Acupuncture is generally recognized as a safe treatment method, and has been recognized by the World Health Organization for its efficacy in treating a variety of conditions and symptoms. Adverse effects have not been recorded for the majority of acupuncture treatments, but minor side effects such as dizziness occur for some people. Consult your doctor before receiving acupuncture to ensure safe care.
Acupuncture Background
Acupuncture’s roots lie in traditional Chinese medicine, and it has been practiced in Asia for thousands of years. According to the theory behind acupuncture, vital energy known as “qi” flows throughout the body along pathways called “meridians,” and illness results from obstructions in this flow. During acupuncture treatments, needles are inserted into the skin at precise acupuncture points, which lie along the meridians. Stimulating these points can restore the proper flow of qi, returning the body to a state of health.
Dizziness During and After Acupuncture
In 2003, a study published in the journal “Complementary Therapies in Medicine” attempted to systematically record the occurrence of adverse effects in normal acupuncture practice. The authors of the report found that about one-third of acupuncture patients experienced some negative effect, including dizziness, pain, minor bleeding and bruising at needle insertion points. In the study, 3,535 acupuncture treatments on 409 patients were recorded, and dizziness was reported as a side effect of only 1 percent of treatments.
Needle Sickness
A condition known as “needle sickness” occasionally occurs during acupuncture treatment. Needle sickness is characterized by sensations of dizziness, nausea, fainting or loss of consciousness after needle insertion. In an article in “Acupuncture Today,” acupuncturist Gregory Ross describes the three incidents of needle sickness that he has experienced in his years of practice. According to Ross, needle sickness occurs when patients are nervous, tired or have not eaten before treatment. These conditions, he observes, make patients vulnerable to inhibition of the central nervous system, which results in lowered blood pressure and triggers the needle sickness symptoms.
Prevention
To prevent dizziness during or after acupuncture treatment, acupuncturist Cindi Ignatovsky recommends eating a light meal, but not overeating, a few hours before your appointment. Because dehydration may aggravate adverse effects, she also suggests staying well-hydrated after treatment. During treatment, be sure to inform your acupuncturist if you feel dizzy or faint. If you experience adverse effects after acupuncture, let your acupuncturist know on your next visit, as she may decide to modify your treatment plan.
References
- American Academy of Medical Acupuncture: Doctor, What's This Acupuncture All About?
- “Complementary Therapies in Medicine”; Incidence of Adverse Effects During Acupuncture Therapy -- A Multicentre Survey; G. Ernst, et al.; June 2003
- "Acupuncture Today"; Needle Sickness, Code Blue and Vasovagal Attack; Gregory Ross; October 2008
- Holistic Acupuncture Therapy: Acupuncture Informed Consent
- Health in Harmony TCM; What to Expect; Cindi Ignatovsky
