Jan
10
What kind of side effects are there after acupuncture?
By
Question: My wife had acupuncture done today for the first time and is experiencing a mild pinching pain in her abdomen is this normal? She had it done in her abdomen area to treat female problems.
Does anyone know or had experience this please send feedback.
4 Comments
January 10th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
She should be fine after another treatment or 2. There shouldnt be any side effects from accupuncture. Accupuncture works by clearing chi blockages in ur body to promote health. Chinese medicine believes that chi blockages cause illness.
January 10th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
If the pinching sensation is more superficially located and on/near the site of the needle insertion, then it is likely a minor after effect of the acupuncture needle. Acupuncture needles do cause a micro-injury at the site of the insertion and can often be felt for a few hours after the treatment. This is not an unusual occurrence. It is a minor effect, and, assuming it is evening where you are at, it should fade by morning.
It is also possible that there is a bruise in the deeper layers of the dermis that has not become visible on the skin surface. The bruise will appear within the next day or two if this is the case. This is a minor negative effect of acupuncture that will heal like any other bruise.
If the pinching is located more deeply, and/or away from the site of the needle insertion it is most likely a treatment reaction that is slightly stronger than intended. Gynecological issues often have a component referred to as Blood Stasis. Blood Stasis is a classification given to identify fixed pain, dysmennorrhea, and other physical symptoms. The start of correcting the imbalance can sometimes result in an increase of discomfort right at the beginning.
It is similar to having a foot fall asleep. What’s the first thing one feels when circulation is restored; when the imbalance is corrected? Pins and Needles sensation. There is an uncomfortable time frame as things improve. With acupuncture tx, this sometimes occurs during one of the first few treatments.
If the sensation continues tomorrow morning call the acupuncture office and discuss the situation with the acupuncturist. However, from what you’ve expressed here there isn’t a big reason for concern. It’s well within common responses.
One thing she can try if it is distressing her is to place a warm compress on the area for 10-15 minutes.
January 10th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
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.
January 10th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Acupuncture has been linked to several nerve problems as well as necrotic ulcers, and infections from poorly cleaned needles. It sounds like there could be some nerve damage, on a small level hopefully. I’d stay away from any more treatments and if the pain persists, go see a real Doc.