For most patients we work with, one of the most attractive aspects of alternative medicine is generally low risk of Side effects. These therapies are far less likely to damage healthy tissue or induce toxicity than traditional cancer treatments.
However, according to an article in the latest issue of The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, acupuncture ?? one alternative therapies of the most commonly used cancer ?? can cause some side effects if done incorrectly.
The study examined 167 articles in Chinese medical databases over a period of 44 years. All this time, 1,038 patients have adverse reactions to acupuncture treatments. The most common included:
- Syncope (fainting) ?? 468 patients
- pneumothorax (collapsed lung) ?? 307 patients
- subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding into the space around the brain) ?? 64 patients
The researchers determined that although these side effects have the potential to be a significant threat, they are possible to avoid.
They identified three main causes side effects, and with particular attention to both the patient and the practitioner, it is quite possible to avoid them.
what you can do to avoid unwanted effects of Acupuncture
researchers identified three main factors contributing to these side effects: patient mental tension, abuse by the doctor and incomplete sterilization practices. Each of these three factors can be solved by simple research and preparation. To help reduce your risk of adverse reactions to acupuncture, consider the following steps:
- Find relaxation techniques that work for you. Squeamish about needles? Close your eyes. Visualize a positive place. Adopt a mantra empowerment. Focus on the benefits your body is about to receive. Those advices ?? with many others can provide your acupuncturist ?? can help you relax during the session, which reduces the risk of side effects related to the voltage.
- Confirm training and licensing your acupuncturist. An acupuncture practitioner can be either authorized or certified. Certified acupuncturists are usually doctors with extensive medical experience who have completed up to 300 hours of home study training. These professionals are not required to take examinations or treat patients before they receive their certificate.
Furthermore, licensed acupuncturists undergo more than 2,000 hours of master level training in an approved establishment. licensed acupuncturists must pass a national certification exam, and when they receive their license, they have already treated at least 250 patients under the supervision of their coach. licensed acupuncturists must also take continuing education courses to stay current on security procedures and acupuncture techniques.
Although both types of acupuncturists can skillfully perform the procedure, licensed acupuncturists are more likely to know which methods are the safest and most effective.
- Ask for clarification on the sterilization process. Your acupuncturist should be prepared to explain how they clean their hands between patients. Steam sterilization is the most widely used method, and it is fully effective when performed using 100 percent saturated steam which is free from air. The process lasts between three and 30 minutes, depending on the temperature of the machine. You may even be able to ask your doctor to complete the sterilization process in your presence for peace of mind. Do not allow your doctor to use needles that have been boiled or soaked in alcohol ?? these methods do not kill all bacteria or viruses that may infect your acupuncture needle.
Many acupuncturists use disposable needles to prevent the need for sterilization completely. disposable needles come in a sterilized packaging and are removed after the acupuncture treatment of each patient. You can ask the acupuncturist before the appointment, they use disposable needles.
While it is important to follow these steps for safe acupuncture procedure, it is also important to remember that the side effects are relatively rare. In the study of 44 years, a little more than 1,000 adverse reactions were reported in China ?? a country where Oriental medicine techniques are often at the heart of medical treatment.
Have you tried acupuncture? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook.
