Acupuncture side effects affect a small percentage of patients, with research showing that most people experience minimal issues during treatment. A survey of 6,348 acupuncture patients found that only 10.74% reported any adverse effects, while just 0.04% experienced significant complications. This data demonstrates why acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by trained professionals.
You may be considering acupuncture to relieve discomfort associated with various conditions, including chemotherapy-induced nausea, but it’s important to understand potential risks. The most common side effects include pain, bleeding or bruising at the needle site, and occasional dizziness. A systematic review identified additional potential reactions such as hematoma, digestive symptoms, and in extremely rare cases, organ or tissue injury. Acupuncture has remarkably few side effects compared to many conventional treatments, making it a complementary approach worth considering when traditional pain management methods aren’t providing sufficient relief.
How common are side effects from acupuncture?
Large-scale studies provide clear data on acupuncture side effects, showing that they occur in a relatively small percentage of patients. Research presents a reassuring picture for those considering this treatment option.
What the research says
Meta-analyses reveal that approximately 9.31% of patients experience at least one adverse event during an acupuncture treatment series. About 7.57% of individual treatments result in some form of side effect. A systematic review of 535 studies identified common reactions including pain (144 studies), bleeding or bruising (120 studies), dizziness (86 studies), and hematoma formation (70 studies).
Serious adverse events (SAEs) are exceedingly rare. Research estimates place the risk at about 1.01 per 10,000 patients. The incidence of adverse events ranges from 6.71% to 8.6%, while serious adverse events occur at a rate of approximately 0.001%. Acupuncture has been shown to have fewer side effects than many conventional medical treatments, particularly when comparing safety profiles with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids.
Real-world patient statistics
The 2006 German PEP-Ac study provides the largest real-world safety data, tracking 454,920 patients through over 4 million treatments. Results showed only 7.9% of patients experienced minor adverse effects, while a mere 0.003% (13 patients) reported severe adverse events. A British study reviewing 66,229 treatments between 1998-2000 found zero serious adverse events.
Another survey involving 6,348 acupuncture patients over three months found that 682 patients (107 per 1000) reported at least one adverse event. Of these, only three patients (0.04%) experienced significant adverse effects. The vast majority of patients continue treatment despite experiencing minor side effects, indicating that benefits typically outweigh discomfort.
Why most side effects are mild
Roughly half of all reported adverse events are bleeding, pain, or flare at the needle site—reactions many practitioners consider normal aspects of treatment rather than true side effects. These responses typically resolve quickly without intervention.
Recovery times demonstrate the mild nature of most side effects. A Chinese study of 1,968 patients found that 73 out of 74 patients with adverse events recovered completely within two weeks, with only one case of dizziness requiring a month for full resolution.
Several factors contribute to this favorable safety profile. Modern acupuncture uses single-use, disposable needles, virtually eliminating infection risk. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure means tissue disruption is minimal. With proper training in anatomy and physiology, practitioners can easily avoid sensitive structures, making acupuncture one of the safest procedures available in contemporary medicine.
The 5 most reported side effects of acupuncture
Most patients experience minimal to no adverse reactions during acupuncture treatment. Understanding potential side effects helps set proper expectations for your sessions. Here are the five most frequently reported reactions:
1. Pain or soreness at the needle site
Pain at the insertion point ranks as the most commonly reported reaction (11.79% of cases). This sensation typically feels like a mild pinch during needle placement, followed by a dull ache that most practitioners consider a positive sign of “qi” activation. The discomfort rarely persists beyond 24 hours.
2. Bruising or minor bleeding
Nearly 10% of systematic reviews note some bleeding or bruising after treatment. This occurs because acupuncture needles occasionally hit tiny capillaries that are difficult to see with the naked eye. These marks are primarily painless and extremely rare (only 1 in 10,000 cases according to British Medical Journal data). People taking blood thinners or with certain health conditions may experience more pronounced bruising.
3. Dizziness or fainting
Vasovagal responses occur in approximately 0.02%-7% of treatments. This reaction happens due to anxiety, fear of needles, or when blood pressure drops from relaxation. First-time patients or those treated face-down may be especially susceptible. These sensations typically resolve within an hour.
4. Fatigue or tiredness
Many patients experience tiredness following treatment as the body shifts from a “fight-or-flight” state to a parasympathetic “rest” mode. This effect is especially common for individuals who have been “powering through” with stress hormones. The fatigue usually lasts about one day before being replaced by renewed energy as your system rebalances.
5. Emotional release or mood swings
Crying during or after acupuncture serves as your body’s way of processing suppressed emotions. This reaction happens because certain acupuncture points connect to emotional centers. As muscles relax and energy flows more freely, previously stifled feelings may surface. Most practitioners view this as therapeutic—a positive sign that emotional blockages are clearing.
Rare but serious risks: what you should know
Most acupuncture treatments proceed without incident, but certain rare complications deserve your attention. These uncommon side effects, though infrequent, can have significant consequences if not properly recognized and addressed.
Organ or tissue injury
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) stands out as the most frequently reported serious adverse event, with 201 cases documented in one Chinese literature review. This occurs when a needle penetrates the pleural space, potentially leading to respiratory distress. Researchers have identified cases of cardiac tamponade, where the heart is punctured, resulting in fatal outcomes in some instances.
Internal organ injuries, though uncommon, have included perforations of the gallbladder, bowels, and stomach. These complications typically arise from needles inserted too deeply or at incorrect angles, requiring surgical intervention.
Infections from unsterile needles
Infection risks stem primarily from inadequate sterilization practices. Case reports reveal instances of mycobacterial infections, abscesses, and even tetanus following acupuncture treatment. One outbreak in Korea affected 109 patients who contracted Mycobacterium abscessus from contaminated equipment.
Modern practice standards emphasize single-use disposable needles to eliminate this risk. However, infections still occur in settings where proper protocols aren’t followed, which highlights the importance of choosing qualified practitioners.
Nerve damage and allergic reactions
Nerve injury presents another potential complication, with research indicating approximately 5.76 cases per 10,000 acupuncture treatments. The spinal cord represents the most frequently affected site (44.0% of cases), followed by shoulder and upper limb nerves (37.7%).
Certain individuals face higher risks of nerve damage, including older patients, males, and those with conditions like diabetes, liver cirrhosis, or previous stroke. Electric shock-like sensations during treatment may signal nerve contact and should prompt immediate needle removal.
Is acupuncture dangerous in rare cases?
Acupuncture can indeed prove fatal in extremely rare circumstances. Approximately 90 deaths following acupuncture have been documented in medical literature. These fatalities typically result from needle penetration of vital organs causing pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, or major hemorrhage.
Proper training substantially reduces these risks. Most serious complications occur due to inadequate practitioner education rather than inherent dangers of the procedure itself. A systematic review estimated that pneumothorax would be expected to occur just once in every 41 years of full-time acupuncture practice.
How to reduce your risk and stay safe
You can take proactive steps before your acupuncture session to lower your risk of experiencing negative side effects. With proper precautions, acupuncture remains one of the safest complementary treatments available today.
Choose a licensed practitioner
Verify that your acupuncturist has completed proper training and holds valid credentials. Most states require practitioners to pass an exam conducted by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Look for designations like L.Ac. (Licensed Acupuncturist) or Dipl.Ac. (NCCAOM) that confirm formal certification.
Ask friends or healthcare providers for personal recommendations when possible. Licensing requirements vary by state, with some having stricter standards than others. Choosing someone who graduated from a master’s or doctoral program at an ACAHM-accredited school provides an extra layer of safety.
Ask about needle sterilization
Single-use, disposable needles are now the standard practice, which has virtually eliminated infection risks. Proper needle handling represents the most critical factor in preventing complications.
Consider asking these specific questions before treatment:
- Do you use disposable, single-use needles?
- What sterilization protocols do you follow?
- How do you dispose of used needles?
Reputable practitioners will welcome these questions as they demonstrate your informed approach to treatment.
Discuss your medical history
Your acupuncturist should conduct a thorough interview about your health history prior to treatment. This initial consultation helps identify potential risk factors unique to your situation.
Be completely honest about all treatments and medications you’re taking, plus any supplements, vitamins, or herbs. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and any chronic conditions.
Avoid treatment if you have certain conditions
Acupuncture is broadly safe, but certain situations warrant caution. Each patient requires individual risk assessment.
Most practitioners recommend avoiding acupuncture if you have:
- Active infections, particularly skin infections
- Certain types of cancer, as there might be risk of spreading cancer cells
- Severe neutropenia due to infection risk
- Unstable spine conditions
- Psychosis or delusions
Pregnant women should inform their practitioners, as certain acupuncture points (LI 4, SP 6, UB 60, 67) are contraindicated during pregnancy. Patients with pacemakers should avoid electrical stimulation during acupuncture.
Acupuncture has remarkably few absolute contraindications compared to many medical procedures, which explains why millions continue to choose it as a safe complementary therapy.
Bottom Line
Acupuncture offers one of the safest complementary therapy options available today, with research showing minimal adverse effects for most patients. While minor discomfort occasionally occurs, serious complications remain extraordinarily rare. Approximately 90% of individuals undergoing acupuncture report no negative side effects whatsoever.
Patients who do experience reactions typically encounter only temporary issues like needle site soreness or minor bruising that resolves quickly. Symptoms such as fatigue or emotional release often represent therapeutic responses rather than negative outcomes. Your body processes stress and blockages during treatment, creating temporary sensations that lead to improved well-being afterward.
Understanding potential risks empowers you to make informed healthcare decisions. Taking simple precautions like selecting properly licensed practitioners and ensuring they use disposable needles significantly reduces your already minimal risk. Your medical history plays a crucial role in safety, which explains why thorough consultations before treatment remain standard practice.
Acupuncture’s documented safety record spanning millions of treatments provides substantial reassurance for those considering this option. For people seeking natural pain management or relief from various conditions, acupuncture offers a time-tested approach with remarkably few drawbacks compared to many pharmaceutical interventions.
Key Takeaways
Understanding acupuncture’s side effects helps you make informed decisions about this generally safe complementary therapy with minimal risks when performed properly.
• Only 10.74% of acupuncture patients experience any side effects, with serious complications occurring in just 0.04% of cases • Most common reactions include mild needle site pain, minor bruising, temporary dizziness, and fatigue that resolve within 24 hours • Serious risks like organ injury or infections are extremely rare (1 in 10,000 patients) and mostly preventable with proper practitioner selection • Choose licensed acupuncturists who use single-use disposable needles and discuss your complete medical history before treatment • Acupuncture has fewer side effects than many conventional treatments, making it a safe complementary therapy option
When performed by qualified practitioners using proper safety protocols, acupuncture offers an exceptionally safe treatment profile with benefits that typically far outweigh the minimal risks for most patients.
FAQs
Q1. What are the most common side effects of acupuncture? The most common side effects include mild pain or soreness at the needle site, minor bruising or bleeding, temporary dizziness, and fatigue. These effects are usually mild and resolve quickly, often within 24 hours.
Q2. How safe is acupuncture compared to conventional treatments? Acupuncture is generally considered very safe, with fewer side effects than many conventional treatments. Studies show that only about 10% of patients experience any side effects, with serious complications occurring in less than 0.05% of cases.
Q3. Can acupuncture cause serious injuries? While extremely rare, serious complications like organ injury or infections can occur. However, these risks are significantly reduced when treatment is performed by a licensed practitioner using proper techniques and sterile, disposable needles.
Q4. Is it normal to feel emotional after an acupuncture session? Yes, it’s not uncommon to experience an emotional release or mood changes after acupuncture. This is often viewed as a positive sign that emotional blockages are clearing, and is considered part of the healing process.
Q5. How can I ensure a safe acupuncture experience? To ensure safety, choose a licensed practitioner, ask about needle sterilization practices, discuss your full medical history before treatment, and avoid acupuncture if you have certain medical conditions. Also, make sure to inform your practitioner about any medications or supplements you’re taking.