Yes, when performed by a qualified professional with single-use sterile needles. Minor side effects (slight pain, tiredness, small bruise) can occur; serious complications are rare. A systematic review found pneumothorax only twice in nearly 250,000 treatments.

What should I tell my acupuncturist before treatment?

Tell them if you take blood thinners or have a clotting disorder, are or might be pregnant, have a pacemaker, have a weakened immune system or limb lymphedema, or have fainted during a needle procedure.

Are acupuncture needles reused?

No. Needles are single-use and sterile, individually packaged, so there is no cross-contamination. The skin is disinfected before insertion.

Is Acupuncture Safe? Safety Standards in Québec

Jun 26
3 min read

Updated: Jun 30

IN 30 SECONDS Performed by a member of the Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec, with single-use sterile needles, acupuncture has an excellent safety profile. The most common side effects — slight pain on insertion, brief tiredness, a small bruise — are minor and temporary; serious complications are rare. Always tell your acupuncturist about your medications (blood thinners), a pregnancy, or a clotting disorder. In the Plateau-Mont-Royal, 7 days a week.

"Does it hurt? Is it dangerous?" These are often the first questions — and they're healthy ones: putting fine needles into the body deserves a frank conversation about safety. The short answer is reassuring. Performed by a member of the Order, with single-use sterile needles, acupuncture has one of the best safety profiles in medicine. Here's why — and what you can do to keep it that way.

What the safety data show

The best evidence points the same way. A systematic review of nine prospective surveys (Ernst & White, 2001) found that minor adverse events can be common — needle pain, tiredness, minor bleeding — but serious complications are rare: pneumothorax occurred only twice in nearly 250,000 treatments. A more recent review in Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Chon & Lee, 2013) confirms this favourable profile when acupuncture is performed by a qualified professional. In other words: no procedure is risk-free, but this one is low-risk and well-regulated.

A dedicated professional order (OAQ)

In Québec, the practice of acupuncture is regulated by the Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec. The Order ensures that every practitioner holds the required qualifications and follows strict professional standards. Membership signals an acupuncturist's commitment to high standards and a safe practice. If you'd like help choosing, see how to find a quality acupuncturist.

Thorough training

Acupuncture training is rigorous and comprehensive. It covers not only needling technique, but also anatomy, physiology and the principles of asepsis. This depth is what allows acupuncturists to locate points precisely and to practise in a way that minimizes risk.

Single-use, sterile needles

Single-use, sterile needles are a non-negotiable standard. Each needle is individually packaged and sterilized, so there is no cross-contamination. This is fundamental to preventing infection and maintaining a high level of hygiene.

Disinfection of insertion points

Before needles are inserted, the skin is carefully disinfected. This step further reduces the risk of infection and is standard procedure for every qualified acupuncturist.

Other important safety measures

Beyond these established practices, other measures matter:

Thorough patient assessment — before any session, a good acupuncturist reviews your medical history and current conditions to identify any contraindication.
A clean, safe environment — the treatment space is kept clean and organized, both to prevent health risks and to create a calm setting.
Informed consent — patients are told about the procedure, the expected benefits and the potential risks, and consent is obtained — respecting your autonomy and building trust.

What to tell your acupuncturist

Some situations aren't absolute contraindications, but they guide the choice of points and technique. Let your acupuncturist know if you:

take blood thinners or have a clotting disorder
are pregnant or think you might be (some points are then avoided)
have a pacemaker (relevant for electroacupuncture)
have a weakened immune system or lymphedema in a limb
have ever felt faint during a blood draw or a needle procedure

Practised to these standards, acupuncture has a reassuring safety profile. Choosing a member of the Order is your best assurance of being in qualified, careful hands. Curious what a session feels like? See does acupuncture hurt?.