what to do after acupuncture treatment

You should refrain from vigorous exercise after treatment and, ideally, give yourself a little time to rest. It is also advisable not to drink alcohol for several hours after treatment. Acupuncture has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting.

Full Answer

How should I feel after my acupuncture treatment?

After an acupuncture treatment, most people feel relaxed. The stress of the day has melted away and a pleasant calmness has taken its place. In the days that follow, sleep, digestion, and energy are improved, and pain and stress are reduced. Quite often, however, acupuncture has deeper and more intense effects in the days following the treatment.

Can you eat before having acupuncture treatment?

Before having an acupuncture treatment it is recommended for you to have a light meal 30 mins before the session. If you eat your belly will be trying to process the large meal and so it will be uncomfortable when lying on the table. Receiving treatment during digestion, will keep most your energy in your belly area.

Can you work out after a session of acupuncture?

Yes, you can work out after having acupuncture treatment. However, if you feel light-headed, dizzy or tired then you should not exercise after your acupuncture session. Instead have something to eat, rest or have a nap. How long does it take for acupuncture to work? Stimulation of an acupuncture point may take as little as 1 minute to 30 minutes.

What should you do after an acupuncture session?

Things to Do After an Acupuncture Session

• Get Plenty of Rest. The goal of undergoing acupuncture is to obtain healing in an alternative manner. ...
• Opt for Light Exercise. If you’re a fitness buff, you may have the urge to jog or pump iron, again because of the fact that it’s very much likely for ...
• Stay Hydrated. ...
• Have Healthy Meals. ...
• Apply Heat. ...

Do and don'ts after acupuncture?

What Should You NOT Do After Acupuncture?Avoid Caffeine & Alcohol. After an acupuncture session, your body works actively to flush out toxins. ... Avoid Strenuous Exercise. You may feel a boost of energy after your acupuncture treatment – this is one of its many benefits. ... Rest & Heal. ... How Can I Get Started with Acupuncture?

What should you avoid after acupuncture?

So, what should clients avoid after acupuncture? Clients should avoid strenuous exercise, caffeine, junk food, alcohol, cold temperatures, digital screens, and, where possible, stressful situations.

How long after acupuncture Do you feel better?

You might use this opportunity to start an in-depth emotional conversation with family or friends, or pause your life and find a quiet corner to absorb your emotions. After this period of emotional liberation -usually two or three days – you will feel lighter and more content with your life.

What are the after effects of acupuncture?

As with any treatment, acupuncture may cause side effects in some individuals....Does Acupuncture Have Side Effects?Pain and bleeding from the needle insertion.Nausea.Infections.Skin rash.Allergic reaction.Bruising around the area the needles were placed.Dizziness17.

Should I shower after acupuncture?

Can I shower after acupuncture? Yes, you can.

What happens the day after acupuncture?

Soreness from acupuncture typically dissipates within 24 hours. Although less common than soreness, bruising can occur at the needling site. These bruises usually don't hurt and last a few days after the treatment. There is no treatment necessary and they will dissipate on their own.

How do I know if acupuncture is working?

How do I know if my acupuncture treatment is working?Your pain will change. The key word here is change: change in location, severity, or intensity. ... Your sleep could improve (or change) ... Your mood will improve. ... You'll be more aware of your body. ... You'll have more energy.

What are 3 benefits of acupuncture?

Top 10 Benefits of Acupuncture for Workplace Stress and PainReduced Back Pain, Neck Tension and Relieve Joint Pain in the Hands and Arms. ... Relief from Headaches. ... Reduced Eye Strain. ... Improved Immune System and Reduced Sick Days. ... Enhanced Mental Clarity and Increased Energy. ... Relief from Digestive Conditions. ... Allergy Relief.More items...

How often should I get acupuncture?

A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one or two treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity. In general, it's common to receive 6 to 8 treatments.

Does acupuncture release toxins?

Acupuncture has the potential to detox the body of drugs, alcohol, chemicals, and toxins, according to recent studies. Meanwhile, others report that Acupuncture simply decreases the side effects of a regular detox.

Why do I feel so tired after acupuncture?

After your session, you may feel tired for up to 3 days. During this time, your body is cleansing and eliminating the toxins and poisonous waste that builds up in the blood stream. Fatigue is part of the normal healing process, and can be a positive sign that acupuncture is working.

How do I get the most out of acupuncture?

7 Ways to Maximize the Effects of AcupunctureHow You Can Get the Most Out of Acupuncture Treatments. ... Make sure you have something to eat beforehand. ... Avoid stimulants and greasy foods. ... Arrive on time for treatment. ... Turn off your mobile phone. ... Plan your day so you don't carry out strenuous activity after treatment.More items...•

How does acupuncture work?

Eastern medicine sees acupuncture as a way of balancing life energy or life force, otherwise known as qi, by inserting needles into specific points along "pathways" called meridians. Western acupuncturists, on the other hand, see the procedure as a way to "stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue" in a way that fires up your natural ...

Can you eat cold after acupuncture?

Use heat and avoid specific foods after an acupuncture treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine doctors aren't fond of anything cold — this includes eating anything cold like ice cream and smoothies, taking a cold shower, and even using an ice pack in parts of your body that might feel sore or tender after a session.

Does acupuncture help with toxins?

Because acupuncture helps your body get rid of toxins, it would be counterproductive to reintroduce other types of toxins into your body in the form of sugar or processed food; instead, pick healthy options that might allow your body to continue healing after your sessions.

Does acupuncture work in cold temperatures?

Indigo Healing Acupuncture says cold temperatures could actually undo the positive effects of acupuncture because it impedes both your energy flow and the healing process. Instead, soothe yourself with a warm bath and a hot pad on any part of the body that might need a bit of TLC after a session.

How to get rid of toxins after acupuncture?

After your acupuncture session, your body releases toxins into your system. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out the toxins from your body. Avoid drinking coffee and alcohol after acupuncture because they can cause dehydration. Also, both coffee and alcohol cause your body to lose awareness. Acupuncture aims to promote better clarity and awareness of how we feel. Consuming alcoholic beverages can reduce your senses while coffee can falsely boost them. Hence, both drinks can either redress or mask the effects of acupuncture. That is why it is better to avoid them a day or two after acupuncture.

How does acupuncture help with toxins?

Acupuncture releases toxins from your body. Eating healthy foods helps boost the acupuncture therapy benefits. Consuming unhealthy foods, such as processed foods and sugars, can bring back toxins. Choose foods packed with antioxidants and fibres and those with proven healing properties, such as curcumin.

Should I use heat or ice for acupuncture?

“Should I use heat or ice?” That is one of the most common concerns of acupuncture patients looking for pain relief. Acupuncture practitioners recommend applying heat to the affected area.

How to rest after acupuncture?

Acupuncturists recommend that you rest after your appointment to continue the healing process. Drink plenty of water, and stay comfortable. Don’t plan a big workout right after an acupuncture session. Some people feel relaxed and restful. Some people are energized.

What to wear to an acupuncture appointment?

Wear the Proper Clothing. On the day of your appointment, it is important to wear the proper clothing. Loose fitting clothes are great for acupuncture appointments because the practitioner can roll up the clothing items, or ask you to do so if that’s more comfortable for you, to ensure that the right points can be reached. 3.

How to relax before needles?

By relaxing before the needles are set, you keep your muscles and nerves relaxed and receptive. This makes it easier on your acupuncturist. If you are worried, simply ask your acupuncturist questions and try breathing slow and deep and focus on the breath.

What can an acupuncturist do with notes?

And with the help of your notes, your acupuncturist will be able to answer your concerns and questions if unexpected effects appear. Most acupuncturists are more than happy to share their knowledge and help address and ease your concerns.

How to get a better recovery time?

Take a deep breath before your appointment begins to get relaxed and let go of any frustrations or anxiety you brought in with you. By being relaxed, you can help improve both your treatment and your recovery time.

Is acupuncture scary?

The thought of needles puncturing your skin is often fearsome for most people…. But acupuncture doesn’t have to be scary or intimidating. You’ll find that the benefits outweigh the fear, and there is nothing to worry about. In fact, it can be a relaxing ...

Can you take notes before or after an acupuncture appointment?

Know that you can take notes both before and after your appointment to help enhance your acupuncture experience. A good acupuncturist is here to educate you and really listen. There are a few more things to consider when preparing for your first appointment.

What happens after acupuncture?

Long-term Reactions After Acupuncture. Running nose, sore throat and some cold symptoms may appear during the second or third week of an acupuncture treatment. In Chinese medicine, an unresolved cold or flu was the underlying cause of many health problems, like poor circulation, stiff neck and back and migraine.

How long does it take for pain to go away after acupuncture?

However, if you were treating chronic pain, you may notice the pain easing during the treatment session, but the pain comes back after a few hours or even return with a revenge.

Why do people put heavy covers on their acupuncture?

For many, they put heavy covers on the top of this emotion container, to hide their emotions from everyone. During the acupuncture session, this cover is melting away and emotions are streaming out. It is healthy to let the emotions set free from time to time.

What does it mean when your body is in a reversing process?

While the body is in a reversing process of healing, it often notices that the recurred symptoms are not causing as strong discomfort as a normal attack.

How to get high after acupuncture?

In such a state of relaxation, your concentration may be downgraded: following conversations or focusing in meetings become difficult, or simply can’t keep awake. As modern medical researchers have noticed a higher amount of endorphins (body’s natural morphine in the brain) is secreted after the acupuncture treatment, that may explain why you may experience a natural high after acupuncture. The best thing you can do in this situation is rest – take it easy and having a nap afterwards or go to bed early. Y0ur body heals faster when you spend more time in a deep sleep state.

How do you know if you have a good elimination?

Both signs of good eliminations indicate body elevates the level of metabolism, or in the Chinese term, a better energy flow in kidney and spleen meridians.

Can you stop peeing after acupuncture?

Elimination: Some patients experience detox symptoms like more urination after the acupuncture session. Some have told me that they can’t stop going for a pee, up to ten times within one afternoon, without drinking more water. As you would expect, their bloating and water retention would be relieved significantly.

How long should I rest after acupuncture?

If that’s not possible, try to rest for five to 10 minutes before you drive. Your practitioner may suggest that you take it easy for a day or two after each session.

How often should I get acupuncture?

Most patients have an appointment once a week. Others get treatment more or less often, depending on how long the effects last. Your acupuncturist will recommend a schedule that is right for you. You may not get the full benefits of acupuncture on the first or second treatment.

How does an acupuncturist work?

An acupuncturist inserts very thin steel needles into the patient’s skin at multiple “acupoints.”. The needles rebalance the body’s energy, or qi, and prompt the body to release natural chemicals to fight the illness or symptom. Appointments & Access.

What is acupuncture needle?

What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is a treatment that uses very thin steel needles inserted into the skin to stimulate specific points in the body. The goal is to relieve a health condition or symptom, such as pain. The practice comes from traditional Chinese medicine.

What is trigger point acupuncture?

This common condition involves muscles and their connective tissue. When muscles are stressed, strained or injured, they often form trigger points — tight, painful knots. A trigger point in one muscle can create pain in a different area of the body (referred pain).

How long does an acupuncturist stay in the body?

An acupuncturist inserts needles at various depths, from a fraction of an inch to a couple of inches. The needles stay in for a few minutes or as long as 20 minutes.

What is the best treatment for a headache?

Acupuncture can treat many types of health issues. Most often, people use it to relieve chronic (long-term) pain, such as: Arthritis. Back pain, neck pain or muscle pain. Headaches and migraines.

How long does it take for muscle soreness to dissipate after acupuncture?

Soreness from acupuncture typically dissipates within 24 hours. However, big trigger point releases can cause residual soreness that lasts a few days.

How to stop feeling lightheaded after acupuncture?

If you find yourself feeling lightheaded after the treatment, sit in your acupuncturist's waiting room for a few minutes and take some deep breaths. Acupuncture can be a physically and emotionally intense experience, and sometimes our bodies are not fully recovered at exactly the moment our hour is up.

What does it mean when your neck is screaming after acupuncture?

After an acupuncture treatment, once this person's bodily felt sense has been woken up, his mild upper back and neck tension might start screaming. The good news about this side effect is that it's a sign that things are moving. In the case of acupuncture, this means that the primary objective is being met.

What does it mean when your muscles twitch after acupuncture?

Muscle twitching is different from full-on muscle spasm. If during or after an acupuncture treatment you feel that one of your muscles is acutely spasming, especially if it's a muscle that was just needled, tell your acupuncturist. He or she might be able to release it before you go on your merry way.

Why do people get emotional release from acupuncture?

Not because they're in pain, but because their emotions, which can get stifled while powering through life, become free-flowing. The emotional release that can happen in acupuncture usually is a positive experience, but it can be surprising, especially for people who tend to be more emotionally stoical.

What are the side effects of acupuncture?

The most common side effects of acupuncture are things everyone wants: better sleep, more energy, mental clarity, better digestion and less stress. One or several of these side effects occur routinely for many, many acupuncture goers. Following the publication of an article on the most common side effects of acupuncture, ...

Where is the acupuncture needle located?

I've found that this most commonly occurs with points in the hands and feet, especially Large Intestine 4, an acupuncture point located between the thumb and index finger.