Acupuncture Side Effects

Are you considering acupuncture chicago loop illinois treatment, but still not sure about the possible benefits and side effects? You are not alone. Many people in western cultures are not as familiar with acupuncture treatment as more modern treatment therapies. Acupuncture is a natural treatment therapy used to treat a wide variety of physical conditions and symptoms including chronic pain, depression, anxiety, infertility, and sleep loss. The treatment method can be incredibly effective in treating conditions on its own or in conjunction with more conventional treatment approaches or drug-treatments. Below is more information on the use of acupuncture and the possible side effects of the treatment.

What Is Acupuncture Used For?

The use of acupuncture treatment in western societies continues to grow in popularity. Today the natural treatment method is used to treat much more than just chronic pain or tension, including health conditions and physical ailments such as:

• Emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD
• Digestive and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, or irritable bowel syndrome
• Chronic pain disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis through targeting decreases in proinflammatory markers
• Neurological problems such as chronic migraine headaches
• Improvements in general health including weight loss, improvements in sleep, and reducing general stress-related tension and fatigue

Side Effects of Acupuncture

As you would expect with any conventional treatment therapy, there are some possible risks associated with acupuncture treatment. While these risks are not common, you should be aware of them prior to seeking out the treatment. Possible side effects of acupuncture include:

• pain and bleeding from the needles
• skin irritation or rashes
• bruising or delayed pain in the treated area
• nausea
• dizziness
• fainting

Beyond those listed above, there are more rare and dangerous side effects of acupuncture. These more severe side effects include infection, nerve and blood vessel injury, punctured organs, or severe bleeding. Additionally, if part of a needle breaks off and is left under the skin after treatment this can result in more dangerous complications. Due to the risk of bleeding, acupuncture may not be right for individuals with bleeding disorders or those who are taking blood thinners.

The best way to avoid these possible side effects from acupuncture treatment, both the more common and the most severe, is to do the research and make sure the practitioner you are planning to visit is a licensed and properly trained professional.

Make sure to read their reviews and confirm with them prior to your visit that they are using sterilized needles that are disposable and not reused on multiple patients. Another potential side effect is using acupuncture in place of standard care for a serious condition. Delaying standard conventional care may have serious consequences that could be avoided.

Weighing the possible benefits and side effects

As with most treatment therapies, acupuncture can be very effective when it is used appropriately and administered correctly. Acupuncture can be especially effective when it is used in conjunction with more conventional treatment or drugs. If you are considering seeking out acupuncture therapy for a chronic or persistent condition, have a conversation with your doctor about whether it may be appropriate for you.

More on Acupuncture : What is Acupuncture?