7 Possible Side Effects of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been known for centuries. They believe that this therapy improves bodily functions and supports the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific locations on the body called acupoints. However, these medications also have different possible side effects, ranging from mild to severe.
The following is a list of possible side effects of acupuncture:
1. Fatigue
Although acupuncture usually increases energy levels, people can feel tired after acupuncture. This is a warning sign that you need to rest. If this is the case, relax throughout the rest of the day like going to bed early. The combination of acupuncture and rest will make you feel good again.
2. Skin rash
The skin rash, redness, and itching due to acupuncture may be due to an entry of infection or may be associated with relatively benign contact dermatitis due to needle stimulation. If your rash doesn’t get better within a few days or if it gets worse, tell your dermatologist.
3. Pain
The part of the body where the needle pricks can be painful after the needle is removed, especially the palms of the hands and toes. The pain from acupuncture usually goes away within 24 hours. In rare cases, bruises can appear at the site of the needle puncture. However, don’t get confused as this isn’t something to worry about and is nothing more than an aesthetic inconvenience.
4. Muscle twitching
People may experience involuntary muscle twitching during or after acupuncture. If you feel that one of your muscles is experiencing an acute spasm, especially if it is a muscle that was recently pricked, notify your acupuncturist immediately.
5. Dizziness
Getting up quickly from the acupuncture table can cause dizziness. If your head feels light after treatment, sit in the acupuncturist’s waiting room for a few minutes and take a deep breath.
6. Emotional release
Sometimes people cry during treatment. Not because they are in pain, but because their emotions, which may have been held back during life, flow out. Emotional release is positive, but it can be surprising.
7. Organ injury
If the needle is inserted too deep, it can puncture internal organs — especially the lungs. This is simply a rare extraordinary experience from a practitioner.
Watch out, not everyone can undergo acupuncture!
Acupuncture is not suitable for everyone. The following health conditions can increase the risk of complications and side effects of acupuncture:
- Bleeding disorders. The likelihood of needle bleeding increases if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, so tell the acupuncture practitioner first.
- Using a pacemaker. Acupuncture includes applications of low-power electricity, therefore needles can interfere with the operation of the pacemaker.
- Is pregnant. Some types of acupuncture are thought to stimulate labor, which can lead to preterm birth.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Hello Health Group and Hello Sehat do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please check our editorial policy page for more detailed information.