Acupuncture has been a buzzword in the world of wellness. From pain management to an overall sense of well-being, the ancient Chinese technique is frequently considered a natural replacement for prescriptions or surgery. Though many claim its benefits, it’s necessary to hit the pause button and take a hard look at acupuncture risks and criticisms prior to jumping aboard.
As with any medical or therapeutic treatment, acupuncture isn’t a cookie-cutter solution—and it isn’t completely risk-free. So, before you schedule your next appointment, here’s what you need to know.
What Is Acupuncture, Anyway?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that consists of inserting very thin needles into specific locations on the body. The theory is that the practice balances the flow of “qi” (energy) through pathways in the body, inducing healing and bringing back wellness.
Contemporary explanations usually attribute acupuncture’s effects to the stimulation of nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, which can stimulate blood flow and release the body’s natural painkillers. Nevertheless, with increasing popularity and some acceptance by the mainstream, acupuncture is still controversial in much of the medical community.
Acupuncture Risks: What Could Go Wrong?
Although acupuncture is safe when done by a qualified and licensed practitioner, it still has risks—particularly when improperly done.
1. Infection
The most frequently reported risk is infection. Non-sterile needles can introduce bacteria into the body, causing localized or even systemic infections. Always make sure your practitioner uses single-use, disposable needles.
2. Bleeding or Bruising
Mild bleeding, soreness, or bruising at the sites where the needles are inserted isn’t uncommon. In individuals with bleeding disorders or individuals on blood thinners, these side effects become more of an issue.
3. Punctured Organs
This one sounds scary—and while extremely rare, it has happened. If needles are inserted too deeply (especially in the chest or back), there’s a small risk of puncturing an organ like the lungs, causing serious complications like pneumothorax.
4. Dizziness or Fainting
Some people feel lightheaded during or after a session. If you’re sensitive to pain, anxious about needles, or haven’t eaten before treatment, you’re more likely to feel woozy.
5. Improvement in Symptoms
In some cases, symptoms tend to get a little worse upon treatment before gradually getting better. Although proponents describe this as an indication of healing, critics perceive this as indicative that the treatment is not all inclusive.
Who Needs to Practice Caution?
Acupuncture does not suit every individual. Specific groups need to exercise caution or talk to their healthcare provider first before attempting acupuncture:
Pregnant women: Some acupuncture points are known to stimulate labor.
Patients with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy
Patients with implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers, particularly when electrical stimulation is being used
Patients with weakened immune systems, who can be more susceptible to infection
Acupuncture Criticisms: What the Skeptics Say
Aside from the dangers, there’s no scarcity of criticism for acupuncture. While some consider it a valid therapeutic modality, others deem it as pseudoscience.
1. Lack of Scientific Consensus
One of the most significant criticisms is the absence of consistent, high-quality scientific evidence demonstrating acupuncture’s efficacy. Although some studies indicate positive outcomes for conditions such as chronic pain or migraines, others report no difference between acupuncture and a placebo.
2. Placebo Effect
Most critics believe that acupuncture’s effectiveness can be explained largely by the placebo effect. In studies in which patients are given “sham” acupuncture—using retractable needles or needling non-acupuncture points—patients report improvements similar to those receiving standard treatment.
3. Variability in Practice
Acupuncture is not standardized around the world. Techniques, training, and regulation differ greatly between nations—and even between practitioners in the same city. This variability can impact outcomes and safety.
4. Spiritual vs. Scientific Roots
Traditional Chinese explanations of acupuncture revolve around concepts like qi and meridians, which don’t align with modern anatomy or physiology. For many medical professionals, this makes acupuncture hard to accept within evidence-based frameworks.
So, Is Acupuncture Worth Trying?
The answer depends on your personal situation, health goals, and tolerance for risk. If you’re considering acupuncture, here are a few tips to do it safely:
Select a licensed, certified acupuncturist. Research their credentials and check reviews or ask for referrals.
Talk to your physician, particularly if you have other health issues.
Begin with reasonable expectations. Acupuncture is not a magic bullet, and it may take several sessions before you feel anything different—if anything at all.
Listen to your body. If something is amiss, don’t brush it aside.
Final Thoughts
Although acupuncture has benefited many in terms of pain, stress, and other conditions, it’s not without risks. Knowing acupuncture risks and criticisms is important in making an educated decision on whether or not it’s suitable for you.
Ultimately, your own holistic therapy tribe’s health is worth more than leaving it to chance—or trend. Learn, ask questions, and listen to your body. That way, if you do opt for acupuncture or something else, you’re doing what’s best for yourself.