Are Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Safe?

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are gaining popularity among Americans for treating diseases that are resistant to medical therapies. These Chinese treatment methods are based on the mystical belief that a cosmic energy, Chi, flows throughout the human body and its blockage results in illness or pain.

Using acupuncture and Chinese medicine (mainly herbs) restores the Chi flow to normal and thus cures the illness. Acupuncture attempts to arrive at this aim by inserting needles into specific points on the skin (or on the external ear). Several medical authorities and professionals have lately challenged acupuncture and Chinese medicine as not free of risk.

Risks Associated with Traditional Chinese Treatment

A number of risks are associated with acupuncture. For example, if the needle handling is not carried out with care, it can cause fainting, hematoma (localized bleeding that can shift along the organ's length), punctured lung, convulsions, and localized infections. If the needles used are not sterilized, Hepatitis B might result. Skin diseases and nerve damage are other risks. However, more than one study confirms that if a trained physician is performing the acupuncture, then the practice is virtually risk-free.