Acupuncture Risks: Any Risks or Side Effects?
Acupuncture is an art for of Chinese conventional medicine that has been utilized in China for thousands of years. It is also practiced in certain Western-based medical facilities, although the true positive conclusions are not yet carved in stone.
With any type of remedial methods, some risks, whether minimal or otherwise, would be involved. This article will disseminate some possible risks and side effects that may be caused by acupuncture treatments.
By comparison to other types of remedial treatments, acupuncture methods do not engage too many side effects or dangerous risks. Just like any other professional doctors, acupuncturists must employ disinfected needles for all their treatments. In rare cases, a few unpleasant reports have included some bleeding, hematoma, dizziness and other mild symptoms.
Acupuncture treatment methods rely absolutely on the skills and knowledge of the acupuncturist, and if handles by a professional, the patient will not suffer any dire side effects and is invigorated and relaxed after treatment sessions.
A few ordinary side effects garnered from acupuncture treatments received during or after acupuncture may include a constant feel of warmth, soreness and tickly when the sterile needles arrive at the trigger points. The needles inserted could also cause slight bruising and a little bleeding caused by piercing through small blood capillaries.
A drop in blood pressure is also a possible side effect or also fatigue. In very rare cases, some patients might even get fainting spells from post treatment. Some patients may also develop an adverse reaction to stainless steel needles, but this does not occur often.
If the acupuncturist uses needles which are not sterile, patients may develop infections. An unskilled acupuncturist may risk perforating vital organs if the needles are not placed in properly.
A fairly new method of acupuncture utilizes PENS and TENS method treatment modalities which uses electrical currents at several intensities on trigger points, and patients would experience slight tingling feelings or ‘goose bumps’. Electricity frequency used at uneven voltages can also result in nerve damage, so it is important to seek treatment from a professional.
Acupuncture incorporates the use of several traditional herbs, and some of these herbs could lead to insomnia due to the caffeine proportions. Patients may also get allergic reactions as they may not be able to endure certain types of herbs. Typically, in the ‘moxibustion’ treatment, herbs are scorched near the skin, and if placed too close, there might be burn injuries.
Acupuncture treatments comprise many methods, and some may just not be suitable for everyone. One famous treatment, which is the ‘gusha’, involves cupping, where blood is attracted closer to the skin and could result in skin discoloration. Too much pressure applied could also cause the nerves to inflame.
These are just a few examples of acupuncture side effects and may not happen to all patients. The important thing is to seek out professional acupuncturists who have credentials and proven track records.
|
