What Acupuncture Points Can Cause Pneumothorax?
Pneumothorax, commonly referred to as a collapsed lung, occurs when air escapes into the space between the lung and chest wall, preventing the lung from expanding properly. While this condition can develop spontaneously or as a result of medical procedures such as lung biopsies or pacemaker insertion, it is also a known but exceedingly rare complication of acupuncture.
At True Health, patient safety is our top priority. Our highly trained practitioners follow strict safety protocols to ensure acupuncture is performed correctly, minimising any risk of complications, including pneumothorax.
Can Acupuncture Cause Pneumothorax?
Pneumothorax can very rarely occur if an acupuncture needle is inserted too deeply into areas near the lungs, leading to accidental lung puncture. The risk is exceptionally low when acupuncture is performed by a qualified, professionally trained acupuncturist.
The acupuncture points with a theoretical risk of pneumothorax are those located on the upper back, chest, and shoulders, particularly over or near the lung fields. These include:
Acupuncture Points with Potential Risk:
- GB21 (Jianjing) – Located at the highest point of the shoulder.
- LU1 (Zhongfu) & LU2 (Yunmen) – Found near the upper chest, close to the lungs.
- BL11 (Dazhu), BL12 (Fengmen), BL13 (Feishu) – Located along the upper back near the spine.
- SI12 (Bingfeng) – Found in the shoulder region.
- ST12 (Quepen) – Located in the supraclavicular fossa.
These points are commonly used to treat shoulder and neck pain, respiratory conditions, and tension in the upper body. However, when performed by a trained and experienced acupuncturist, needles are inserted with caution at appropriate angles and depths, ensuring safety.
How Common Is Pneumothorax in Acupuncture?
While the risk of pneumothorax from acupuncture exists, it is extremely rare. Studies have found that serious adverse effects from acupuncture occur in less than 0.01% of treatments, with pneumothorax being one of the least common complications (White et al., 2001).
At True Health, there has never been a case of pneumothorax at our clinic, as we adhere to strict safety protocols and anatomical knowledge when performing acupuncture treatments.
Signs and Symptoms of Pneumothorax
If pneumothorax were to occur, it would typically present with:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Sharp chest pain, especially with deep breathing
- A feeling of tightness in the chest
- Rapid heart rate
- Bluish skin (in severe cases)
Mild cases may resolve on their own, but any suspicion of pneumothorax requires immediate medical attention.
How to Stay Safe When Receiving Acupuncture
To minimise the risk of complications, it is essential to see a professionally trained acupuncturist. At True Health, all of our practitioners are:
- Fully qualified and registered under Australian acupuncture standards.
- Trained in anatomy and safety protocols.
- Careful with needle depth and angle, particularly in areas near the lungs
Additionally, dry needling, which is often performed by non-acupuncturists such as physiotherapists or massage therapists, carries a higher risk of pneumothorax due to variations in training levels. We always recommend seeking a professionally trained and registered acupuncturist for any therapeutic needling.
The Takeaway
While pneumothorax is a known but extremely rare complication of acupuncture, seeing a qualified and experienced acupuncturist significantly reduces any risk. At True Health, we prioritise safe and effective treatments, ensuring our patients receive the best care possible.
If you have any concerns about acupuncture safety, feel free to speak with our team, we are happy to answer your questions.
