Acupuncture treatments are safe, drug free, and free of many side effects and dependencies associated with medication. The risk of adverse reactions to acupuncture treatments, according to the British Medical Journal in their 2001 study, is less than 1 in 10,000 treatments. It is, however, important to hold your care provider to a standard. They need to be trained and certified in acupuncture treatment procedures.
Informing your acupuncturist of current medications, pregnancy, cardiac pacemaker use, or cosmetic implants will ensure the most effective and personal treatment. As with any medical treatment you receive, your care provider can only be as safe as the information that you provide them with allows. Thus, if you have any preexisting conditions or health issues, it is very important to let your acupuncturist know prior to receiving any treatment.
Here are a few additional things to look out for:
- Ensure that the care provider has their certifications and that they are up to date.
- Provide the treatment center with any relevant health details and your general medical history.
- Only accept the use of pre-sterilized single-use needles for your treatment.
- Ensure that the environment in which you receive your treatment is sterile.