discomfort that is more than they can handle.
Another possible acupuncture side effect that might be more of a concern is infection from dirty needles. It is important to ask the acupuncturist what type of needles he uses for his procedures and choose one that uses disposable needles to reduce this potential acupuncture side effect. It is also important to visit the office of the acupuncturist before the first treatment to ensure the office and treatment rooms are kept clean and tools used are sterilized for each patient.
After the Procedure
One acupuncture side effect that many acupuncturists see is a worsening of symptoms directly after the treatment. Some patients might also experience changes to appetite or sleep patterns for a few days. This is actually an indication that the acupuncture treatments are working and that the energy, or chi, is flowing freely through the body once again. Within a short period of time, this acupuncture side effect should wane and the patient should see the positive benefits of the treatment.
When an inexperienced acupuncturist is performing the procedure, the risk of an acupuncture side effect is more pronounced. In rare cases, a patient might experience bruising, bleeding, nerve damage or muscle spasms. A few patients have fainted during the treatment, but these problems often clear on their own rather quickly without the need for additional attention. In very rare cases, an acupuncturist can puncture a lung or cause damage to other organs in the body. To avoid a serious acupuncture side effect like this, it is important to choose an acupuncturist who has been practicing for some time, or a new acupuncturist who is working under the watchful eye of a teacher or mentor.
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