What Are the Risks of Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a safe and effective form of treatment when performed by a certified and competent professional. The most common side effects are minor pain and bleeding or bruising at the site of needle insertion. As single-use, disposable needles are now standard practice, the risk of infection is minimal. To ensure safety, it is important to only receive acupuncture from an accredited and properly trained health professional, using clean, disposable needles. Although the risks of acupuncture are low, there is still a chance of complications if it is not performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner.