Save the Bees!

What some people are calling "bee acupuncture," or apitherapy, has been in the news recently after a woman died following an allergic reaction as a result of the procedure. While both modalities are considered alternative therapies and puncture the skin, apitherapy uses honey bees to sting patients, with the hope of reducing pain and inflammation. Please do not confuse acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine with apitherapy. Acupuncturists do not use apitherapy. While acupuncture is very safe and uses sterile stainless steel needles, apitherapy is dangerous to the patient and kills the bee. You can read more about apitherapy and this recent case here.