| Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a | | | | "adverse side effects of acupuncture are |
| well-trained, qualified professional using recognized | | | | extremely low and often lower than conventional |
| standards of clean needle technique and sterile | | | | treatments." They also stated: |
| needles. | | | | "the incidence of adverse effects is substantially |
| Since 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration | | | | lower than that of many drugs or other accepted |
| has been classifying acupuncture needles as | | | | medical procedures used for the same condition. |
| medical instruments, and requires acupuncturists | | | | For example, musculoskeletal conditions, such as |
| to use only sterile, disposable needles. | | | | fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, and tennis elbow... |
| Manufacturers of acupuncture needles are | | | | are conditions for which acupuncture may be |
| required by the FDA to label them for single-use | | | | beneficial. These painful conditions are often |
| only. Also, acupuncturists will swab the | | | | treated with, among other things, |
| acupuncture sites first with an antiseptic, so there | | | | anti-inflammatory medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, |
| is very little risk of infection. Considering the | | | | etc.) or with steroid injections. Both medical |
| millions of people treated each year and the | | | | interventions have a potential for deleterious side |
| number of acupuncture needles used per | | | | effects but are still widely used and are |
| treatment, relatively few complications from the | | | | considered acceptable treatments." |
| use of acupuncture have been reported. It's very | | | | Qualified Professional Standards and Training |
| important to visit a licensed practitioner, however, | | | | Accredited acupuncture schools are required by |
| because poorly sterilized needles and improper | | | | the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and |
| clean needle technique can transmit infectious | | | | Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) to provide formal |
| diseases. | | | | testing in clean needle technique before a student |
| Are There Side Effects? | | | | can handle needles in the school clinic during |
| Usually not. Side effects are rare but the most | | | | internship. The National Certification Commission |
| common side effects with acupuncture are minor | | | | for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) |
| irritation or slight bruising at the needle site. | | | | is the recognized national organization that |
| Acupuncture redirects energy and promotes blood | | | | establishes and promotes recognized standards of |
| circulation and hormonal releases to activate | | | | competence and safety in acupuncture and |
| natural healing. People general report feeling a | | | | Oriental medicine for the protection and benefit of |
| deep sense of relaxation with treatment. | | | | the public. NCCAOM regulates the national board |
| Occasionally after a treatment a person may feel | | | | exam for acupuncturists. Licensing in Rhode Island |
| a little lightheaded or tired or may feel elated or | | | | requires a diploma from an accredit school and |
| invigorated with such sensations often passing in a | | | | passing the NCCAOM board exam. |
| short time never requiring more than a bit of rest. | | | | An interesting article in Acupuncture Today |
| Safety in Comparison to Other Treatments | | | | containing safety information on acupuncture titled: |
| In regards to the relative safety of acupuncture | | | | Surveys Confirm the Safety of Acupuncture |
| in comparison to other treatments, a consensus | | | | comments, "When asked why they use |
| panel from the national medical research agency - | | | | alternative forms of care, one of the most |
| Nation Institutes of Health (NIH) stated that | | | | common responses people give is safety. |