Complications of Acupuncture

Acupuncture normally is a safe, simple, effective and economical therapy. It does not have pronounced side effects or complications. However, the physician should be completely alert and fully aware of the complications, which can possibly arise so that he can avoid them.

1. Pain: This is the commonest complication due to acupuncture. The causes of pain are:

1. Rusted, bent and stuck needles
2. Improper technique
3. Nervous patient
4. Improper posture
5. Insertion in the tendon

1. Infection by Needles: Proper sterilization of the needles is very very important, specially with diseases like the hepatitis and HIV being so common. An improper sterilization of needles or washing of hands of the acupuncturist can result in infection. The ear and knee joints are the areas where infection is likely to occur.
2. Fainting: Fear of the needles is the main reason of this common complication in acupuncture practise. Proper understanding and reassurance of the patient is more important. Their reaction to needles must be observed carefully, and less number of needles should be inserted in the first sitting.
3. Bent Needles: A needle can bend while still pierced in the body or if the patient suddenly changes his position. Sometimes, the twisting of muscles during electrical stimulation leads to the bending of the needle.
4. Broken needles: It is a rare complication in practice, because stainless steel wire needles are unbreakable. A needle should be discarded after repeated bending. If a needle breaks inside, it should be surgically removed after an X-ray.
5. Injury to internal organs: This complication occurs on dangerous points. Proper knowledge of the anatomy, correct technique and careful manipulation should be carried out. Also, the depth and direction of the needle insertion are important, care should be taken be taken while needling on the points of face, eye, and abdomen.
6. Bleeding: This is not a very common complication. However, press the cotton wool swabs dipped in spirit after the removal of needle for preventing bleeding.
7. Forgotten needle: Like surgeons who forget instruments inside the patient, in a busy clinic this is a common complication. To avoid such complication, the needles should recounted at the time of removal.

Contraindication of Acupuncture
As such there is no contraindicating in acupuncture, however, empty stomach, full stomach, pregnancy and cardiac congestion, are the conditions in which acupuncture is not advised. It may lead to fainting, vomiting, abortion and cardiac arrest respectively.