
How should I feel after my acupuncture?
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.
What does acupuncture actually do?
How to Take Care of Yourself After an Acupuncture Treatment
- Go light on exercise. A lot of people ask whether they can work out after acupuncture. ...
- Use heat. One of the most common questions I get from people who are going to acupuncture for pain relief is, "Should I use heat or ice?"
- Avoid alcohol and coffee. ...
- Turn off the TV. ...
- Eat good food. ...
How to take care of yourself after an acupuncture treatment?
Can acupuncture make things worse? January 26, 2021 Emma Mango. Temporarily, yes, but it’s not common. If you’ve been ill for a long time, or your issues are quite complex with lots of different things going on when you have acupuncture treatment it can move a lot of stuck energy.
Can acupuncture make things worse?

How should I feel after my first acupuncture treatment?
Immediate Reactions After Acupuncture (the first 24-48 hours)Relaxation: You may feel deeply relaxed which lasts for hours or even for a day. ... Emotions: Some patients would become more emotionally sensitive for a short period of time. ... Pain Relief: Acupuncture is known for its instant pain relief. ... Elimination:
Does acupuncture hurt first time?
Sometimes your first acupuncture treatment will be more painful than your following treatments. This could be because certain energy points on your body are being activated for the first time. Your symptoms may worsen slightly before they get better. “Pain isn't a negative thing, but you don't want it to last.
What happens first acupuncture appointment?
An initial acupuncture session usually lasts 20 minutes to 1 hour and involves an assessment of your general health, medical history and a physical examination, followed by insertion of the acupuncture needles. Courses of treatment often involve several separate sessions, but this can vary.
How soon does acupuncture begin to work?
Generally after 30 minutes of treatment you should feel something working. The length of time needed for it to work depends on what medical problem is being treated and the type of accupuncture being used.
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?
Do you get undressed for acupuncture?
Wearing loose things will allow you to remain clothed during your appointment. It will also help access these areas. The doctor may ask you to undress down to your underwear to access specific points. If this makes you uncomfortable, you should not be afraid to talk about it.
What should you not do before acupuncture?
5 Things to Know Before Your First Acupuncture SessionThe needles are not what you think. ... You should eat something before you go. ... Do not schedule anything after. ... Know the details of your medical history. ... Avoid your morning latte.
What should I 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.
Why do you fall asleep during acupuncture?
Acupuncture lessens anxiety, stimulates melatonin production, induces sleep onset, and reduce sleep disruption and arousal during the night. All of these effects amount to an overall increase in total sleep time.
How can you tell if acupuncture is working?
The following are the most common signs indicate your acupuncture treatment is working.Sign 1: Pain Relief. ... Sign 2: Improved Sleep Pattern. ... Sign 3: Eating Better. ... Sign 4: Circulating Well. ... Sign 5: Elimination Properly. ... Sign 6: Breathing Easy. ... Sign 7: A Sense of Emotional Wellbeing. ... Sign 8: Uneventful Menstruation.
What are the negative side effects of acupuncture?
As with any treatment, acupuncture may cause side effects in some individuals....Side effects may include:Pain and bleeding from the needle insertion.Nausea.Infections.Skin rash.Allergic reaction.Bruising around the area the needles were placed.Dizziness17.
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...
Is acupuncture suppose to hurt?
Q: Does acupuncture hurt? A: You might be more sensitive in certain areas, but it shouldn't hurt. Acupuncture needles are usually not painful on areas of thicker skin and muscles. For example, your belly and back are less sensitive.
Why does it hurt when I get acupuncture?
Painful acupuncture can be caused by the use of a needle that is too large. Acupuncture needles vary in size but are generally no wider than a strand of hair. If your acupuncturist is using a large gauge needle it may cause pain and maybe the wrong size.
Is it normal to feel pain after acupuncture?
Feeling fatigued after acupuncture is not cause for concern, but it is a warning sign that you need to rest. Body parts where acupuncture needles get inserted can feel sore after needles are removed. Soreness from acupuncture typically dissipates within 24 hours.
Is acupuncture meant to hurt?
Does Acupuncture Hurt? Acupuncture needles are very thin, and most people feel no pain or very little pain when they are inserted. They often say they feel energized or relaxed after the treatment. However, the needles can cause temporary soreness.
What to know before acupuncture?
1. There will be a lengthy interview before hand, with questions you usually don’t get asked.
Why do acupuncturists ask questions?
While it may feel unrelated, acupuncturists ask these questions because many conditions can manifest from basic digestive functions or another seemingly unrelated system in the body. Do your best to answer them as accurately as possible to help your doctor best diagnose and treat you. 2.
What is needling acupuncture?
Though needling might be an acupuncture practitioner’s main tool, many are licensed in other therapies that fall under the umbrella of Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM). These may include, gua sha, massage, cupping, Chinese herbs, heating/energy work, or acupressure. Depending on what your diagnosis is, your doctor might offer a menu of helpful treatments to get you back into a healthy alignment with your body and mind.
How many gauges are used for acupuncture?
On the flip side, most acupuncture needles range between 30-40 gauges, making them significantly more thin.
How thin is an acupuncture needle?
On the flip side, most acupuncture needles range between 30-40 gauges, making them significantly more thin. Most people are typically surprised by how little they feel the needle, both when it’s inserted into the body and after its in place.
What do acupuncturists do?
6. Remember to say “aah!”. Acupuncturists will want to address the state of your internal organs, so will likely take your pulse, feel your abdomen, and inspect the tongue before the needling begins.
Is acupuncture painless?
7. The needles are pretty painless. Even if you’re typically afraid of needles, you need not be alarmed when it comes to acupuncture! As far as size goes, the needles acupuncturists use are about the width of a few pieces of hair.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient method of medicine that originated in China thousands of years ago. Recent scientific studies reinforce what we already know – that acupuncture is effective in treating a variety of health and wellness concerns, including pain, nausea, dizziness, chronic conditions, and more.
Preparing For Your Acupuncture Treatment
In order to get the most out of your acupuncture treatment, it is important to properly prepare yourself before your appointment.
Before Your Acupuncture Treatment: Initial Consultation
Before your acupuncture treatment, the acupuncturist will do an initial consultation to assess your overall health.
The Acupuncture Treatment: What to Expect
The actual acupuncture treatment is simple and straightforward. You will be asked to lie down or sit on a table and the acupuncturist will place needles into various points on your body.
After Your Acupuncture Treatment
Following your acupuncture session, you will be encouraged to drink extra water and relax. You may find yourself feeling calm and rested after the treatment – although some people feel more energized!
The Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatment can help address a range of conditions and discomforts, both physical and mental.
Acupuncture Services in Edmonton
Red Leaf Wellness is a multi-disciplinary clinic located in Edmonton, Alberta, that offers services that emphasize whole integrative health for better wellness and healing.
What does it feel like to be acupunctured?
You may feel like crying, laughing hysterically or expressing yourself in another way.
What is a pleasant experience in Chinese medicine?
1. A pleasant experience in setting up your appointment and getting your questions answered. It has been my experience that otherwise great Chinese medicine physicians don't have a lot of basic business skills. This can result in frustrating experiences for patients. This is not always the case, however.
What is pulse in Chinese medicine?
They will have you relax your arms and will feel your radial pulse for a minute or more on each side. Sometimes they will return to a pulse they have already felt. Every doctor has a slightly different technique, and some doctors are more skilled in pulse taking than others. This art has been practiced in some form in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It gives the practitioner information about your entire body and everything in it.
Is group acupuncture affordable?
In some areas, “group acupuncture” may be available. This is a form of acupuncture where you will be treated – usually fully clothed – in a room with several others. It is typically very affordable and some doctors recommend it to their patients in between “regular” appointments.
Does a doctor restimulate a needle?
Sometimes the doctor will come back to restimulate the needle, producing more sensation and more Qi movement. They may use specialized techniques during this time to further encourage your body's Qi to help in your healing process. The final removal of the needles is usually painless.
What is the first part of an acupuncture session?
The first part of each session is a check-in where the acupuncturist will ask about your medical history and symptoms. Be honest about what is bothering you and use this time to ask any questions that may be on your mind. It is equally as important to talk about your experience after and ask any lingering questions. Building a rapport with your acupuncture will allow them to tailor the treatment to you and allow you to relax during treatment.
Does acupuncture help with back pain?
A number of research studies suggest that it may help relieve chronic pain such as low-back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis/knee pain. While the effects of acupuncture are only beginning to be understood, it’s believed that other factors unrelated to needling, such as expectation, play a part in the beneficial effects. Read more information on the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health’s website.
What is the first thing an acupuncturist checks?
Internal organs check. img source: unsplash.com. The first thing that every acupuncture expert will do is to check the internal organs and their conditions. That means that you should be prepared for an abdominal check, but also a puls and tongue check.
What does a tongue check tell you?
A simple tongue check can tell them a lot about the digestive system condition and if there are some sleep problems and the state of the metabolism. It is crucial to avoid food that can change the color of your tongue before the acupuncture and not brush it that day because it can give them the wrong diagnoses.
Is acupuncture painful?
The Verdict. img source: unsplash.com. Many people want to try acupuncture, but they are too afraid of needles, and they are convinced that it is a painful treatment, but the truth is different. Needles used in this treatment are thin like hair, so it is almost impossible to feel them during the whole treatment.
Can you drink herbal supplements after acupuncture?
img source: unsplash.com. In most cases, the acupuncturist will give you some herbal formula or supplement to drink after the treatment for some time. It is important to drink them as prescribed because they are a crucial part of the whole treatment.
What questions does an acupuncturist ask?
CURRENT STATE OF APPETITE AND DIGESTION. An acupuncturist will ask important questions regarding your appetite or lack thereof , as well as questions regarding digestion, bloating, gas, food retention, taste, nausea and vomit.
What does an acupuncturist look for in a tongue?
During your initial examination, and usually before each subsequent treatment, your acupuncturist will look at the overall tongue coating, shape, and color, and also look at specific areas on the tongue. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, different areas of the tongue are believed to reflect the condition and overall health of the organ systems.
What color of blood is normal for acupuncture?
Also take note of the following and report anything significant to your acupuncturist: amount of bleeding (Heavy loss, absence of blood, scanty periods, or abnormal uterine bleeding) color of blood (dull red (normal), very dark or bright red, pale blood, or purplish/black)
What information is important for TCM?
Information regarding urine and stool are very important in making an accurate TCM diagnosis. Anything significant should be reported to your acupuncturist. The following questions are usually reviewed during your intake.
What are the signs and symptoms of Chinese medicine?
According to the basic ideas underlying Chinese Medicine Diagnosis, practically everything regarding signs and symptoms, such as emotions, skin, complexion, bones, preferences, tongue, pulse, demeanor, smells, sounds, mental state, and body build reflects the condition of the internal organs and can be used in diagnosis.
What is the tongue in Chinese medicine?
Chinese medicine practitioners believe the tongue is a veritable map of the entire organ and meridian system and can reveal a lot about your health. Chinese Medicine Tongue Diagnosis is an important part of the Chinese medical assessment. During your initial examination, and usually before each subsequent treatment, your acupuncturist will look at the overall tongue coating, shape, and color, and also look at specific areas on the tongue.
