On Pins & Needles: Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the world’s oldest healing treatments. It has been practiced for thousands of years in China and rapidly gaining popularity in the West. According to Traditional Chinese philosophy, acupuncture needles are placed in specific anatomic points called meridians to unblock the flow of vital life energy called qi (pronounced chee). Properly flowing qi returns the body to its natural, balanced state of health¹.

Western medicine is beginning to integrate acupuncture in its conventional practices. For example, anesthesia specialists may use it to help treat pain or postoperative nausea². While Western philosophy and science continually debates how acupuncture works, it is believed that placement of needles at the acupoints (which often correspond with the meridians) yields neurochemical changes, releases endorphins, and increases blood flow.

Adverse effects of acupuncture are rarely discussed, but as with any invasive intervention, they must be considered. Some common adverse effects might include bleeding at the puncture site, increase pain or discomfort, aggravation of symptoms, or needle breakage¹. It is important for clients to consider the cleanliness and sterilization techniques of acupuncture needles in relation to blood-borne pathogens.

The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) outlines certification requirements for licensed acupuncturists, as well as assists interested parties in locating certified practitioners. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine also has a lot of information and links related to acupuncture available.


¹Chung, A., Bui, L., & Mills, E. (2003). Adverse effects of acupuncture: Which are clinically significant? Canadian Family Physician, 49, 985-989.

²Jindal, V., Ge, A., & Mansky, P.J. (2008). Safety and efficacy of acupuncture in children: A review of the evidence. Journal of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, 30, 431-442.