Acupuncture: Uses, benefits and side effects

Acupuncture is believed to be effective in treatment of a number of conditions. Read on to know more

Written By: Editorial Team | Published : February 1, 2020 7:27 PM IST

Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Believed to have originated around 100 BC in China, acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles through a person's skin at specific points on the body, to various depths. Though it is most often used to relieve pain, it is claimed to be effective in treating a wide range of other complaints.

Benefits of acupuncture

Performed correctly using clean needle technique and single-use needles, it is safe. Acupuncture has very few side effects and it can be effectively combined with other treatments.

Uses of acupuncture

Acupuncture is believed to be effective in treatment of a number of conditions. The list of such conditions includes:

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Allergies
Depression and anxiety
osteoarthritis
high and low blood pressure
chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
some gastric conditions, including peptic ulcer
painful periods
dysentery
allergic rhinitis
facial pain
morning sickness
rheumatoid arthritis
sprains
tennis elbow
sciatica
dental pain
reducing the risk of stroke
inducing labour
hypertension
chronic pain in the neck, back, knees, and head

There are also studies that suggest that acupuncture can help with cancer treatment and multiple sclerosis, however more evidence to confirm the benefits. Some other conditions that acupuncture may help but research is limited include:

fibromyalgia
neuralgia
post-operative convalescence
substance, tobacco and alcohol dependence
vascular dementia
whooping cough, or pertussis
Tourette syndrome
Infertility
Insomnia
Obesity
Acne

Possible side effects of acupuncture

All therapies, including acupuncture, have benefits as well as risks. Generally, side effects of acupuncture relate to poor hygiene and inexperienced acupuncturist. Some possible side effects of acupuncture are listed below

The patient may experience bleeding, bruising, and soreness at the insertion sites.
Bacterial infections at the site of needle insertion in the skin and elsewhere in the body. Use of unsterilized needles may lead to this problem.
A needle may break and damage an internal organ
Accidental puncture of the lung, which may result in a partial collapse of the lung called pneumothorax. This may occur during the insertion of needles into the chest or upper back.
A common infection reported from acupuncture treatments is viral hepatitis, a potentially serious infection of the liver.

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