Abstract
Objective: To perform a pilot study to monitor 'side effects' and accompanying symptoms associated with acupuncture treatment and thus collecting first experiences about how risks and safety of this therapy might be studied in a reliable manner. Methods. 121 consecutive patients treated within a hospital for traditional Chinese medicine in Germany were repeatedly interviewed in a standardized manner about 'side effects' experienced during or after acupuncture treatment sessions. Results: 34 patients (28.1%) reported for at least one session the occurrence of a 'side effect'. The most frequently reported 'side effect' was marked needling pain. Conclusion: In this study about one in four patients reported mild 'side effects' from acupuncture. Due to methodological problems the results of this pilot investigation should be interpreted with great caution.
| Translated title of the contribution | Adverse effects and concomitant symptoms associated with acupuncture treatment - A pilot study |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Pages (from-to) | 87-92 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Akupunktur |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| State | Published - 1998 |
| Externally published | Yes |