Expert: Tamsen Staniford, L.Ac. - 10/27/2011

Question
My 89 year old mother started Korean acupuncture and teas to help give her more energy.  Her energy level is extremely low.  The only medicine she takes is lisinopril 2.5 mg.  Before acupuncture treatment she did not have any itching to speck of. Currently, her itching on her arms, back and torso is almost unbearable. The acupuncture doctor says the itching is a side effect of his treatment...can this be true? Warm compresses seem to help. He changed the selection of teas she takes. We are hoping that works, but currently she is suffering from itching.  What do you think?

Answer
Good morning.

No, the itching you're describing is not a normal reaction (or a reaction I've ever heard of) to acupuncture itself.  Itching at a needle insertion site for a short amount of time can be seen because of the histamine reaction in the skin to the needle, but the widespread and constant itching you refer to sounds different.  Most likely it is not related and is just a coincidence or it is a reaction to something in the tea.  
If the itching is at needle sites and is lasting a long time she could be allergic to the coating on the needles or the metal the needles are made of.  Many needles are coated with silcone which people can be allergic too, or are made from nickle alloys which can cause allergies in some people (including me).  
Have her regular doctor check out the itching to diagnose an allergic rash or some kind of skin infection or something else going on they might need to be aware of (reaction to tea or interaction with tea and medication for example).
I hope that answers your question, have a wonderful day!