Understanding and Managing Bruising from Acupuncture Therapy

Understanding Bruising from Acupuncture Treatments

Acupuncture is an ancient healing therapy that has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves stimulating specific points on the body with very thin needles to balance energy and promote healing. While generally very safe, mild bruising is a common side effect of acupuncture treatment.

What Causes Bruising from Acupuncture?

Bruising may occur after acupuncture for a few reasons:

• The needles pierce tiny blood vessels under the skin during treatment.
• Certain acupuncture points overlie large blood vessels which are more prone to bruising when stimulated.
• Some people are simply more prone to bruising due to blood vessel fragility or blood clotting issues.

Which Acupuncture Points Most Often Cause Bruises?

The acupuncture points that most often cause bruising are mainly on the front of the body over the chest, abdomen, and legs. This includes common points like:

• Stomach 36 (ST-36)
• Spleen 6 (SP-6)
• Liver 3 (LV-3)
• Large Intestine 11 (LI-11)

Points on the back, arms, and lower portion of the legs rarely cause bruising. Acupuncturists often use gentler techniques at bruise-prone areas to minimize this from occurring.

Does Bruising Mean Acupuncture Was Done Incorrectly?

Not necessarily. Mild bruising is very common even when acupuncture is performed properly. However, extensive bruising usually means:

• The needles may have been inserted too deeply.
• The treatment area was manipulated too forcefully.

So some minor bruising can be expected, but repeated large bruises likely signify improper technique.

Can You Prevent and Treat Acupuncture Bruising?

It is difficult to prevent bruising completely during acupuncture. But the following can help reduce it:

Self Care Recommendations Before & After Treatment

• Avoid blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, Vitamin E
• Discontinue herbs that thin the blood
• Tell your acupuncturist if you bruise very easily

What Your Acupuncturist May Do

• Use thinner, shorter needles
• Insert needles superficially if necessary
• Apply gentle pressure instead of needle manipulation
• Use guide tubes to reduce tissue trauma

Despite precautions bruising still often occurs, but is treatable after with:

Home Remedies to Help Bruises Heal

• Cold compresses to constrict blood vessels
• Gentle massage improves circulation
• Arnica creams reduce pain and swelling
• Bromelain enzymes speed up bruise healing

Most acupuncture related bruises vanish within a few days up to a week or two.

When to Be Concerned About Acupuncture Bruising

While bruising is very common, take note if:

• Bruises seem to be getting worse over several hours
• Bruises are much larger than a few centimeters
• You suddenly develop bruises over multiple parts of your body
• You feel pain, warmth or swelling around the bruises

These can be signs of more serious bleeding under the skin. Seek medical care if concerned.

Other Serious Risks to Watch For

Along with abnormal bruising, get medical help quickly for:

• Shortness of breath
• Arm or leg numbness
• Fainting spells
• Changes in vision

These may be signs of organ damage, nerve injury or stroke after acupuncture. But such severe reactions are extremely rare.

Talk to Your Licensed Acupuncturist

Always clarify any questions or concerns about potential acupuncture risks with your licensed practitioner before starting treatment. They should explain:

• Their sterilization procedures
• Experience managing side effects
• Steps they will take to minimize any discomfort

With proper precautions, acupuncture related bruising is easily managed. The gentle healing benefits acupuncture provides makes it well worth exploring.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.