To avoid drug interactions and potential side effects, it is recommended to take Chinese medicine and Western medicine separately. Taking Chinese and Western medicines together without proper consultation may lead to serious adverse reactions. If there is a need to take Chinese medicine and Western medicine simultaneously, it is advisable to space them apart by at least 2 hours and preferably consult a physician before taking them.

Many people who have not experienced acupuncture may wonder: Does acupuncture hurt? Most patients undergoing acupuncture describe a momentary, very slight pricking sensation as the needle is inserted. After the needle is inserted into the body, there may be a sensation of soreness, numbness, distension, or tingling. Overall, the pain experienced during acupuncture is very mild. However, pain perception is highly subjective, and individual tolerance varies. Additionally, the sensation may depend on the specific acupuncture points being needled. For example, needling points in muscular areas may result in milder sensations compared to points on the palms or soles of the feet. In some cases, slight bleeding may occur during acupuncture.

Generally, as long as the patient relaxes and cooperates, and there is open communication between the practitioner and the patient, the pain experienced during acupuncture is very mild, and some patients may even find it comfortable.

In clinical practice, some patients believe that acupuncture should not result in bleeding. If a patient, especially someone undergoing acupuncture for the first time, sees bleeding after the needle is removed, they may feel frightened and think the needling was done incorrectly. In reality, capillaries are present throughout the body, and sometimes, when a needle penetrates an acupuncture point, the capillaries beneath the point may also be punctured. It is normal for there to be a small amount of bleeding or localized bruising after needle removal, and it does not have any adverse effects on health. In traditional Chinese medical practices, minor bleeding is not considered taboo; in fact, bloodletting therapy is used for certain conditions like heat disorders and blood stasis. Therefore, patients need not be overly concerned about minor bleeding at the needling site; applying gentle pressure with a dry cotton ball for a moment can stop the bleeding.

Feeling soreness, numbness, swelling, or tingling at acupuncture points after treatment is known as “needle sensation” and can persist for several hours or even one to two days. This is a normal phenomenon and there is no need to be alarmed. If you have any concerns, you can contact a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to discuss the situation.