Are There Any Serious Side Effects?

As in any procedure, there are risks involved. However, there should be no serious side effects to acupuncture treatment with careful needling technique and the use of disposable needles. Minor side effects include the following:

• Local skin irritation and superficial bruising are occasionally experienced, but considerably less often than when conventional hypodermic needles are used.
• Certain people can faint even at the sight of a needle, let alone following needle injection. If a patient has experienced prior fainting, acupuncture is performed in a reclining position which prevents such a "faint reflex" from occuring. In this position, the patient who is susceptible to fainting can tolerate needle injection.
• Certain patients experience extreme relaxation following acupuncture treatment which may result in a several hour period of drowsiness. It is recommended that patients be accompanied on the first trip to the office for acupuncture treatment by someone who can drive the patient home.
• Occasionally, a patient may find a temporary worsening of pain, lasting 24 to 48 hours, following initial improvement at the time of treatment. This event should not cause undue alarm other than the discomfort associated with it. It will always pass, followed by an improvement in the condition.
• Changes of mood are also occasionally noted by patients following acupuncture treatment. These may include a temporary giddiness or emotional depression. Changes of mood are rare, and again, always of a temporary nature.

All of the mentioned side effects require no specific treatment other than supportive measures for the comfort of the patient during the short duration of their occurence. Most of these responses indicate that the tratment is working and should be brought tothe attention of the doctor on the next visit.

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