No. Acupuncture is based on science not beliefs. Beneficial effects of Acupuncture have demonstrated on animals children and adults who have never received Acupuncture before. Acupuncture effects have not been shown to depend on psychological variables. As with any medical modality, a positive and open mind approach supports healing and improves outcomes.

Because of its minimal side effects, acupuncture is a low risk, effective treatment for a wide range of conditions. As energy is stimulated from Acupuncture, internal chemicals and hormones are released and healing begins to take place. Occasionally symptoms may worsen for a few days. Other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel movements, urination patterns or emotional release states may be affected. These should not cause concern as they are simply indications that the Acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with initial treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation. Aside from the sensations described above (see “Is acupuncture painful?” above), there is a slight possibility of minor swelling, bleeding, discoloration of the skin, bruising at the needle site, or fainting (for those with a high aversion to needles or needle shock). Acupuncture can be potentially dangerous if a patient has a bleeding disorder or is on blood thinning medication.

According to AcuTakeHealth.com, the following side effects can occur in addition to those listed above.

• Worse symptoms – referred to by many as a “healing crisis.”
• Fatigue following a treatment.
• Muscle twitching away from the treatment site during a visit.
• Emotional release – crying, laughing
• Infection – invariably the result of improper sterilization techniques.
  • This is NOT an issue at SCO Medical Center.
  • We follow strict sterilization procedures on all our equipment. And, we only use disposable, pre-sterilized needles in compliance with California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Section 1399.454
  • In very rare cases a needle can break and damage an internal organ.
  • In very rare cases there is risk of pneumothorax if needle inserted into chest or upper back punctures a lung
• Important!
  • You need to tell your acupuncturist about all existing medical conditions because:
  • People with implanted electrical devices should not use electroacupuncture.
  • Some conditions limit the types of Chinese herbs used.

• They must be licensed to practice in the State of California (as indicated by L.Ac. following their name), be a licensed physician, dentist, or podiatrist, or have a national certification from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
  • Verify a California License through a Department of Consumer Affairs License Search.
• How long have they been in practice? Every practitioner was brand new at some point, but you need to be comfortable with their length in practice.
• Do they have experience in your specific condition? Make sure that they do.
  • Ask for examples of successful outcomes.
• Acknowledges the value of Western medicine in your treatment, and has experience integrating it with their TCM and acupuncture practice.
  • Make sure they can work closely with your primary physician or specialist.
• When you meet with a practitioner, are you comfortable with their “bedside” manner?
• Maintains malpractice insurance and has a good record.