They may promote physical and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective alone or when used with conventional therapies to treat these conditions: Upset stomach (nausea) caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy. Dental pain after surgery.

The risks of acupuncture are low if you have a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner using sterile needles. Common side effects include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. Single-use, disposable needles are now the practice standard, so the risk of infection is minimal.

It is recommended to avoid showering immediately after acupuncture, especially if you have sensitive skin or if the needles were inserted on areas of your body that may be more prone to irritation.

Two specific contraindications deserve special mention: patients with an AICD should avoid any electromagnetic stimulation that might be used as a form of acupuncture. Also, it is not recommended that patients that suffer or are predisposed to suffer from psychosis or delusions undergo acupuncture as well.