Ep. 24: Is acupuncture safe? Exploring the risks and side effects

In recent weeks a news story has been making the rounds about a woman who suffered a double pneumothorax as a result of an acupuncture treatment. A pneumothorax is just a fancy way of saying a collapsed lung, and although it’s exceeding rare for acupuncture to cause one, it is a possible adverse event. So I thought this would be a good opportunity to talk about the risks, side effects, and safety record of acupuncture.

Acupuncture is safe. Really, really safe. But like all forms of medicine, it is not entirely risk-free. So let’s talk about what those risks are, and how worried you should be about them.

Episode highlights include:

1. Potentially serious, yet extremely rare adverse events that may occur as a result of acupuncture, including pneumothorax, infection, damage to peripheral nerves and blood vessels, and organ damage. Learn about the many safeguards built in to the practice of acupuncture to minimize these risks, including training, testing, licensing, and the universal use of single-use, disposable needles.

2. Less serious, slightly more frequent, but still pretty rare potential side effects, including bleeding, bruising, pain at the needle site, temporary worsening of symptoms, lightheadedness, and fainting. Learn why some of these shouldn’t even be considered side effects, and are more likely signs of a positive therapeutic response.

3. A little perspective: the potential risks and side effects from acupuncture pale in comparison to other forms of medical care. It truly is one of the safest forms of medicine.

4. Not only is acupuncture extremely low-risk, it often produces bonus side benefits such as better sleep, more energy, and a calmer, more relaxed mood.

While no form of medicine is completely risk-free, acupuncture comes pretty close. It’s safe, it’s effective, and it might even surprise you with a few happy side benefits. So, now you know the risks…time to go get some acupuncture.

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References:

Unlicensed Acupuncturist Is Charged After a Patient’s Lungs Collapse

Adverse Events of Acupuncture: A Systematic Review of Case Reports

Iatrogenic Pneumothorax during Acupuncture: Case Report

Safety of Acupuncture: Results of a Prospective Observational Study with 229,230 Patients and Introduction of a Medical Information and Consent Form

A Multicenter Prospective Survey of Adverse Events Associated with Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Japan

Incidence of iatrogenic pneumothorax following acupuncture treatments in Taiwan