Are there restrictions or precautions for using acupuncture
Author: SCIRE Community Team | Reviewer: Amrit Dhaliwal | Published: 5 July 2019 | Updated: ~
There are certain situations in which acupuncture may not be safe to use. This is not a complete list; please consult a health provider for detailed safety information before using this treatment.
Acupuncture should be used with caution in the following situations:
It is important to consider whether acupuncture will be safe for you.4
- By certain groups of people, such as children, pregnant women, and people with medical conditions (such as heart conditions, osteoporosis, or weakened immune systems)
- Near major organs (such as certain places on the torso or neck)
- By people who are prone to fainting or have a fear of needles
- By people who are prone to autonomic dysreflexia
- By people who are at risk of bleeding (including people taking anticoagulants)
- By people who are unable to follow instructions or provide accurate feedback
Acupuncture should not be used in the following situations:
- By people with metal allergies
- In areas with open, infected, inflamed skin or recent surgery
- Near tumors
