4 ways that acupuncture is a truly safe (and time-tested) healer

When in the hands of a qualified practitioner like our professionals at the Connecticut Center for Integrative Medicine, acupuncture is a safe and effective way to relieve pain and numerous other symptoms and conditions that stand between you and your best life. In fact, acupuncture’s safety has been well-demonstrated as a more than 4,500-year-old traditional Chinese medical technique. It is often used with conventional medicine and other modalities, such as interdisciplinary and multi-dimensional approaches, which are a cornerstone of our functional medicine approach in Stamford. Our team is pleased to guide our neighbors from across the greater Fairfield and Westchester County area through four more ways to demonstrate the safety of this ancient and time-tested practice.

No. 1: Few contraindications

Almost everyone can benefit from acupuncture. Very few strict conditions would preclude you from this technique, a characteristic that only reinforces its strong safety profile. In fact, acupuncture is often recommended for vulnerable populations. It has been used safely to ease the likes of nausea and vomiting among pregnant women and children, populations that are not well-suited for all therapies and medications due to the risks of complications and adverse side effects. An exception may be made in the case of active infections, but our experienced providers will exercise their good judgment to determine if your treatment needs to be rescheduled for a later date. It’s also advised that patients with implants known as AICDs (automatic implantable cardiac defibrillators) avoid electromagnetic stimulation that can be incorporated as a form of acupuncture. 

No. 2: Minimal complications 

Any time needles are involved, there is some risk of infection, trauma, bleeding, nerve injury, and so forth. However, the same holds true of other procedures, even simple diagnostic blood draws or intravenous therapies. These complications are very rare and generally associated with less qualified and experienced practitioners. The importance of selecting the right provider cannot be overstated; when, for instance, acupuncture is not administered correctly to certain sites, pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and organ punctures have been reported. So, selecting an acupuncturist with considerable anatomical knowledge who knows what they are doing and who has a history of successful and safe treatments is essential. 

No. 3: Adverse events are technique-specific

Again, acupuncture is incredibly safe and predictable when in the right hands. Our team comprises highly qualified, licensed, and experienced acupuncturists. You also receive your care in a medical practice setting that you can trust. All these elements combine to reduce your risk of rare and serious effects, like infections or injuries. Additionally, our level of skill supports precise and painless treatment. We know exactly where and how to insert the needles in a way that is also personalized to your needs. Acupuncture is designed to relieve pain, not cause more of it! No treatment or intervention at our office should create new challenges to your health and well-being.

No. 4: Safe tools for a safe treatment experience 

Similar to the above point, we only apply sterile, stainless steel needles. These needles are single-use. Once they have been used for treatment, they are never used again. In fact, the most common yet still rare complication associated with acupuncture is infection due to the use of unsterilized needles. We stand by our treatment at every step, knowing that preparation and safeguards for your procedure are essential and there are no “shortcuts” when supporting our patients’ health, safety, and comfort. 

Likewise, this journey to better health is a shared responsibility between patient and provider. We can advise on things like proper hydration, diet, and activities to avoid or engage in to promote healing following your procedure.  

If you are interested in more information on acupuncture as a safe and effective tool for pain relief and many other conditions, request an appointment today! The Connecticut Center for Integrative Medicine, Serving Fairfield, CT, and Westchester County from our office in Stamford, can be reached at (866) 320-6402.

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