Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture is generally considered a safe and low-risk therapy, but like any medical treatment, it can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects of acupuncture include:

• Soreness: It's common to feel some soreness or tenderness around the site of the acupuncture needles. This usually lasts for a few hours after the treatment.
• Bruising: Some people may experience minor bruising or discoloration around the site of the acupuncture needles.
• Fatigue: After an acupuncture treatment, some people may feel tired or fatigued for a few hours or even a day or two.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: In some cases, acupuncture can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially if you get up too quickly after the treatment.
• Fainting: Fainting is a rare side effect of acupuncture, but it can happen to some people, especially those who are prone to fainting or have low blood pressure.
• Infection: There is a small risk of infection associated with acupuncture, as the needles are entering the body from an outside environment. This risk is mediated with proper sterilization procedures.

It's important to note that the risk of serious side effects from acupuncture is very low when the treatment is performed by a qualified and licensed practitioner. Licensing status of California acupuncturists can be found here.

• Relaxation: Acupuncture can induce a state of deep relaxation, which can lead to feelings of drowsiness or fatigue. This is a common and desirable effect of acupuncture, as relaxation can help reduce stress and promote healing.
• Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system: Acupuncture can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating rest and digestion. This can slow down heart rate, lower blood pressure, and cause feelings of relaxation and sleepiness.
• Releasing of toxins: Acupuncture can help release toxins and other waste products from the body, which can temporarily cause feelings of fatigue or malaise.
• Dehydration: Acupuncture can stimulate the body's internal processes, which can increase fluid circulation and cause temporary dehydration. This can lead to feelings of tiredness or lethargy.

Review our list of general recommendations from acupuncturists, highlighting what not to do before and after your session. As you explore our FAQs about acupuncture, keep in mind that some of these actions may be advised post-treatment if the practitioner believes they will enhance the treatment's effectiveness or provide additional benefits.

• Intense physical activity: Most acupuncture treatments aim to harmonize or specifically direct qi and blood circulation, and because intense physical activity will divert circulation for energy expenditure in the body's musculature, it is not recommended to perform such activities for several hours after treatment. Orthopedic acupuncture advises against strenuous exercises that employ the injured muscles, joints, or tissue.
• Massage or manual therapy: For the same reasons as vigorous physical activity. Massage and manual therapies affect circulation and can interfere with acupuncture treatment. Manual therapy and/or massage usually follow acupuncture treatments for orthopedic or pain management.
• Coffee or alcohol: These substances affect the cardiovascular system and may counteract the effects of acupuncture.
• Sauna or Bath: Heat induces vasodilation (opening of blood vessels) and can improve Orthopedic Acupuncture's effects. As indicated above, doing this after an acupuncture treatment may harm the results and put people at danger of hot baths and saunas.
• Ice packs: Cold causes vasoconstriction, which reduces circulation. After improving circulation, this wouldn't help either. Ice reduces edema in orthopedics and pain management, but its vasoconstriction slows healing.