Acupuncture is an ancient practice originating in traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body. When performed by a qualified, licensed professional, it is widely considered a safe treatment with a low risk of serious complications. However, like any medical intervention, mild, temporary side effects are common. The question of whether acupuncture can make you “sick” often relates to these frequent, yet benign, post-treatment reactions. Serious adverse events are extremely rare, estimated to occur in only about 1 in 100,000 patients treated by trained practitioners.
Expected Post-Treatment Sensations
Patients often experience physical and emotional sensations immediately following a session that might be mistaken for illness. The most common reaction is profound relaxation, sometimes leading to temporary fatigue or drowsiness, often described as an “acu-nap.” This indicates the nervous system is shifting into a restful, healing mode. A mild feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness may also occur, especially if the patient is hungry or dehydrated. Practitioners advise eating a light meal and staying hydrated beforehand to minimize this mild vasovagal response.
Minor physical signs may appear at the needle sites, including pinpoint bleeding or the development of a small bruise. Bruising occurs when a fine needle encounters a tiny capillary and affects approximately 6% to 9% of patients. Additionally, mild soreness or a slight ache near the treated area can persist for up to 24 hours. This sensation is similar to the feeling after a deep tissue massage.
Minimizing Risks of Infection and Injury
The most significant risks relate to infection and physical injury, but these are largely preventable through practitioner competence and safety standards. Infection is a risk whenever the skin barrier is broken, but modern practice has drastically reduced this threat. Licensed acupuncturists must use sterile, single-use, disposable needles for every patient and every treatment. Non-sterile needles or poor hygiene protocols can transmit blood-borne pathogens, such as Hepatitis B or C. Patients should confirm their practitioner follows strict hygiene and sterilization standards.
Injury to internal organs, nerves, or major blood vessels is extremely rare but represents the most serious potential adverse event. The primary concern is pneumothorax, a collapsed lung, which can occur if a needle is inserted too deeply in the chest or upper back. Proper licensing requires extensive training in human anatomy to ensure the practitioner avoids vulnerable structures. Verifying the practitioner’s credentials is the most effective action a patient can take to ensure safety. When performed by a qualified professional, the risk of a serious adverse event is estimated to be around 0.001% per treatment.
Situations Requiring Caution
Certain pre-existing health conditions require the practitioner to modify their treatment approach or avoid acupuncture altogether.
Medications and Bleeding Disorders
Individuals taking anticoagulant medications or those with diagnosed bleeding disorders face a higher risk of significant bruising or hematoma formation. The practitioner must be informed of these conditions to select shallower needling techniques or avoid points near large blood vessels.
Implanted Devices
Electroacupuncture, which involves passing a mild electrical current through the needles, is contraindicated for patients with pacemakers or other implanted electrical devices. The electrical stimulation could potentially interfere with the function of these devices. Patients must disclose any such implants to their practitioner before treatment begins.
Pregnancy and Skin Conditions
Acupuncture during pregnancy requires specialized knowledge, as certain points are known to stimulate uterine contractions. While acupuncture can be safely used for pregnancy-related symptoms, the practitioner must be trained to avoid these contraindicated points, particularly during the first trimester. Treatment should also be avoided on any area of the skin affected by an active infection, open wound, or severe skin conditions. Needling into an infected site risks spreading the infection.