A New York City man accused of performing acupuncture treatment without a license is suspected of puncturing a woman’s lung during the treatment, leaving her hospitalized for nearly a week, prosecutors announced Monday.
According to District Attorney Melinda Katz, the 63-year-old woman went to C&W Medical in Queens, New York City on May 10, 2022, because she was experiencing abdominal and back pain. She received more than a dozen treatments from acupuncturist Yong Dae Lin between May 18 and October 28 last year.
Katz said that during his final session with Lin, he felt sick and laid down. Lin, 66, allegedly performed additional acupuncture and cupping treatments on the woman before sending her home.
Officials said the patient felt short of breath and collapsed on the sidewalk. A passerby called 911, and the woman was taken to a hospital where she underwent emergency surgery. The hospital determined that both of the woman’s lungs had collapsed due to the acupuncture treatment. The woman was hospitalized for six days.
“The difference between receiving medical care from a competent, licensed professional and an unqualified professional can be the difference between life and death,” Katz said. “As alleged, the defendant did not have a license, had no intention of applying for one, and almost killed the patient. We hope other victims will come forward.”
Lin was charged Monday with first- and second-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment and unauthorized occupation charges. Prosecutors said he never applied for the state license needed to practice acupuncture. If convicted, Lin could face up to 25 years in prison.
Although the agency does not provide data, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine says there are relatively few reported complications from acupuncture.
“However, complications have occurred due to the use of unsterile needles and inappropriate treatment,” the center said. “If acupuncture is not performed properly, it can cause serious adverse effects such as infection, organ puncture, and central nervous system damage.”
