The benefits of acupuncture are:
When performed correctly it is safe
There are very few side effects
It is a very effective combination treatment
It is effective in controlling some types of pain
It may be considered for patients who do not respond to pain medications
It is a useful alternative for patients who do not want to take pain medications.
The risks of acupuncture are:
It is dangerous if the patient has a bleeding disorder
It the dangerous if the patient is taking blood thinners
There may be bleeding, bruising and soreness at the insertion sites
The needle may break and damage an internal organ (very rare)
Unsterilized needles may infect the patient
When inserted deeply into the chest or upper back there is a risk of collapsed lung (very rare)