How Common is fainting during Acupuncture treatment?

by admin on November 16, 2009

I’m thinking of trying acupuncture but I’m worried I’ll faint during treatment. I’ve read this is possible but does anyone know how common it is or what would cause it?

It is very rare. I have never seen or heard of anyone fainting while getting acupuncture. It is best to be laying down in a relaxing position. My suggestion is that you have a healthy snack a half hour before the treatment, because after the needles are all out and you get up to go is when I have seen some people get a little funny feeling for a few seconds. Usually it is because they need to eat and it resolves quickly, but avoided with not getting a treatment on an empty stomach. Some people actually like this feeling because they feel lite and floaty.

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

happytravelers58 November 16, 2009 at 5:38 pm

If you believe you will faint, you will.
Be positive and give it a try.
References :
Personal exp.

RL November 16, 2009 at 5:54 pm

I had acupuncture and I have an aversion to needles and I did not faint. I would think fainting would be a very rare occurrence for anyone and that might be from nerves rather than acupuncture.
References :

aximili12hp November 16, 2009 at 6:01 pm

If you’re nervous and think you’ll faint, the odds are higher that you will.

But normally, acupuncture is calm and soothing. I’ve had acupuncture done to me several times and I’ve never fainted. I almost fell asleep once because I was so relaxed, but that’s beside the point.
And that was with my fear of needles at ten years old (I was a wild child and would get a variety of injuries).

I recommend it, since it does help and it is a great experience. And a few years ago, my mother suffered of a terrible back ache and cramping and stiffness that wouldn’t let her move at all without causing her great pain. She went the the acupuncturist and when she returned, she was almost completely healed. I used to be skeptical, but I have great faith in acupuncture now.
References :
personal exp.

JennaSea November 16, 2009 at 6:46 pm

It is very rare. I have never seen or heard of anyone fainting while getting acupuncture. It is best to be laying down in a relaxing position. My suggestion is that you have a healthy snack a half hour before the treatment, because after the needles are all out and you get up to go is when I have seen some people get a little funny feeling for a few seconds. Usually it is because they need to eat and it resolves quickly, but avoided with not getting a treatment on an empty stomach. Some people actually like this feeling because they feel lite and floaty.
References :
Licensed Acupuncturist/MS in Traditional Oriental Medicine

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