Black and Blue after acupuncture?

Minor bruising/hematomas are fairly common with acupuncture particularly deeper techniques. Even without deeper techniques some points are more prone to this than others. Generally it is absolutely harmless and will clear up on its own within a few days to a couple weeks at the most (this largely depends on the area, abdominal points can stay longer). It is in no way indicative of harm to the internal organs so I wouldn&#39t worry about that.

Generally people with fibroids have some related menstrual issues and perhaps other anxiety/stress related issues as well, something we call liver qi stagnation (although there are other diagnoses). I mention this because there should be other issues that are changing along with your treatment that help you guage the efficacy of the treatment. Generally 2-3 months is more than enough time to experience significant changes in your condition. If you are not seeing these I would consider switching practitioners. If you are more sensitive to the needling you could consider Japanese acupuncture which uses milder techniques. Personally someone who also practice herbal medicine would be preferable for fibroids/menstrual issues.

Thank you for your replies.

I am in NY and this is my second acupuncturist. The first one I was going to for 2 months and didn&#39t see any improvement at all (but she was treating only infertility, no fibroid). Whith this one I believe I ovulated a little earlier but I am not sure it&#39s because of the acupuncture (this second acupuncturist is treating my fibroid, which is small but located in an unfortunately location that doesnt let me get pregnant) - I do not have fibroid symptoms, so the acupuncture is mainly to shrink the fibroid so I can get pregnant. Thanks.

Bruising is sometimes experienced by pateints, it is often a sign that your blood needs treating. As Chad explained, Chinese Medicine treats patterns in the patient, and rarely addresses specific organs or complaints. Nevertheless, I treat many women who have been diagnosed as having a fibroid growth - I specialise in fertility and it comes up quite often. I would agree that finding a practitioner who prescribes herbs as well as doing acupuncture is a good idea. The combination is very effective but, can take up to six months to work. Frequently I find that blood deficiency is a feature and the treatments are aimed at improving the overall blood quality.

As with any therapy, finding the right practitioner is important, not just for their interpersonal qualities but, their experience and qualifications.

Good luck!