Curious about acupuncture? Discover if it’s safe, its effectiveness, and potential risks. Learn how this ancient practice might help with pain, anxiety, and more. Ensure safety by choosing a licensed, board-certified practitioner.
Acupuncture is analternative medicinepractice that involves stimulatingtrigger pointsunder the surface of your skin with super-thinneedles. It might sound hokey or even sketchy, but it’s a longstanding effective treatment for certain health issues.
Generally, acupuncture is considered safe for most people as long as a well-trained, licensed, and board certified practitioner is administering it. But, like any other treatment, acupuncture isn’t without risks.
Here’s what to know if you’re mildly curious about thisneedle treatmentand the facts on acupuncture safety.
First, is acupuncture even effective?
Actually, yes.Research has shownthat pokingspecific trigger pointswith ultrathin needles reallycanhelp relievepain.
Whether acupuncture works foryouwill depend on what you want out of it.
Folks who stan thisalternative treatmenthave claimed that it helps with everything frompsoriasisandeczematoweight loss. But scientific evidence is slim for its effectiveness against anything other than chronic pain.
While many studies are small or dated, research suggests that acupuncturemightalso help with:
Bottom line: Research suggests that acupuncture works for pain management. We need more studies to understand its full potential.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is consideredgenerally safefor most folks (more on that later).
Of course, you don’t want just anyone jabbing you. Check theNational Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicineto find a local licensed, board certified practitioner.
Risks of amateuracupuncturetreatment include:
It’s super, super rare, but deep shoulder or upper backacupuncturecomes with a risk oflung collapse. Get help ASAP if you experience any of these symptoms during or after a session:
Again, side effects are rare, but it’s important to be aware of the risks.
Other acupuncture risks
Some folks should just steer clear of acupuncture. In some cases it’s because of known complications, while in other cases there isn’t enough research to know how acupuncture might affect an underlying health condition.
These folksshould consult a healthcare pro before even considering acupuncture:
Acupuncture duringpregnancyis also considered safe if performed by a licensed and board certified practitioner. But chatting with your primary healthcare professional can help you decide whether acupuncture is right for you.
Is acupuncture painful?
We get it — someone sliding needles into your skin sounds downright torturous. But even though acupuncture includes, ya know,puncture, it shouldn’t hurt. These needles are far thinner than the ones used for a standard blood draw.
Of course, a lack of searing pain doesn’t mean it’s bliss.Sensationscould include:
The degree of pain you may experience depends on:
Remember,researchsuggests that acupuncture can helprelievepain, not cause it. If you experience sudden or intense pain during a session, tell your practitioner ASAP.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture has been part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. TCM practitioners believe that there are more than2,000 trigger pointsin the body that channel the energy flow (Qi) vital to good health.
TCM offers a different perspective than conventional Western medicine, obviously. But that doesn’t mean you can’t see a highly trained, certified professional when you try acupuncture.
During your session, you’ll lie on a bed or table similar to a massage table. Your acupuncturist will discuss your symptoms and treatment goals before inserting several sterile, hair-thin needles into various points on your body. Expect the needles to reach 1 to 2 inches deep.
Once the needles are in, your practitionermight stimulate themwith heat or electricity. You’ll need to stay still forup to 30 minuteswith the needles intact. Practitioners say this is when your nervous system lights up and your Qi flows and regulates itself.
While you wait, blood flow increases around the needles — this reducesinflammationand swelling. Your brain also releases more serotonin, dopamine, andendorphins, which can lead to relaxation, stress relief, and pain reduction.
Once your time is up, your acupuncturist will gently pull out the needles and discard them.
Keep in mind that acupuncture isn’t a one-and-done deal. Most folks attend several weekly or twice-weekly sessions before they experience any changes.
