{"title":"Current Status of Acupuncture Safety Promotion Strategies in Japan.","authors":"Masaaki Sugawara, Hisashi Shinbara, Nobutatsu Furuse, Hitoshi Yamashita, Shuichi Katai, Ikuro Wakayama","doi":"10.1089/acu.2024.0186","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2024.0186","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (JSAM) and experts on the safety of acupuncture and moxibustion (AM) in Japan have focused on safety improvement among acupuncturists, moxibustionists (AMists), and AM-practicing physicians. This article provides an overview of the activities conducted by academic experts in AM safety, primarily from the JSAM, to improve AM safety.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The JSAM formed the Safety Committee in 1998 to collect data regarding AM-related adverse events, provide relevant information to members, and conduct educational activities to prevent malpractice. Early literature reviews on AM-related adverse events in Japan published by the committee significantly shifted the paradigm regarding the awareness of AM safety among Japanese AMists and AM-practicing physicians. The committee has been holding educational workshops on safe clinical AM practices at the annual conferences of the JSAM, managing a website on AM safety strategies, conducting various surveys on AM safety, and performing periodic literature reviews of AM-related adverse events. In recent years, the committee has focused on publishing guidelines and manual books. This article briefly describes the guidelines published in 2020, as well as a practical manual based on these guidelines that was published in 2024.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite extensive efforts in this area, further enhancement of safety management education in Japan is essential. The information provided herein is expected to stimulate the exchange of ideas, discussions, and innovations for improving AM safety worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 4","pages":"299-305"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12415167/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145030729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Medical AcupuncturePub Date : 2025-08-14eCollection Date: 2025-08-01DOI: 10.1177/19336586251360142
Youyi Huang, Wan Hui Lau, Hui Ying Yee
{"title":"Acupuncture Safety in Diabetic Limb: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Youyi Huang, Wan Hui Lau, Hui Ying Yee","doi":"10.1177/19336586251360142","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19336586251360142","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Any injury to the diabetic limbs may portent disastrous consequences. However, it is not uncommon for diabetics to also seek complementary and alternative medicine for treatment, such as acupuncture. There are limited data on infective or ulcerative adverse events regarding acupuncture in diabetic limbs.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This scoping review served to survey and map out the current literature landscape on infective or ulcerative complications, if any, of acupuncture in diabetic limbs and to also identify key gaps in the current literature.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review was conducted based on the five-step framework by Arskey and O'Malley. The review included a comprehensive search of three databases (PubMed, Medline, and Embase) regarding any reports of adverse events after acupuncture in diabetic limbs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eight articles were analyzed. Four were case reports, three were clinical trials, and one was a review article. Most of the articles mentioned qualifications for practitioners (except for two articles). Clean needle technique was mentioned only in one article. Three articles highlighted adverse events and possible dangers related to needling in diabetic limbs. The other five articles highlighted no serious adverse events in using acupuncture/needling in diabetic limbs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While there are risks of ulceration and poor healing after acupuncture in diabetic feet, there are also likely benefits like improving neuropathy symptoms and ulcer healing. It is important to optimize safety risk factors such as procedural sterility, avoiding concomitant heat modalities, and ensuring qualified practitioners. Only then can patients benefit from acupuncture treatment for diabetic feet while minimizing complication rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 4","pages":"274-280"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12415162/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145030843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Analysis of Adverse Events in Acupuncture and Moxibustion Treatments in Japan and the Current Situation of Hiroshima University Hospital Kampo Clinical Center.","authors":"Yaxuan Jiang, Hongyang Li, Yukari Uryu, Keiko Hirose, Yihan Yuan, Yunxia Wang, Yoshihiro Tamura, Keiko Ogawa-Ochiai","doi":"10.1089/acu.2024.0188","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2024.0188","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Acupuncture and moxibustion (AM) are effective for pain relief and chronic disease management but carry risks of adverse events (AEs). Japan prioritizes AM safety, and Hiroshima University Hospital Kampo Clinical Center (HUHKCC) follows strict professional standards to ensure both safety and efficacy.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The study analyzes AM-related AEs in Japan over the past decade, compares them with HUHKCC practices, and proposes risk mitigation strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>AM-related AEs from 2013 to 2024 were reviewed using case reports from the Ichushi-Web, CiNii, and Accident Information Data Bank System (AIDBS) databases, alongside data from HUHKCC (October 2023-2024). Patient information and AEs were collected from electronic medical records and a survey of six acupuncturists. Data analysis was performed using bibliometric methods in Excel and BioVenn.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>An analysis of 55 studies and 153 AEs showed a fluctuating trend, with insertion needle technique (INT) accounting for 89.1%. Common AEs included internal injuries (32.7%) and infections (21.8%). AIDBS data indicated 12 AEs annually, with 66% from INT and 33% from moxibustion. Conversely, HUHKCC's 568 sessions reported no adverse effects; however, side effects such as fatigue or localized pain were reported in 10 cases. One reason for less AEs is that contact needle technique (CNT) was used in 96.8% of sessions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Despite Japan's emphasis on AM safety, AM-related AEs remain consistent. Although effectiveness of each technique requires evaluation, the HUHKCC model, with its focus on CNT, diagnostics, and practitioner training, might effectively mitigate AEs and offer a valuable framework for improving AM safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 4","pages":"312-319"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12415164/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145030735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Medical AcupuncturePub Date : 2025-08-14eCollection Date: 2025-08-01DOI: 10.1177/19336586251360119
Ida Nurwati, Christopher Daniel Tristan, Kyra Modesty, Erlangga Masykur Kynaya, Ihsan Hanif, Nathania Ella Sudiono, Muhana Fawwazy Ilyas
{"title":"Safety of Acupuncture in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.","authors":"Ida Nurwati, Christopher Daniel Tristan, Kyra Modesty, Erlangga Masykur Kynaya, Ihsan Hanif, Nathania Ella Sudiono, Muhana Fawwazy Ilyas","doi":"10.1177/19336586251360119","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19336586251360119","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Acupuncture has emerged as an effective adjunctive therapy for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with concern on the higher rate of adverse events (AE). In addition, timing of intervention, specific acupoints, and stimulation strength are concerning, as high-stimulation electroacupuncture (EA) may increase miscarriage risk. This review aims to systematically evaluate the safety profile of acupuncture in PCOS.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus were searched prior to September 8, 2024. This study included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture with \"control\" (sham/no acupuncture) or active drugs. Study quality was assessed using RoB 2.0. Meta-analyses were conducted with R Studio.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 1,041 articles, 13 RCTs were included. There was no significant serious or life-threatening AE occurred in all trials. In acupuncture versus control groups, mild to moderate AEs were similar overall, except bruising, which was significantly more frequent at needle insertion sites with acupuncture (OR = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.76-6,37; <i>p</i> < 0.01). In acupuncture versus active drugs, there were no significantly higher mild to moderate AEs in the acupuncture group. Miscarriage rates were comparable with acupuncture versus controls or ovulation-induction drugs, particularly with low-frequency (2 Hz) EA applied prepregnancy. Collectively, the findings support acupuncture's safety profile, including no significant increase in miscarriage risk when administered prior to pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Acupuncture has emerged as a safe option for complementary therapy in PCOS. Further research is needed to refine acupuncture protocols, which further position it as a preferred adjunctive treatment in PCOS.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 4","pages":"281-291"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12415178/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145030790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Medical AcupuncturePub Date : 2025-08-14eCollection Date: 2025-08-01DOI: 10.1177/19336586251363799
Jennifer A Stone
{"title":"Advanced Acupuncture Techniques Can Be Unsafe Without Specific Training.","authors":"Jennifer A Stone","doi":"10.1177/19336586251363799","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19336586251363799","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 4","pages":"265-266"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12415176/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145030637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Medical AcupuncturePub Date : 2025-08-14eCollection Date: 2025-08-01DOI: 10.1089/acu.2024.0187
Yi-Fang Liao, Eyal Ben-Arie, Yu-Chen Lee
{"title":"Acupuncture Safety in Taiwan.","authors":"Yi-Fang Liao, Eyal Ben-Arie, Yu-Chen Lee","doi":"10.1089/acu.2024.0187","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2024.0187","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The safety of acupuncture treatments is crucial for patients. Although acupuncture is generally considered a relatively safe therapeutic modality, acupuncture-related adverse events cannot be entirely avoided. The development and implementation of effective preventive strategies are essential for enhancing clinical safety.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This article focuses on the acupuncture safety strategies implemented within Taiwan's medical system, aiming to address the multifaceted and complex nature of acupuncture-related adverse events and to propose practical approaches for risk reduction.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This article emphasizes the application of preventive strategies tailored to known risk factors. A structured, phased educational model has been adopted to reinforce both theoretical knowledge and clinical proficiency. In addition, improvements in the use of acupuncture instruments and the standardization of procedural workflows have strengthened adherence to safety protocols. The integration of modern technologies with traditional medical knowledge has further advanced innovation in clinical safety.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Taiwan's comprehensive approach to promoting acupuncture safety offers valuable insights and a practical reference for enhancing acupuncture safety in global settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 4","pages":"306-311"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12415157/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145030334","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Medical AcupuncturePub Date : 2025-08-14eCollection Date: 2025-08-01DOI: 10.1177/19336586251360951
Arthur Yin Fan
{"title":"The Famous Sir William Osler: A Physician Acupuncturist and His Pain.","authors":"Arthur Yin Fan","doi":"10.1177/19336586251360951","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19336586251360951","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Acupuncture, an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine, has been practiced for over 2,500 years. Dr. William Osler, a renowned physician in Canada and the United States during the late 1800s, was also an acupuncturist. He learned acupuncture from Dr. Sydney Ringer, a prominent British physiologist and medical doctor. Osler developed a method for treating lower back pain that focused on local acupoints, utilizing long hatpins. He advocated for acupuncture in his teaching for four decades and included it in his seminal textbook <i>The Principles and Practice of Medicine: Designed for the Use of Practitioners and Students of Medicine</i>. In 1879, Osler experienced a failed case in his acupuncture practice. A wealthy patient's severe lower back pain was aggravated after treatment, leading to public criticism and professional humiliation. This incident caused some scholars to undervalue acupuncture and speculate that Osler ceased practicing it thereafter. The reasons for such painful experiences in acupuncture are generally attributed to four factors: The first is poor needle quality and size: The needles used by Osler were rigid and had a diameter of ∼1.00 mm, which is significantly larger than modern acupuncture needles. The second is inadequate needling technique: Proper training and precision are crucial for painless acupuncture. The third is improper needle placement: Inserting needles into subcutaneous vessel walls or skin follicles can cause discomfort. The fourth is patient-specific reactions: Conditions such as hyperalgesia may increase sensitivity, requiring the use of distal acupoints rather than local ones. To minimize pain and adverse effects, effective communication with patients is essential. It is worth noting that the rate of severe pain caused by acupuncture is only 0.007%, and the risk of other adverse effects is very low.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 4","pages":"270-273"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12415160/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145030820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Medical AcupuncturePub Date : 2025-08-14eCollection Date: 2025-08-01DOI: 10.1177/19336586251363227
Bhavit Bansal, Khyati Chaturvedi
{"title":"Advancing Safety in Acupuncture: Strategies, Best Practices, and Training for a Risk-Free Practice.","authors":"Bhavit Bansal, Khyati Chaturvedi","doi":"10.1177/19336586251363227","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19336586251363227","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Acupuncture is a widely recognized complementary therapy with proven therapeutic benefits; however, concerns regarding patient safety persist due to adverse events ranging from minor complications to severe outcomes like pneumothorax and nerve injury.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to identify common adverse events in acupuncture, propose innovative risk mitigation strategies, establish standardized best practices, enhance practitioner training, and examine global disparities in safety protocols.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Comprehensive review of existing literature, clinical case studies, and international safety guidelines.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Global acupuncture practice environments, including clinical and wellness settings.</p><p><strong>Patients or subjects: </strong>Analysis of patient populations receiving acupuncture treatments across various international settings and case reports of adverse events.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>Analysis of emerging technologies, training methodologies, and preventive strategies including real-time monitoring tools, ultrasound-assisted acupuncture, and digital patient records.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measures: </strong>Adverse event rates, safety protocol effectiveness, practitioner competency measures, and global safety standard variations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most adverse events are linked to practitioner errors, patient-specific factors, or inadequate safety protocols, with major complications remaining rare but requiring structured safety measures. Risk mitigation strategies significantly improve treatment precision and safety. Countries with rigorous certification processes report fewer adverse events.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Improving acupuncture safety requires a multifaceted approach integrating technological advancements, evidence-based best practices, and enhanced professional training. Strengthening international collaboration and regulatory oversight will ensure acupuncture remains a trusted, risk-free, and effective therapeutic modality.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 4","pages":"327-338"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12415172/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145030631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Medical AcupuncturePub Date : 2025-08-14eCollection Date: 2025-08-01DOI: 10.1089/acu.2024.0128
Jin-Huan Yue, Xiao-Ling Li, Dong-Hong Huang, Xian-Qi Zhao, Wei-Ran Chen, Nuo Li, Qinhong Zhang, Xiao-Qing Zhou, Guanhu Yang
{"title":"How to Improve Safety in Acupuncture Clinical Practice?","authors":"Jin-Huan Yue, Xiao-Ling Li, Dong-Hong Huang, Xian-Qi Zhao, Wei-Ran Chen, Nuo Li, Qinhong Zhang, Xiao-Qing Zhou, Guanhu Yang","doi":"10.1089/acu.2024.0128","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2024.0128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This review evaluates the safety protocols for acupuncture, emphasizing the need for stringent measures due to the procedure's invasive nature.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>It discusses the necessity of global safety standards, including mandatory accreditation and licensing for practitioners to mitigate risks such as needle contamination and improper technique. The study advocates for extensive training and continuous education programs to ensure practitioners master both theoretical and practical aspects of acupuncture. The review highlights the use of sterilized, single-use needles and regular equipment checks to maintain high safety standards. It also underscores the importance of pretreatment assessments, informed consent, and posttreatment monitoring to enhance patient safety. Furthermore, it suggests the implementation of robust surveillance systems and the use of case studies to learn from adverse events. Finally, the review identifies research gaps and recommends focusing on innovative techniques and fostering international cooperation to advance acupuncture's safety and efficacy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This approach aims to strengthen safety protocols, thereby improving patient outcomes and aiding acupuncture's integration into mainstream health care.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 4","pages":"292-298"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12415180/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145030795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}