Contraindications/Incidents/Accidents

Question 1

What are the contraindications for needling during pregnancy?

Answer 1

• no points on abdomen
• no points on lumbosacral region (strong descending action- could induce labour)
• no points with strong downward action or strong sensation
• LI-4: except painkilling during contractions- strong downward
• GB-21: helps with pain and speed of contractions, strong downward
• SP-6: direct connection to uterus and SP holding fx

Question 2

Contraindictions for needling people with bleeding disorders:

Answer 2

• do not needle is patient has clotting issues (hemophiliac, low platelet count)
• do not needle people on anticoagulants (blood-thinners, except aspirin)

Question 3

Contraindictions for needling people with malignant tumours:

Answer 3

• not at site of tumour, unless advanced trainging
• not sole treatment, only complementary
• do not clear heat of people going through chemo/radiation therapy (that would undo the work)

Question 4

Should you needle someone on an empty stomach?

Answer 4

• no, acupuncture lowers blood sugar and blood pressure

Question 5

Should you needle someone who has just performed vigorous exercise?

Answer 5

No

Question 6

Should you needle unstable diabetics?

Answer 6

No- you could bring them into diabetic shock

Question 7

What should you do when treating someone who is using steroids?

Answer 7

Don’t needle them. Risk of infection = high.

Question 8

When is it okay to needle into scar tissue?

Answer 8

After 6-8 weeks (done healing)

Question 9

When can you needle someone after surgery?

Answer 9

After 8 weeks.

Question 10

What can cause fainting? What are the symptoms?

Answer 10

• fear, hunger, fatigue, over-stimulation with needles

- dizziness, nausea, giddiness, chest oppression, palpitations, pale lips and complexion

Question 11

How to treat someone who might faint?

Answer 11

• remove needles
• lay them down
• elevate their feet
• sips of water

Question 12

What can cause a stuck needle? What is the treatment procedure?

Answer 12

• muscle spasm/contraction, poor needle quality, rotation of needle only in one direction or with too much amplitude
• get patient to relax, tap/massage area lightly, needle a nearby point (one up or down on same meridian)

Question 13

How to avoid a broken needle?

Answer 13

• avoid excessive manipulation
• leave 1/4 of needle shaft above skin
• remind patient to be still and calm