Acupuncture on the whole is a very safe treatment. However, acupuncture does involve some risk. Due to the fact acupuncture involves skin penetration the risk of infection is present. If an acupuncturist uses standard hygienic procedures during treatment, such risks will reduce significantly.
Another risk of acupuncture is a pneumothorax. This is when the space between the lungs and chest cavity is punctured by an acupuncture needle. This is a rare occurrence. It may occur when acupoints around the upper back, chest or shoulders are used. One sure way to avoid a pneumothorax is to only use points on the arms and legs, commonly done at Gardenvale acupuncture.