are there any side effect to acupuncture? also how deep does the needle go in?

Question

any side effects to acupuncture

Answer 1

No side affects. I think it's just at the surface of the skin enough to hit nerves.

Answer 2

There are different styles of acupuncture using different sizes of needles and different depths. There is actually a style popular among the blind acupuncturists of japan where the needle only touches the skin and doesn't go in at all. Generally it does not go in very far - half centimetre perhaps, but in some places times and people - particularly when there is a large layer of fat it has to go in a long way to get past the fat.

the needles are not supposed to hit nerves - that would hurt they are inserted in points in the skin with particularly low electrical resistance (you can find the acupuncture points and lines with electric equipment that measures resistance) It is not yet known how this is related to health, but it may be to do with the magnetic field the body creates.

I have found that how much it hurts depends on how good the practitioner is. I went to one who had done the full chinese traditional training, and i could barely feel the needle at all. Others hurt a little more. Sometimes when they hit a point that is particularly tense it can ache a bit, but it is kind of good too, because you can feel it relaxing.

Acupuncture does use up some of the bodies energy in doing its work so you can feel a bit weak. Also healing itself does involve some uncomfortable feelings - depending on the disease - for example if someone has a stomach bug sometimes they have to throw up before they feel better. So you can't expect it to be all rosy.

Answer 3

The mild pain should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. Let me put it simply - Acupuncture is smoothing out blocked Qi (energy) that is stuck in areas of your body. When a garden hose gets a kink in it, the water stops flowing. When you straighten the hose, the built up pressure makes the water burst out in the beginning. This is what can happen when you first have acupuncture. It is common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation/ pain immediately following the treatment. These effects should wear off within 24-48 hours.

Answer 4

The needles are about the thickness of a hair.

I doubt you will feel the needles at all. There are only three or four accupuncture points that are painful.

The needles will only go about 1/8th of an inch deep.

The only side effect is that if a neddle misses an accupuncture point; it will neither stimulate or block the flow of ch'i, and the accupuncturist will have to remove the needle and insert it again.

Answer 5

Sometimes things such as nauseau can occur after accupuncture (I have found this out from others who have tried it) but that is very rare.

As for the needles themselves they are inserted right under the skin. They are not that painful.

I did 6 treatments with an accupuncturist for my osteoarthritis 15 years ago and it was quite helpful. I wish I could do it again.

Answer 6

Yeah, you'll feel absolutely wonderful . Not sure how deep - just know it hits the nerve and works wonders.

Answer 7

There shouldn't be side effects. It sounds like Eyebright has said it all so I defer to her, him, or it. It always helps when a personal experience is relayed.

Answer 8

your skin could get irritated a bit. and the needle goes in just a few centimeters. im not totally sure.

Answer 9

i have herd from some people that they barf a few times after the first session. why i have no idea.

Answer 10

yes