How Acupuncture Works, Its Effectiveness, What To Expect And Complications

At your first visit, the acupuncturist will carry out a 4-pronged process of TCM diagnosis (四诊合参), involving observation (望), listening and smelling (闻), asking questions (问) and palpitating (切). Through this diagnostic process, the acupuncturist will obtain a more holistic understanding of your health and condition, as well as identify the acupoints to be used in the treatment session for addressing not only your symptoms, but also your overall health. [1, 2]

During the acupuncture session, the acupuncturist uses needles of different lengths and gauges. The needles are generally thin, solid and made of stainless steel. Most acupuncturists today use pre-sterilized one-time-use disposable needles to help eliminate any risk of cross-infection. The needles are inserted to varying depths into the skin, depending on the location of the acupoints. [1, 3]

With a skilled acupuncturist, you are likely to feel no or just a little pain (like an ant-bite) during the insertion of the needles. As the acupuncturist stimulates the acupuncture points by rotating, flicking or stroking the inserted needles, you may start experiencing achy, heavy, numbing or tingly feelings. These sensations vary from person to person, are described as the “arrival of Qi” (得气) and are considered a positive response to stimulation that will enhance the effectiveness of treatment. [2].

Nonetheless, whatever the sensations, they should be mild and not overly unpleasant [2]. If you experience excessive pain or discomfort, inform your practitioner so that he or she could adjust the needles or remove them to prevent any complications (discussed below).

The needles would be left in place for about 20-30 min. During this period, you should feel comfortable and relaxed; you may even fall asleep. [1, 2, 3]

To increase the stimulation of the acupoints for greater effectiveness, the acupuncturist may attach electrodes to the needles and pass a mild current through the electrodes (i.e. electro-acupuncture). Alternatively, he or she may use heat from a moxa (i.e. mixture of herbs pressed into a cone or roll) to strengthen functions in the area where it is applied (i.e. moxibustion). [1, 2, 3]

Besides using acupuncture for dealing with various diseases and ailments, some TCM practitioners may also make use of herbal formulas to increase the effectiveness of their treatment.

Complications in acupuncture

Complications in acupuncture are possible, though uncommon.

Below, we share about some of these complications – the intention is to prepare you for what to expect when using acupuncture for your disease treatment, and help you prevent these complications as much as possible.

The most common complication is bruising, which is brought about by the accidental piercing of a minor blood capillary during acupuncture. Acupuncturists usually attempt to reduce the risk of bruising by avoiding major blood vessels during acupuncture, and by pressing on the acupoint for a couple of seconds after a needle is removed. Such bruising is usually not serious and would disappear after a few days. Massaging the bruised area can help.

A more serious complication that patients may experience is that of dizziness, temporary low blood pressure, and increased perspiration during an acupuncture session. Such complications are usually a result of excessive pain or hunger during acupuncture, or patients being excessively nervous.

Hence, patients are usually encouraged to take their meals and relax prior to an acupuncture session. And if you have low tolerance for pain or are undergoing acupuncture for the first time, be sure to inform your acupuncturist.

There have been instances, though rare, where excessive pain has triggered heart attacks in some patients. As such, to be safe, if you are suffering from any heart conditions, do inform your acupuncturist prior to treatment.

The stimulation during acupuncture can possibly also induce labor in pregnant ladies. As such, inform your acupuncturist if you are pregnant. Acupuncture for pregnant ladies is usually discouraged, unless really necessary.

The most serious complication is probably the accidental puncturing of the lungs, leading to collapsed lungs. Experienced acupuncturists are aware of such complications and are usually especially careful if they use acupoints near the lungs or on the torso. In fact, they try to avoid these acupoints as much as possible. Hence, such complications are rare.

Here is another discussion on some of the possible side effects and adverse reactions of acupuncture.

Acupuncture is after all an invasive technique. Hence it is essential and definitely helpful for you to find a qualified and experienced acupuncturist when seeking treatment for your health condition.

See next page for the references used.

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