Side effects of acupuncture

Information on Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an alternative healing method and it utilizesinsertion of fine needles into specific points in the human body called triggerpoints. It is a part of the traditional Chinese medicine and it has beenpracticed for numerous centuries. Acupuncture is mainly used for the treatmentof painful sensations but it can also be used for the treatment of variousother medical conditions. Sometimes it can also be associated with certain sideeffects which usually result in discomfort.

Negative Effects of Acupuncture

Tenderness, warmth and tingling sensations are a commonthing during the process of acupuncture. Sometimes mild bleeding or bruisingmay occur when a needle penetrates through the minute blood capillaries.Sometimes a person may experience sudden drops of blood pressure levels duringthe actual treatment.

There are also rare cases of stainless steel allergicreactions triggered by the needles. Electric stimulators which are alsosometimes used can lead to damaged nerves. Acupuncture sometimes also utilizescertain herbs which may trigger allergic reactions and intolerances tocaffeine. Moxibustion is a technique which is also often used in theacupuncture treatment and it mat sometimes cause burns on the skin.

Guasha andcupping may lead to blood drawing near the surface of the skin which ultimatelyleads to bruising. Pressure applied on the nerves may sometimes lead toinflammatory conditions and sometime even perforation of internal organs.

Side Effects of Acupuncture

Sometimes the treatment may trigger various different typesof bacterial infections because the needles pierces the skin and enters thebloodstream. The needles need to be sterilized in order to avoid contaminationand infections. Insertion of a needle can be associated with nerve damage aswell. A needle may damage the internal organs which can lead to numerousserious complications.

Lungs, kidneys and the heart can be severely damaged ifpunctured. An improper insertion of a needle at the base of the skull may evenresult in a stroke. Redness, bruising and bleeding may occur after the removalof the needs. There have also been cases of dizziness, nausea, sweating,fainting and a loss of consciousness.

The practitioner of acupuncture must becareful because organ punctures may be life threatening in some cases. She orhe should avoid blood vessels because it may lead to bleeding. Pregnant womenshould steer clear of acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture should only be practicedby highly professional, trained individual so as to avoid any side effects.