Acupuncture, a product of ancient Chinese wisdom, is an alternative medicinal methodology of healing. This medical technique has a reputation of being safe but cases of both temporary and long term complications have also been reported. In order to avoid any discomfort from acupuncture sessions, awareness regarding its side effects is essential. So, have a look at 9 such after effects of acupuncture sessions which may make you suffer.
Infection
The danger of infection is always in waiting during acupuncture sessions based on needle insertion technique. Since the needle pierces the skin, there is probability of entrance of bacteria which may infect the puncture site or drift anywhere in the body. Use of unsterilized needles may also lead to exposure of the body to threats of AIDS/HIV as well as hepatitis, encephalopathy and other deadly disorders. But these potential risks of infection can be reduced by careful sterilization process of the needles which are to be employed for acupuncture sessions.
Capillary damage
Cases of minor bleeding are common during acupuncture sessions but sometimes serious damage to capillaries has been reported. It is also followed by formation of small bump (haematoma) during withdrawal of needle from the puncture site. A prior information of such an outcome must be given to the patients as regular takers of anticoagulant medicines are more prone to such incidents. Such cases can be prevented by avoiding deep needle insertions during acupuncture sessions. It is not a very serious issue and the patients can continue with acupuncture after taking precautionary steps.
Injury to central nervous system
Cases of injuries to spinal cord and spinal roots as a result of acupuncture have also been reported. Such damages are mostly caused by deep migration of needle fragments. Moreover, there have been several incidents of arachnoiditis or subarachnoid hemorrhage due to acupuncture. It discloses the vulnerability of many peripheral nerves and their proximity to acupuncture points. Though these cases are very rare but it can be avoided by putting needles in ‘up to the hilt’ position since it is at this point that fracture is most likely to occur. If any patient experiences such symptoms, they must discontinue acupuncture treatment, as their body demands urgent monitoring in such cases for avoiding further consequences.
Lesions of abdominal viscera
A few cases of lesions in abdominal viscera as a consequence of acupuncture have also been traced. These lesions are developed due to the entrance of a part of needle inside the body which is unlikely but not unheard of. It can damage any part of the body as occasional cases with lesions of the urinary bladder and the intestine have also been reported. Such incidents can be erased by avoiding the use of faulty needles such as those which are used by straightening out a twisted one.
Pneumothorax complications
Pneumothorax is the most reported injury brought on by acupuncture sessions. It refers to the state of a collapsed lung which cannot expand. This chiefly occurs when the needles are placed parasternally or supraclavicularly (for instance, to treat lung disorders). This potential serious effect can be avoided by a clear understanding of the dangerous points and actual position of the organs and the thickness of the soft tissues covering them. It can also enable the experts in deciding actual puncturing depth. Opting for experienced acupuncturists can save the patients from such aftermaths of acupuncture.
Abortion
Several incidents of abortion due to acupuncture have been a part of news. This is due to the fact that strong uterine contractions and expulsion of the foetus can result out of strong needling of certain points in the body. That’s why the technique of acupuncture is sometimes employed in inducing both births and abortions. So, it is advisable to keep a woman away from acupuncture sessions during early pregnancy.
Nausea and vomiting
A sensation of unease and discomfort in the upper head and stomach caused by acupuncture is frequently reported. These side effects happen in approximately 10% of the cases and usually are seen after the first visit only. This complication largely originates due to the acupuncture of certain points on the face and ears that have powerful effects on the autonomic nervous system. These cases of over stimulation are temporary effects and can be kept at bay if the patients lie down while they are needled. Patients need not stop acupuncture treatment in such cases as these symptoms subside after repeated exposure due to adaptation by the body. It should also be noted that these negative effects are not experienced by every patient as acupuncture itself is known to provide relief in cases of nausea and vomiting.
Drop in blood pressure
Drop in blood pressure levels or low blood pressure is one of the most common acupuncture side effects. These are mostly caused by electrical stimulation of various key trigger points. It may be followed by a tingling sensation and fatigue. The patients need not discontinue acupuncture sessions due to these after effects as they are temporary and part of early treatment in most of the cases.
Insomnia and burn injuries
Insomnia is a frequently reported problem by patients who are part of acupuncture sessions. It is mostly due to the caffeine content of the herbs used in acupuncture treatment. In some cases, a counter responsive allergic reaction can also lead to such symptoms. Cases of second degree burn injuries have also been reported (in moxibation) when herbs are held too close to the body. In such incidents epidermal tissues and dermis are damaged. It constitutes one of the fatal side effects of acupuncture treatments and the patient should immediately stop attending acupuncture sessions after such an experience.
From the above study, it is quite evident that acupuncture has some temporary and long term side effects. Estimates of adverse effects due to acupuncture range from 6.7 to 13 percent of all the treatments. Though they are rare and conditional but it should also be kept in mind that a jaded approach towards precautionary measures in acupuncture can pose serious threats to survival. It’s only awareness and carefulness which make acupuncture 100 percent safe.
