by Philp Babitsky

Created on: May 30, 2009

The fear of needles is widespread amongst people, as no one likes to be probed or poked by tens or sometimes even hundreds of thin needles. Therefore, when people who are unfamiliar with acupuncture first hear of the practise, they are excited about the mysticism of using ancient eastern medicine to help the healing process. However, once a lot of patients actually understand that acupuncture involves the use of needles, they become scared, a rather natural reaction. People have inbuilt mechanisms that creates an unpleasant feeling when foreign matter touches or penetrates the body. This is entirely normal as this instinct allows people to survive serious injuries like cuts and tears. Once the treatment is administered by a well trained practitioner, acupuncture becomes one of the safest forms of medical treatments of various illnesses.

The risks involved in acupuncture are usually very mild. These involve light bleeding from needles piercing small arteries, to feeling nauseous, to having headaches. However, there are certain rules of common sense that need to be followed, so that a complimentary and beneficial treatment like acupuncture does not become potentially lethal. The risks to look out for and avoid are:

((( RULES TO FOLLOW )))

a) The practitioner that is advertising their service should be well trained and have official qualifications that are recognised by boards of natural medicine. These qualifications and the doctor's identification should be easily proved. The practitioner should also have full insurance cover in case something does go wrong.

b) The clinic where acupuncture will be administered should be clean, sterile. The premises should be well maintained and in good working order.

c) It is important that the treatment table that you will be lying down on is very clean, hygienic and sterile. All sheets, pillows and covers should be fresh, clean and disposable (if the practitioner can afford this).

d) The practitioner must use disposable (single use) needles for each and every patient. You should see the doctor open up a fresh packet of acupuncture needles every time in front of you for safety reasons.

e) Describe your condition, the medication you take and other problems in detail to your acupuncurist, so that they can create a proper diagnosis and administer the right treatment.

f) Follow all safety instructions that the practitioner emphasises. Whether it is the position that you should be lying in, to whether to hold your breath

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