Acupuncture: Complications are preventable not adverse events |
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Authors: | Ping-chung Leung Lang Zhang and King-fai Cheng |
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Institution: | (1) Institute of Chinese Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China |
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Abstract: | If adverse effects are understood as “something that happened unexpectedly” while receiving drug treatment, there is no difference
between adverse effects and complications. However, acupuncture is a process different from the use of drugs. While acupuncture
procedures should not be taken for granted as safe, complications causing harm are usually, according to the authors, the
result of negligence, and should be differentiated from other adverse effects. Harmful complications noted consisted of bleeding
and damage to the tissues and organs under the puncture sites. Adverse effects consisted of symptomatology like fainting and
other systemic disturbances difficult to explain. In a study of acupuncture complications and adverse effects in 2000 procedures
conducted by experienced professional acupuncturists in a research institution, it was found that complications did not occur,
and adverse events happened infrequently. Attempts were made to explain the causes of adverse effects. Now that acupuncture
is being widely incorporated into medical practice, a good understanding of adverse effects and complications would be necessary
and helpful. |
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Keywords: | acupuncture complications adverse effects |
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