Is Acupuncture Safe?

Last Updated on March 22, 2024

This is a very common question for people new to acupuncture.

Yes! Acupuncture is safe!

Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. In fact, acupuncture has far fewer side effects than most other medical interventions.

Because acupuncture needles are so thin the most common complication we see in our clinic a bruise. Often these bruises aren’t even sore or tender. Occasionally patients will feel tired or “wiped out” after a treatment. This I more common on the first or second visit but tends not to happen with subsequent treatments.

Unlike medications which can have unpleasant side effects, our patients commonly report side effects such as improved sleep or a calmer mood. These pleasant side effects can actually improve the body’s ability to heal by improving sleep and allowing the body to heal more deeply.

In Oregon, acupuncture is well regulated. By the time we are treating our first patients we’ve had three years of schooling and thousands of hours of training and practice. In fact, most injuries caused by acupuncture needles are caused by other professions, such as under-trained physical therapists or chiropractors performing “dry needling.” Luckily, only acupuncturists can perform acupuncture in Oregon.

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