Safety and Contraindications
In view of the "regulatory action" of acupuncture, it is difficult to stipulate absolute contraindications for this form of therapy. However, for reasons of safety, it should be avoided in the following conditions
Pregnancy acupuncture
If you are pregnant, It is mandatory you inform your Acupuncturist about it. Acupuncture may induce labour and, therefore, should not be performed in pregnancy, unless needed for other therapeutic purposes and then only with great caution. Just the act of needling with a certain mode of manipulation at certain acupuncture points may cause strong uterine contractions and induce abortion. However, this may have a use in pregnancy for the purpose of inducing labour or shortening its duration.
Medical emergencies and surgical conditions
Acupuncture is contraindicated in emergencies. In such cases, first aid should be applied and transport to a medical emergency centre arranged. Acupuncture should not be used to replace a necessary surgical intervention.
Malignant Tumours
Acupuncture should not be used for the treatment of malignant tumours. In particular, needling at the tumour site should be prohibited. However, acupuncture may be used as a complementary measure, in combination with other treatments, for the relief of pain or other symptoms, to alleviate sideeffects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and thus to improve the quality of life.
Bleeding Disorders
Needling should be avoided in patients with bleeding and clotting disorders, or who are on anticoagulant therapy or taking drugs with an anticoagulant effect.