Acupuncture Alan F. Doyle. DO Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Eastern Virginia Medical School Acupuncture is not for everyone, but it can be a very helpful treatment for a variety of conditions. I'm Dr. Alan Doyle, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Eastern Virginia Medical School.
Acupuncture is an extremely safe treatment.
In fact, there are no long-term adverse effects associated with its use. There are more side effects noted with many of the prescription drugs that patients take for these conditions. Acupuncture is several thousands of years old, and in many countries it is an integral part of a patient's treatment. Acupuncture involves the insertion of multiple stainless steel needles into the skin. The needles are placed into specific points.