Fatal and adverse events from acupuncture: allegation, evidence, and the implications

In response to recent reviews in the literature that have focused on adverse events due to acupuncture treatment, this article reexamines the original reports from which they derive, particularly the fatalities allegedly caused by acupuncture. The article explores some important issues relating to the debate on risk and safety. Education and research strategies need to be developed so that the acupuncture profession can continue to minimize the likelihood of adverse events occurring in the future.