Is this normal? I’ve got a bruise from Acupuncture.

So you decided to try acupuncture and you’re feeling great, but shortly after treatment you notice a bruise on one of the treated areas. Naturally you want to know: Is this normal?

Adverse side effects of acupuncture, such as slight bruising, are rare but do happen on occasion. Although acupuncture needles are extremely fine, they sometimes hit small blood vessels, causing a minor bruise to form in that area. Typically, these bruises are painless and disappear within a few days. If you are concerned about a bruise that has resulted from acupuncture, be sure to tell your acupuncturist. They are always monitoring results of every treatment and will try to adjust techniques to deter this response.

Certain medications, thin skin, spleen qi deficiency and/or a tendency to bruise easily are also factors that contribute to bruising. Apart from its appearance, a small bruise from acupuncture is not cause for alarm.

When Should I Worry?

If you receive an acupuncture treatment and afterward experience large bruises, swelling or experience ongoing or severe pain, you should contact your doctor and acupuncturist.