As with most medical treatments, there a number of benefits and risks associated with acupuncture. Potential benefits include:

• Pain relief. Acupuncture can ease and control numerous types of pain.
  
  
• Symptom relief. Treatment can reduce symptoms or side effects associated with medical conditions. For instance, many cancer patients report less nausea and fatigue from chemotherapy and radiation treatments when receiving acupuncture.
  
  
• Safety. Acupuncture is a relatively safe procedure when performed properly.
  
  
• Versatility. Acupuncture can be used alone or as a compliment to other treatment methods, such as physical therapy or biofeedback. It is also an alternative for patients who do not respond or do not wish to take pain medication.
  
  
• Availability. Acupuncture is becoming increasingly more accessible in Western medical settings.

Potential risks associated with acupuncture include:

• Failure of treatment. Acupuncture does not work for all patients.
  
  
• Bleeding. There is a risk of minor bleeding associated with acupuncture. People with bleeding disorders and those taking anticoagulants are advised not to use acupuncture because of this risk.
  
  
• Soreness or pain. This may result from improper needle placement, movement of the patient or a defect in the needle.
  
  
• Organ punctures. If delivered improperly, acupuncture can result in puncture of an organ.
  
  
• Infection. Patients may develop an infection as the result of inadequately sterilized needles.
  
  
• Transmission of an infectious disease. As with all procedures involving the use of needles, acupuncture carries a risk of transmitting an infectious disease.
  
  
• Broken needles. There is a small risk that an acupuncture needle may break, leaving a piece of metal imbedded in the skin.
  
  
• Forgotten needles. There is a slight risk that a practitioner may accidentally leave an acupuncture needle in the skin at the end of a treatment session.
  

Patients can dramatically reduce these risks by seeking treatment from a qualified, certified and experienced practitioner.