Acupuncture - Common, minor adverse events

Frequent, Minor Adverse Reactions

An extensive survey conducted by Ernst et al. encompassing over 400 patients who received more than 3500 sessions of acupuncture treatments highlighted the most common minor adverse effects experienced during acupuncture sessions:[11]

• Minor bleeding following needle removal, affecting approximately 3% of patients. (Applying gentle pressure with a cotton ball for about one minute at the puncture site typically stops the bleeding.)
• Hematoma, visible as bruises, occurring in about 2% of patients. These bruises usually resolve within a few days.
• Dizziness, experienced by around 1% of patients. Some individuals harbor a conscious or subconscious fear of needles, which can induce dizziness and other symptoms related to anxiety. Patients are often positioned lying down to reduce the likelihood of fainting.

The survey's conclusion stated: "Acupuncture has its share of adverse effects, as is common with any therapeutic approach. When executed in accordance with established safety guidelines, particularly in suitable anatomical areas, it stands as a safe therapeutic method."

Other Potential Complications

Additional risks associated with acupuncture needle insertion encompass:

• Nerve injury, resulting from inadvertent nerve puncture.
• Brain damage or stroke, which can occur with deep needling near the base of the skull.
• Pneumothorax, a condition stemming from deep lung needling.
• Kidney injury due to deep needling in the lower back.
• Haemopericardium, or perforation of the protective membrane around the heart, which may transpire when needling over a sternal foramen (a hole in the breastbone resulting from a congenital defect).
• Potential risk of terminating pregnancy through specific acupuncture points known to stimulate the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and oxytocin.
• It is important to note that the likelihood of these complications is exceedingly low, and the risk can be further mitigated through the rigorous training of acupuncturists. Graduates of medical schools and accredited acupuncture programs in the United States, for instance, receive comprehensive instruction to prevent such occurrences. (Reference: Cheng, 1987)

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