Acupuncture is a traditional practice involving the insertion of fine needles into specific body points to promote well-being. Dizziness is a general term for lightheadedness, while vertigo is the sensation of spinning or whirling, often causing a loss of balance. Many individuals wonder if this therapeutic approach can trigger these feelings. This article explores the relationship between acupuncture and temporary unsteadiness to clarify the treatment’s safety profile.
Is Dizziness or Vertigo a Known Side Effect of Acupuncture
Dizziness or lightheadedness is a recognized, minor, and transient side effect of acupuncture treatment. This temporary feeling is distinct from true, severe vertigo, which involves a profound sense of rotation and is much rarer. Significant reactions, such as fainting (syncope) or severe vertigo, are low, typically reported in the range of 0.02% to 7% of treatments. Most patients who experience a reaction report mild symptoms that resolve quickly while they are still resting on the treatment table. This lightheadedness is known in traditional Chinese medicine as “needle sickness” or yūn zhēn, and usually subsides shortly after the needles are removed.
Physiological Reasons for Post-Treatment Dizziness
The underlying cause for post-treatment dizziness is often a physiological reaction known as an acupuncture-associated vasovagal response. This involves a reflex where the nervous system overreacts to a trigger, leading to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. The resultant temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain causes the sensation of lightheadedness or dizziness. Acupuncture is well-known for promoting deep relaxation, which can cause blood vessels to dilate, contributing to this temporary drop in blood pressure. Factors like anxiety, emotional stress, or nervousness can exacerbate this response, and vigorous stimulation or a large number of needles, especially in first-time patients, can also increase the risk.
Another common physiological trigger is orthostatic hypotension, often referred to as postural hypotension. When a person lies down for an extended period, blood pools slightly in the lower extremities. If the patient sits up or stands too quickly after the session, the body’s circulatory system cannot adjust fast enough. This leads to a sudden, brief drop in blood pressure and subsequent dizziness. Contributing factors like dehydration, hunger, or fatigue before the session can heighten the body’s susceptibility to these blood pressure changes.
Distinguishing Acupuncture-Related Dizziness from Other Causes of Vertigo
Acupuncture-induced dizziness is typically acute, brief, and directly linked to the treatment session itself. True vertigo is a more severe and persistent sensation of spinning, often symptomatic of underlying medical conditions unrelated to needling. Common causes of significant vertigo include inner ear disorders, such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, or vestibular neuritis. If severe spinning persists long after the session, the acupuncture is likely coincidental, not causative. Vertigo can also result from certain medications, dehydration, migraines, or neurological issues. Since acupuncture is often used to treat chronic dizziness, persistent symptoms should prompt a conversation with a primary care provider to rule out an unrelated health issue.
Minimizing Risk and Patient Management
Patients can take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of experiencing post-treatment dizziness by preparing their bodies properly. It is recommended to eat a light meal and ensure adequate hydration before the appointment, as hunger and dehydration are known risk factors for vasovagal responses. Communicating any history of fainting, nervousness around needles, or feeling unwell to the practitioner before the session begins is also helpful for planning the treatment.
The practitioner plays a direct role in prevention by ensuring the patient is treated in a reclined position, such as lying supine or prone, which minimizes the risk of a blood pressure drop. They should also use gentle needling techniques, especially with first-time patients, to avoid overstimulation. If a patient feels lightheaded during or immediately after the session, they should rest immediately in a comfortable, reclined position.
Upon completion of the session, the patient should be instructed to sit up slowly and intentionally, taking a few moments to adjust before standing to allow the body’s circulation to normalize. If dizziness persists, the practitioner can offer water or a small snack and should monitor the patient until the symptoms have fully resolved. This careful management ensures that the temporary side effect does not lead to a fall or injury.