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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

A Mechanical Construction to Enhance the Stability and Safety of Lifting and Thrusting Manipulation of Acupuncture
07:29

A Mechanical Construction to Enhance the Stability and Safety of Lifting and Thrusting Manipulation of Acupuncture

Published on: January 10, 2025

The risks of acupuncture.

E Ernst1

  • 1Centre for Complementary Health Studies, University of Exeter, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter EX2 4NT, UK Postgraduate Medical School, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK.

The International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine
|March 21, 2013
PubMed
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Acupuncture carries risks including infections like AIDS and hepatitis, tissue trauma causing pneumothorax, and broken needles. Therapist competence is also a concern, highlighting the need for better safety standards.

Area of Science:

  • Integrative Medicine
  • Public Health
  • Patient Safety

Background:

  • Acupuncture is a widely used procedure often perceived as safe.
  • Evidence regarding the potential risks associated with acupuncture requires thorough review.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review published evidence on the potential risks of acupuncture.
  • To assess the safety concerns related to acupuncture practice.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of published literature on acupuncture-related adverse events.
  • Analysis of direct risks (infections, trauma, needle breakage) and indirect risks (therapist competence).

Main Results:

  • Acupuncture needle use can lead to infections (e.g., AIDS, hepatitis) and tissue trauma (e.g., pneumothorax).

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 13, 2026

A Mechanical Construction to Enhance the Stability and Safety of Lifting and Thrusting Manipulation of Acupuncture
07:29

A Mechanical Construction to Enhance the Stability and Safety of Lifting and Thrusting Manipulation of Acupuncture

Published on: January 10, 2025

  • Needle breakage with fragment dislodgement is a potential complication.
  • Therapist competence and adherence to diagnostic standards significantly impact patient safety.

    • Conclusions:

    • The true risk of acupuncture is difficult to quantify but is influenced by direct and indirect factors.
    • Enforcing educational and clinical standards is crucial to mitigate acupuncture-related risks.