Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat various conditions. The practice of acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body called meridians. The needles alleviate pain and treat various health conditions by promoting the flow of oxygenated blood to an affected area, stimulating the body’s immune responses, and ensuring the balanced flow of Qi (life energy) throughout the body.
Originating in ancient China, acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of health conditions, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Muscle sprains
- Osteoarthritis
- Stress, depression, and anxiety
- Joint pain
- Migraines
- Allergies
- High blood pressure
- Morning sickness, menstrual cramps, and PMS
Acupuncture can also be used to complement and support other therapies, such as to relieve the pain caused by certain cancer treatments.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is generally considered safe and effective when performed by a qualified practitioner. The treatment is minimally invasive and doesn’t involve medications or anesthesia. However, like all medical procedures, there are risks associated with acupuncture treatments.
Minor complications can result from an acupuncture procedure. For example, some patients may experience soreness, bruising, or minor bleeding at the needle insertion sites. These symptoms usually begin to resolve themselves after a day or two.
Acupuncture can be risky for people with certain medical conditions. Patients with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications have an increased risk of bleeding and bruising. Since acupuncture can affect heart rate and blood pressure, special care should be taken for patients with certain cardiovascular conditions. Pregnant women should avoid acupuncture since certain acupuncture points can induce labor or affect the pregnancy.
There is the risk of injury during acupuncture, but these types of accidents are rare:
- Infections, if the needles are not sterile or the practitioner doesn’t follow proper hygiene protocols.
- Needles can break if not properly handled and even migrate into the body.
- If needles are inserted too deeply or incorrectly, there is a risk of puncturing internal organs, particularly the lungs (leading to a pneumothorax) or blood vessels.
- Nerve damage can be caused by improper needle damage.
- Patients may experience allergic reactions to the metal in a needle.
HOW CAN YOU MINIMIZE ACUPUNCTURE RISKS?
There are many ways we can minimize the risks of acupuncture. First, ensure that the acupuncture is performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner who follows stringent hygiene and safety protocols. The practitioner should follow proper needling techniques and have extensive knowledge about anatomical structures to avoid injuries. Procedures should be performed using single-use, sterile needles to prevent infections.
When consulting with the acupuncturist, be sure to disclose your full medical history to the practitioner, including any medications, conditions, or allergies. Follow any aftercare instructions to reduce the risk of complications.
WHERE TO FIND AN EXPERIENCED LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST IN ORANGE, CA
When you visit Orange, CA, acupuncture clinic Quality Acupuncture Inc., you can be assured of receiving safe, quality treatment from a licensed and experienced acupuncturist. Greg G. Maruki, L.Ac, MAOM, and his team have provided acupuncture and other effective pain management therapies to patients in the Orange County area for over ten years. Call us today to schedule a consultation with licensed Orange acupuncturist Greg G. Maruki.
