Why can pain get worse after acupuncture?

The pain of the body area to be treated may initially become stronger shortly after the acupuncture treatment. This seems paradoxical, but can be observed in many alternative medical treatment methods. This is referred to as “initial worsening”, which in many cases seems necessary before the actual healing of the pain can begin.

Behind this is an irritation of the affected area before the self-healing forces of the body take effect and fight the actual cause. The mental focusing of the original pain after acupuncture also plays a role. The concentration on the pain allows it to come to the fore and appear stronger before acupuncture can take effect.

These two phases of healing are sometimes referred to as the “initial effect” and “after-effect”. However, the aim of acupuncture is of course to keep the painful initial effect as low as possible. The local pain that can occur after the sting is also summarized under the term “first effect”.

Pain at the injection site

The needles that are pricked into the skin during acupuncture are very thin and are usually applied carefully so that no tissue structures are damaged. In the subcutaneous tissue there are small nerves, blood vessels, small skin muscles and various other structures that could theoretically be damaged by a needle stick. Even if a small local irritation develops, this should subside after a few days.

Permanent damage in the area of the puncture is very unlikely. Rarely, especially with unofficial and untrained acupuncturists, infections at the puncture site can occur. Small bacteria or viruses are brought under the skin by the puncture and can cause pain, redness and swelling.

Pain after acupuncture during pregnancy

Acupuncture during pregnancy can be performed without hesitation but with caution.Acupuncture primarily stimulates the self-healing powers of the body and does not release any active substance for the entire body into the circulation, so the growing child is not threatened. In very rare cases, particularly sensitive patients may experience physical stress with panic as a reaction to the stimulus. If there is an extreme fear of acupuncture and small needles, acupuncture should be avoided if possible, especially during pregnancy.

In the worst case, the stimulus can cause cramps or even premature contractions. However, since these complications are extremely rare, acupuncture can normally be performed without hesitation during pregnancy. It is a popular pain therapy measure, especially in preparation for birth.

You are pregnant and thinking about acupuncture? Here you can find more information about it: Acupuncture during pregnancy. Many pregnant women can be treated with acupuncture before the birth in order to reduce the pain and discomfort of the birth process.

The self-healing powers of the body should concentrate on the birth process before the birth to minimize the pain. However, there is no guarantee of pain relief. The typical side effects of acupuncture can also occur here, which in rare cases lead to pain or even to an initial worsening. Are you pregnant and thinking about acupuncture before giving birth?