Yes, the side effects of acupuncture are generally positive: Improved digestion, betters sleep, and overall feeling of “well-being.” Joking aside, one reason acupuncture has been so well embraced may have to do with its low rate of side effects. The most common side effects may be mild fatigue for hours following treatment. Acupuncture is an energetic workout, so it makes sense that one might report fatigue after a treatment, just as if they had gone for a 3-mile run. Another occasional after-effect might be a small bruise on the skin. However, these do not hurt and are few and far between. 99% of the time, there isn’t any bruising.