Guest guest Posted July 14, 2011 Report Share Posted July 14, 2011 Zoe The acupuncturists take new needles out of disposable packets that I have used in California. Sent from my iPad > I am having my first acupuncture session tomorrow. Or so I had planned. But yesterday I started thinking what if the needles are not new and sterilized and I end up getting an infection from the needles such as HIV or any other infection. > > The Doctor of Oriental Medicine to whom I am going I have been to once before for another treatment and I liked her. But she was someone I found randomly. I would bet if I ask her she will say her needles are all new and clean, but of course most practitioners who want business and don't want an appointment cancelled at the last minute are going to say that. > > So I was wondering if anyone could share their thoughts as I think some people use acupucture for MS. I did do a Net search and sure enough a few sites did come up saying that HIV or other infection is possible if the needles were previously used. > > Not sure if I am being paranoid here or am thinking wisely? > > Any help would be helpful. > > Zoe > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 15, 2011 Report Share Posted July 15, 2011 Acupuncture needles are single-use, they come out of a sterile package, and are thrown away after the treatment. If your practitioner is reusing acupuncture needles, I'd find someone else.  ________________________________ To: mscured Sent: Sun, June 12, 2011 1:31:26 PM Subject: Acupuncture Question  I am having my first acupuncture session tomorrow. Or so I had planned. But yesterday I started thinking what if the needles are not new and sterilized and I end up getting an infection from the needles such as HIV or any other infection. The Doctor of Oriental Medicine to whom I am going I have been to once before for another treatment and I liked her. But she was someone I found randomly. I would bet if I ask her she will say her needles are all new and clean, but of course most practitioners who want business and don't want an appointment cancelled at the last minute are going to say that. So I was wondering if anyone could share their thoughts as I think some people use acupucture for MS. I did do a Net search and sure enough a few sites did come up saying that HIV or other infection is possible if the needles were previously used. Not sure if I am being paranoid here or am thinking wisely? Any help would be helpful. Zoe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 15, 2011 Report Share Posted July 15, 2011 I have had accupuncture done before and the needles are taken out of their single pack in front of you. if they are not, then do not do the procedure. My doc also taught me how to do the accupuncture myself and it is not so hard. I am sure your doc will use new needles. Maybe you can learn to do the accupuncture yourself and save money in the future. I can give u the name of the place I buy my needles from, although you can google that too. Good luck, Meenu. ________________________________ To: mscured Sent: Fri, July 15, 2011 9:46:18 AM Subject: Re: Acupuncture Question  Acupuncture needles are single-use, they come out of a sterile package, and are thrown away after the treatment. If your practitioner is reusing acupuncture needles, I'd find someone else.  ________________________________ To: mscured Sent: Sun, June 12, 2011 1:31:26 PM Subject: Acupuncture Question  I am having my first acupuncture session tomorrow. Or so I had planned. But yesterday I started thinking what if the needles are not new and sterilized and I end up getting an infection from the needles such as HIV or any other infection. The Doctor of Oriental Medicine to whom I am going I have been to once before for another treatment and I liked her. But she was someone I found randomly. I would bet if I ask her she will say her needles are all new and clean, but of course most practitioners who want business and don't want an appointment cancelled at the last minute are going to say that. So I was wondering if anyone could share their thoughts as I think some people use acupucture for MS. I did do a Net search and sure enough a few sites did come up saying that HIV or other infection is possible if the needles were previously used. Not sure if I am being paranoid here or am thinking wisely? Any help would be helpful. Zoe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 15, 2011 Report Share Posted July 15, 2011 Zoe, I've had a couple different acupuncturists with different methods. One used disposable needles and discarded them after use. The other kept them in a jar of alcohol for sterilization. I wouldn't let these fears keep you from experiencing acupuncture, which can be very helpful for some of us with MS. Ask the questions you need to and proceed as your gut tells you. Crystal > > I am having my first acupuncture session tomorrow. Or so I had planned. But yesterday I started thinking what if the needles are not new and sterilized and I end up getting an infection from the needles such as HIV or any other infection. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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