Monday, April 28, 2008

Is acupuncture safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.

Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used. Occasional complications have resulted from inadequate sterilization of needles and from improper delivery of treatments. Dr. Mathew's clinic only uses FDA approved set of disposable needles taken from a sealed package for each patient.

People with cardiac pacemakers, infusion pumps, or other electrical devices should avoid electroacupuncture. Please tell us if you use one of of these devices. Acupuncture can result in complications if administered to pregnant women. Please advice us if you are pregnant or trying become pregnant.

When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections and punctured organs. So, acupuncture is not a therapy that can be done at home by yourselves or by amateurs. Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified therapist.