When a 65-year-old woman in South Korea visited the hospital for what she thought was routine knee pain, she expected a familiar diagnosis — arthritis. Instead, her X-ray revealed something astonishing: dozens of tiny gold needles embedded around her knee joints. The finding left doctors stunned and sparked widespread discussion about an unusual form of alternative therapy that had gone far beyond accepted medical standards.
The woman had been living with osteoarthritis for years, enduring chronic pain and stiffness caused by cartilage breakdown. After conventional treatments brought little relief, she turned to acupuncture — a practice deeply rooted in Asian medicine. However, her practitioner had taken an unconventional approach, leaving fine gold needles permanently beneath her skin in the belief that they would continue to provide healing energy and long-term pain relief.
While the intention may have been compassionate, doctors warned that leaving metal objects in the body carries serious risks. Such procedures can cause inflammation, infection, or interfere with future scans and treatments. Experts emphasized that while acupuncture performed by trained professionals is generally safe, permanent needle implantation is not supported by scientific evidence and is not considered a medically approved practice.
Fortunately, the woman recovered well after medical care, and her case became an important reminder about patient safety. Health officials encouraged anyone seeking alternative therapies to consult licensed practitioners and medical professionals before treatment. Her experience serves as a valuable lesson that even traditional remedies, when misapplied, can endanger health — and that true healing always begins with informed, responsible care.