I understand that the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of medical conditions by TCM varies from Western medicine.
I understand that there is risk of side effects, which may include:
Pain Acupuncture needling may cause an initial “prick” as it punctures the skin followed by a temporary achy sensation, numbness, or tingling at or near the needling sites that may radiate. These are all normal needling sensations and may last a few days. Please tell your practitioner if any sensation is too strong so they can adjust the treatment accordingly. Tuina (Chinese Massage), acupuncture insertion, acupuncture stimulation, electro-acupuncture, cupping, guasha, qigong (exercise), may all cause pain. Patient feedback is important for the student practitioner to adjust the treatment when necessary; Electrical stimulation of acupuncture needles produce a mild vibration/tapping sensation on the needles, which may be painful;
Bruising Bruising may occur anytime we puncture the skin. If you cannot have bruises on some area of the body, please inform your practitioner. The normal reaction of cupping and “gua sha” scraping is to leave red marks or bruising. This will usually slowly resolve on it’s own with 5-10 days and is part of the intentional therapeutic effect. Infection It is possible to develop an infection whenever the skin is punctured despite using single use disposable needles and clean needle technique. Please inform us if you have a known immune problem so we can take special precautions.
Burns & Smoke Irritation Heat therapy and moxibustion may cause redness, blistering or unintentional burns and/or scarring. It is important to verbally communicate with your practitioner if any heat therapy feels too hot. Smoke from moxibustion may cause coughing, lung irritation, headaches or allergic reactions for those sensitive to scents or smoke;
Feeling of Relaxed or Sleepy It is common to feel relaxed or sleepy after treatment so avoid getting up too quickly and rushing anywhere directly after treatment. Give yourself time to adjust after treatment before driving or using the stairs or any other potentially dangerous activity.
Dizziness & Fainting Dizziness or fainting can occur as a result of treatment. Please tell us if you are prone to fainting. Important factors that can decrease this risk include ensuring you have had sufficient food, ensuring you have not had any drugs or alcohol prior to treatment, communicating if the stimulation is uncomfortably strong, and getting up slowly after treatment.
Drug-herb Interactions Herbal dietary supplements (which are from plant, animal, and mineral sources) may have a strong smell or taste, be toxic in large doses, may be inappropriate during pregnancy and have some side effects such as uneasiness in the stomach, nausea, loose stools or other digestive reactions. If you experience such a reaction to the herbs you should inform your practitioner. Do not take herbs within two hours of taking other medications as they may interfere with each other. If you experience any adverse side effects, stop taking the herbs and contact your practitioner immediately. Severe allergic reactions are rare, however, if you experience severe allergic reactions, seek immediate medical attention. Oils, plasters, or other topical herbs may stain clothing or skin and may cause skin irritation. If the skin is irritated, reduce frequency and quantity. If irritation continues, discontinue use entirely and contact your practitioner for an alternative.
Auricular acupuncture patches need to be removed after 3 days to avoid infection;
Other unusual risks include spontaneous miscarriage, nerve damage, organ puncture, lung puncture (pneumothorax), infection, shock, complication, death and other unknown and unintended side effects;
During the course of treatments some symptoms may temporarily worsen before improving.