General contraindications to needling
Clinical issues
General contraindications to needling
There are times when acupuncture may be contraindicated. Be reminded that the only full contraindication to acupuncture is a patient who has not given you consent.
Although the conditions below are cited as contraindications for needling, it will depend on your scope of practice and the job you have.
Drugs – If a patient is intoxicated or high on drugs (unless you are working in a substance misuse setting)
Mind – If somebody is too mentally impaired to give informed consent (unless you are working in a mental health setting)
Inflammation – On marked inflammation or broken skin on the ear especially when using moxa, e.g. with active dermatitis, psoriasis etc.
Skin – Contagious or infectious skin conditions, impetigo etc.
Blood pressure – Clients with very high or very low blood pressure.
Notifiable diseases, HIV,TB etc.
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