Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture is a very safe treatment in the hands of a competent well trained and experienced practitioner. It has many benefits and few risks. It is one of the safest medical interventions in modern medicine.
Minor risks affect between 1-3% of treatments. Those occurring at the site of needling are localised pain, tingling or soreness, minor bleeding or bruising, or skin infection.
Short term Fainting is a potential risk please let the practitioner know if you feel overly anxious, faint, nauseous, sweaty, lightheaded or drowsy. Minor burns from moxibustion can occur and are treated appropriately.
Serious adverse events occur very rarely but have been reported in the literature. These could be more serious nerve damage or organ puncture especially of the lung.
Before you make an appointment read all in the information on the website of your practitioner, so you ensure you are well informed before you sign the consent form.
On the day of your appointment make sure you are not dehydrated or hungry. Do not come to the clinic if you have a sore throat, high temperature, cough, a positive Covid test or communicable disease. If you arrive under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs you will not be treated.
Acupuncture may leave you feeling very relaxed, tired or even euphoric. You may need to rest after treatment as the body adjusts to the changes. This may last for around 24 hours but can last several days for some people after certain treatments.
You may need to sit for a while immediately after your treatment, if necessary, ask someone to drive you home. Avoid vigorous activities immediately after the treatment, sudden temperature changes or prolonged concentration.