Woman Details Horrifying Acupuncture Mishap Leading to ER Visit

A woman shared a distressing account on TikTok of an acupuncture treatment that resulted in a trip to the emergency room, raising concerns about the popular alternative therapy. The content creator, identified as Natalia, detailed finding a needle lodged in her neck over 10 hours after her acupuncture appointment.

Natalia reported experiencing nausea, a feeling of being physically beaten, and other concerning symptoms after discovering the retained needle. Her condition escalated, leading to shaking, sweating, and feelings of extreme anxiety accompanied by physical sensations such as tingling in her extremities. She described the symptoms as cyclic and likened them to severe anxiety, despite feeling mentally calm.

According to Natalia, both her acupuncturist and the medical professionals who subsequently treated her were dismissive, attributing her symptoms to anxiety triggered by seeing the needle. She stated she was treated with Benadryl, an antihistamine, and felt that her concerns were not taken seriously.

Following her ER visit, Natalia described feeling drowsy and experiencing persistent pain that she had not felt before and that did not subside. When she contacted her acupuncturist about the situation, she was reportedly advised to simply "hydrate."

When questioned by followers about potential legal action, Natalia expressed a desire for compensation for the fear, pain, and dysregulation she experienced, as well as the time dedicated to dealing with the aftermath. However, she also acknowledged uncertainty regarding long-term impacts and the difficulty in measuring reactions to acupuncture, stating she did not want to engage in litigation without a solid case.

Her account resonated with many viewers, with comments on the platform expressing shock and a newfound apprehension towards acupuncture. Some users shared sentiments like "I'm about to pass out reading this" and "You couldn't pay me to get acupuncture."

Acupuncture, a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It is believed to rebalance the body's energy flow, known as life force or chi. The Mayo Clinic notes that the risks associated with acupuncture are generally low when performed by a competent practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Common side effects typically include minor soreness, bleeding, or bruising at the needle insertion sites, with the risk of infection being minimal.