Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of alternative medicine, notable for its claim to have fewer negative side effects than Western medicine. There are, however, a few things to be careful of when using acupuncture.
Dizziness
Once in a while acupuncture patients experience dizziness or nausea during the procedure. Because there are needles involved and possibly blood, these side effects may actually be queasiness caused by a psychological fear or loathing of being stuck with needles or of blood rather than any physiological reaction to the procedure.
Alcohol
Acupuncturists recommend you not receive acupuncture for at least an hour after consuming alcoholic beverages or if you have been using recreational drugs. This recommendation is based on anecdotal evidence and the experience of acupuncturists rather than from any specific scientific studies.
Pregnancy
There are some acupuncture points in the abdomen or lower back that should not be used if the patient is pregnant. You should warn the acupuncturist if you are pregnant so he can adjust the treatment strategy accordingly.
Physical Pain
Some patients experience a brief stinging sensation at the site of the puncture. Others feel a dull ache around the needle once it is inserted.
Side Effects of Healing
Some acupuncturists have observed a worsening of symptoms, changes in sleep patterns, digestion or elimination for a short time after treatment. Acupuncture therapists attribute these side effects to indications that treatment is beginning to work.
Practitioner Errors
When an acupuncturist makes a mistake and injures a patient, for instance, by pushing a needle into a vital organ, blood vessel or nerve center, serious complications and even permanent injury can occur. Failure to properly sterilize needles may result in the spread of infections. However, acupuncturists have a good safety record according to the National Institutes of Health.
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