Only original case reports of complications or AEs of acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping published from 2000 to 2011 were included in this review. Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of all papers found from the initial search. Disagreements between the two authors were resolved through discussion.
We excluded multiple inclusions and analyses of the same AE as well as irrelevant studies. An irrelevant study was defined as a non-case report, such as a review, commentary, or clinical trial.
AEs reporting infection, internal organ or tissue injury, and other severe consequences are categorized as “complications,” defined as an added difficulty; a complex state; a disease or accident superimposed upon another without being specifically related. Peripheral or secondary effects such as syncope, nausea, or immune reactions are classified as “adverse reactions” [5 (link)].
We excluded multiple inclusions and analyses of the same AE as well as irrelevant studies. An irrelevant study was defined as a non-case report, such as a review, commentary, or clinical trial.
AEs reporting infection, internal organ or tissue injury, and other severe consequences are categorized as “complications,” defined as an added difficulty; a complex state; a disease or accident superimposed upon another without being specifically related. Peripheral or secondary effects such as syncope, nausea, or immune reactions are classified as “adverse reactions” [5 (link)].
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