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While, there are not any reports of severe adverse effects of acupuncture, there are a few side effects associated with the therapy. The most prevalently reported side events of acupuncture include: tenderness, bruising or bleeding at the site of the needle.

Can acupuncture be used with other conventional therapies?

Absolutely, acupuncture has been found to be useful complementary therapy with other medical treatments; however, it should be administered in accordance with a physicians authorization.

Who is not best suited for acupuncture?

Patients who suffer from bleeding disorders or are using blood thinners should not consider acupuncture since one of the side effects is bleeding.

Are there any safety issues or risks associated with acupuncture?

Generally speaking, acupuncture is not a risky procedure; however, in rare situations, any of the following may occur:

-The needle may break during insertion
-An internal organ maybe subject to injury
-An infectious disease may occur if the needles are reused

Nevertheless, the above risk and safety scenarios are nil to nominal under the care of a licensed or certified acupuncturist.

What are the certification requirements of practicing acupuncturists in the United States?

In the United States, services are extended by two various types of medical professionals: certified acupuncturists and medical doctors. Approximately, 3,000 medical physicians include acupuncture as a health menu of their practice. The vast majority of states require between 200 and 300 hours of acupuncture training.

The United States has roughly 11,000 certified acupuncturists. While these acupuncture practitioners are not licensed physicians, they are required to complete 2,000 to 3,000 hours of training. Additionally, prior to accreditation, the acupuncturists must complete board examinations from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).