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Safety · Source check 2026-08-24

Acupuncture Risks and Side Effects

What are the risks of acupuncture, and what should be checked before treatment?

A dim desk with a glass of water, a closed notebook, and morning light through a window

Acupuncture can cause side effects, and rare serious injuries have been reported. The practical check is to ask about sterile, single-use needles, disclose medicines and supplements, and seek prompt care for concerning symptoms.

What the record looks for

Federal regulation classifies acupuncture needles as single-use devices and sets conditions for their safe marketing. Consumer safety also depends on practitioner scope, hygiene, health history, and clear follow-up instructions.

Comparator checkRead separately: versus sham, versus no treatment, versus usual care, and versus another active treatment.

What this does not establish

A safety overview cannot tell a reader whether treatment is suitable for them. Bleeding risk, pregnancy, implanted devices, cancer treatment, infection, sudden symptoms, and medication changes are matters for the relevant clinical team.

Before acting on this page

  1. Write down the outcome you hope to change and how you would notice it.
  2. Bring medicines, supplements, and relevant health questions to the clinician coordinating care.
  3. Verify a practitioner’s applicable license and ask about scope, consent, costs, and sterile single-use needles.

Sources to inspect

21 CFR 880.5580, NCCIH acupuncture overview, NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

Checked 2026-08-24. Source pages are linked for direct review; this publication paraphrases rather than reproduces their text.