Sage-Tips

Can acupuncture puncture your lung?

Despite being a rare event, punctured lungs are a common and serious complication described in acupuncture. Just a few months ago, we reported on an older woman whose lung collapsed after a thin acupuncture needle was inserted into her back.

Can acupuncture go too deep?

Acupuncture Risks In some acupuncture points, needles inserted too deeply can puncture the lungs or gallbladder or cause problems with your blood vessels. That is why it is important to use a practitioner who is well-trained in acupuncture.

How deep can acupuncture needles go?

How deep do the needles go? The needle depth varies depending on location and what is being treated. Generally the needles are inserted approximately ¼- to ½-inch deep. Is there anything to avoid before and after acupuncture treatment?

Can a needle puncture a lung?

When doing these injections, it is very important for a nurse or doctor not to push the needle too deep, especially when injecting muscles in the upper back around the chest wall, as pushing the needle too deep can puncture a lung causing a collapsed lung or pneumothorax.

Can dry needling punctured a lung?

One risk associated with dry needling is accidental puncture of a lung (pneumothorax). If this were to occur, it may likely require a chest x-ray and no further treatment. The symptoms of shortness of breath may last from several days to weeks.

Is pneumothorax after acupuncture so uncommon?

Pneumothorax is known as the most common serious complication following acupuncture, but it is quite rarely reported.

Can you puncture a lung with a needle?

The most common and effective way of dealing with a punctured lung is by the insertion of a chest tube or hollow needle. For this procedure, the doctor inserts a hollow needle or chest tube into the pleural space to let the air out. A syringe is attached to the needle to draw the excess air out of the space.

How long should you wait between acupuncture treatments?

You will probably be advised to have one to two sessions a week for the first two to four weeks. According to your progress, it’ll be decided if you need to continue at this pace or if you can be switched to once a week. Once the condition is resolved, you will be able to suspend the acupuncture sessions.

Why do I feel so relaxed after acupuncture?

Feeling fatigued after acupuncture is not cause for concern, but it is a warning sign that you need to rest. Body parts where acupuncture needles get inserted can feel sore after needles are removed. Soreness from acupuncture typically dissipates within 24 hours.

Do Japanese acupuncturists use sharp needles?

Instead, ordinary acupuncture needles were inserted deeply and cut off at the skin, leaving 1-1.5 inches of sharp steel free to move in the tissues. This is extremely bad practice, but many Japanese acupuncturists are said to use it1. One must surely question the scientific and medical competence of practitioners who employ this dangerous method.

What is an acupuncture treatment like?

What a Typical Acupuncture Treatment is Like. An electrical device is connected to two to four acupuncture needles, providing a weak electrical current that stimulates the acupuncture needles during the treatment. Laser acupuncture. Said to stimulate acupuncture points without the use of needles.

Is it necessary to use cotton wool during acupuncture needling?

This practice is not necessary and should be avoided. It may cause contamination of the needle from the fingers of the acupuncturist. The use of a sterile cotton wool bud to steady the needle or of a needle guide tube facilitates aseptic needling techniques.

How does wrist acupuncture work?

For example, in wrist acupuncture the needles are inserted just under the skin of the wrist, but the needle is threaded without going any deeper for an inch or two. (This kind of acupuncture is completely painless, and if the patient feels anything, it’s being done incorrectly.)