What Are Some of the Normal Side Effects of Acupuncture?

What are Some of the Normal Side Effects of Acupuncture?

Does acupuncture treatment have side effects?

Acupuncture has been a trusted Eastern form of medicine for several centuries. During an acupuncture session, very thin needles puncture the skin at specific points to provide relief from a variety of physical, mental, and emotional issues.

We often get asked about the potential side effects of acupuncture. To address this concern, we’ve put together a quick rundown of the most common side effects, along with an explanation of what your acupuncturist will do to mitigate them.

Normal Side Effects of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an extremely safe form of physical therapy. The World Health Organization has recognized acupuncture therapy as being effective for a total of 47 medical conditions. This includes everything from pain and insomnia to infertility and obesity.

There are a few common side effects of acupuncture, none of which are too concerning for most patients.

Here’s a quick look at the side effects of acupuncture:

Muscle Twitching

Feeling your muscles twitch can be a very strange sensation. During an acupuncture session, many patients will experience involuntary muscle twitching and become a bit concerned. There’s nothing to worry about, though. If this happens to you, rest assured that this is nothing more than your body reacting to the acupuncture needles and is completely harmless.

Fatigue

Acupuncture is a very relaxing type of treatment. For some people, this level of relaxation can turn into a bit of exhaustion. In most cases, the feeling will go away after a few hours, though it may take up to a few days. Believe it or not, but this is actually a good sign because it means that your body is in need of rest, which the acupuncture is finally providing.

Soreness

When acupuncture needles are inserted into your skin, you likely won’t feel much of anything. That being said, after the session is over, you may experience a bit of soreness in the area where the needle was inserted. This is especially true of sensitive spots like your hands and feet. Soreness will typically dissipate within 24 hours, but may last for a few days.

Lightheadedness

Acupuncture will put you in a very calm and relaxed state. Although it’s not as common as others on this list, some clients experience a small amount of lightheadedness immediately following the treatment. We recommend that you eat before you arrive and slowly get up after the session has concluded. This should prevent most cases of dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea.

Bruising

One of the most common side effects of acupuncture is bruising around the site of the needle. The reason this happens is because blood collects at the spot where the needle has been inserted. People bruise more often after an acupuncture session if they suffer from skin sensitivity or certain health conditions. This will last longer than other issues, but it doesn’t pose any threat.

Emotional Release

This is a common side effect of acupuncture that many people don’t realize is possible and might not be ready for. Since acupuncture is a release of certain energy, this can sometimes initiate an emotional response. This may lead you to actually cry during your session, but that’s an indication that it’s working to heal you.

How Side Effects Are Prevented

Acupuncturists are licensed professionals who are very aware that some patients may experience some of the common side effects of acupuncture listed above. In order to help mitigate any problems, he or she will ask the patient how they’re feeling throughout the session. They’ll also advise the patient not to get up too quickly and address any concerns they have for post-acupuncture care.

Common Benefits of Acupuncture

As you can see, the common side effects of acupuncture are easy to deal with. More importantly, though, they don’t compare to the vast benefits that patients receive. This is broken down into three areas:

Physical — Acupuncture is often used to treat temporary or chronic pain, especially back pain. But it can also help with other physical ailments, such as obesity.
Mental — Our minds get clogged up and bogged down with various stresses. Acupuncture will provide clarity so that you can get through each day more easily.
Emotional — Most people keep things bottled up inside. For many, it can be overwhelming. The side effect of emotional release can be a very good thing.

To Learn More About Acupuncture, Contact East West Healing Solutions

East West Healing Solutions’ massage therapists and acupuncturists are top-notch and can do wonders for your physical, mental, and emotional health. If you have any questions about the side effects of acupuncture or would like to schedule an appointment, call our office at (727) 216-3972 today.

About the Author: Marie Perkins

Dr. Marie Perkins, OTR/L, LMT, DOM, Dipl. Ac. is one of the most recognized practitioners in Palm Harbor as a “non-pharmaceutical” pain specialist. She is the founder of East West Healing Solutions and is dedicated to helping patients enjoy optimum health. Born and raised in Quebec City Canada, Dr. Perkins received her Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy from University Laval in 1993. Her passion led her to leave everything behind and immigrated to Florida in 1995. She proceeded with acquiring her Massage Therapy license from Bahkti Academy in 1999 and her Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine from the Florida Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2004. Her goal for founding East West Healing Solutions was to be a pioneer in the community working at bridging the gap between Eastern and Western Medicine. She has established strong partnership with Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurologists, Pain Management Physicians, Doctors of Chiropractic, Rehabilitative Specialists, Athletic Directors, Coaches and Personal Injury Attorneys in the community proving not only that it can be done but also that a cohesive team approach is often the most efficient way to help a patient.. “Over the years I have continued to add to my knowledge in order to be able to help as many patients I possibly could. Most of the time, a joint effort from Western and Eastern Medicine is required to obtain optimal health. For that reason, patients should proactively seek a team of highly trained professionals in various fields, all working toward one common goal; the PATIENT’S best interest. Your health portfolio should be built with the same concepts as your financial portfolio; diversification is the key!, Dr. Marie Perkins tells her patients.” Aside from offering Traditional Acupuncture to Palm Harbor patients, her clinic also offers several other complementary treatments such as Herbal prescriptions, Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxibustion, Diathermia, Dry Aqua Massage, Cold Laser Therapy, Medical Massage and Postural Analysis among others. Dr. Perkins also develops customized, personal healing and health plans for each patient at East West Healing Solutions.