Right after an acupuncture procedure, the specialist will usually give you tips or a detailed plan for experiencing the treatment’s benefits. Even something as simple as staying at home or eating a healthy meal can further improve acupuncture therapy’s results. You need to follow their advice, or the desired results may not appear.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting extremely thin needles into specific body points to promote healing and balance. The practice is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced ‘chee’), which is believed to be a vital life force that flows through pathways called meridians.
When Qi is blocked or imbalanced, it leads to physical and emotional health issues. By permitting the acupuncture practitioner to insert the needles at certain points along these meridians, you restore the proper flow of Qi, improving health and alleviating symptoms.
What Not to Do After Acupuncture Treatment
- Avoid Intense Physical Activity. During acupuncture, your body undergoes various internal changes, including improved circulation and relaxation. Engaging in activities including heavy lifting, strenuous exercises or high-impact sports can counteract these effects and possibly cause muscle strain or fatigue. Let your body rest and integrate the therapeutic benefits by choosing gentle exercises like walking or stretching.
- Do Not Consume Alcohol or Caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine are stimulants that can affect your nervous system, leading to dehydration and increased stress levels. Consuming these substances may interfere with the balance and calming effects of acupuncture, reducing its efficacy. Stick to drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and maintain the treatment’s benefits.
- Avoid Stressful Situations. Stress and emotional upheaval can negate acupuncture’s relaxing and healing power. Try to create a calm and peaceful environment for yourself after the treatment. Find activities that promote relaxation and mental well-being, such as meditation, reading or spending time in nature.
- Do Not Take a Hot Shower or Bath. While it may be tempting to soak in a hot bath, exposure to extreme heat can dilate your blood vessels and change your circulation patterns, disrupting the flow of body energy (Qi) that acupuncture aims to balance. Lukewarm showers are a better option as they won’t interfere with your body’s energized state post-treatment.
- Avoid Eating Junk Food or Greasy Meals. Your digestive system is also affected by acupuncture, and eating heavy or greasy foods can be taxing on it. Go for a light, nutritious balanced diet that is easy to digest and benefits your body from the treatment. Healthy foods with fibre and protein are usually excellent choices.
- Avoid Doing Other Forms of Bodywork. Experts generally advise not to schedule other forms of bodywork, such as massage or chiropractic adjustments, immediately after acupuncture. Your body needs ample time to process and integrate the session’s effects. Undergoing additional treatments may overwhelm your system and weaken the maximum benefits of each therapy.
- Avoid Using Ice Packs. Applying ice for pain relief can restrict blood flow and impede the healing process that acupuncture seeks to stimulate. If you experience soreness or discomfort, using a warm compress is best to increase circulation and promote healing.
- Do Not Ignore Your Body’s Signals. Pay attention to how you feel after the treatment. If you feel tired, it’s important to get adequate rest. If you’re hungry, eat nourishing food. Ignoring these indications can hinder the body’s healing process. Listening to your body ensures you’re supporting its natural healing process.
- Avoid Negative Thinking or Emotional Disturbances. Just as physical stress can counteract acupuncture’s positive effects, so can emotional stress. Doing activities that fuel negative thinking or expose you to emotional disturbances can undo the mental relaxation achieved. Focus on positive experiences to keep a balanced state of mind and reduce stress hormones.
- Do Not Immediately Return to a High-Stress Work Environment. If possible, schedule your acupuncture sessions during a time when you can follow up with a period of relaxation instead of diving back into a stressful work environment. This allows the treatment’s calming and balancing effects to fully take hold, giving you the best chance of reaping its benefits.
- Avoid Skipping Your Next Treatment. Acupuncture is often most effective as part of a series of treatments. Skipping your next appointment can interrupt the momentum of your healing process. Stick to the schedule recommended by your practitioner to achieve the best results.
What to Expect After Acupuncture Treatment
- Immediate Relaxation. Many patients report feeling deeply relaxed immediately after their treatment. The acupuncture needle insertion may stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and serotonin, contributing to well-being and relaxation.
- Mild Soreness or Sensitivity. Some patients may feel mildly sore or sensitive at the needle insertion points after a few hours or up to 72 hours. This sensation is similar to the feeling after a workout and is generally mild. It happens because the needles stimulate blood flow and the body’s natural healing response.
- Emotional Release. It’s not uncommon for people to experience an emotional response, such as crying or laughing, during or after treatment. Acupuncture can release suppressed emotions by addressing energy blockages (Qi) in the body, allowing emotional energy levels to flow more freely.
- Fatigue or Tiredness. Some may feel fatigued after acupuncture for three days after the treatment. This is because the body goes into a healing mode, making you crave the need to rest and recuperate. The treatment can also balance the nervous system, which leads to deep relaxation and the subsequent need for rest.
- Increased Energy. Conversely, others might feel an increase in the overall flow of energy and alertness. As acupuncture helps balance the body’s energy flow, it gives the person improved vitality and a heightened sense of clarity and alertness.
- Symptom Relief or Exacerbation. Symptoms may improve immediately or over the next few days, but occasionally, they may feel worse before they get better. This is known as a “healing crisis,” where the body’s elimination and healing process can temporarily heighten symptoms.
- Changes in Sensation. Some people might experience tingling, warmth or other unusual sensory changes at the needle insertion site or elsewhere in the body. These sensations are often described as the Qi movement within the body and are generally considered a positive indication the treatment is working.
- Bruising or Minor Bleeding. Small bruises or slight bleeding can occasionally happen at the needle sites. These are normal side effects, as the needles can sometimes puncture small blood vessels, creating minor and temporary bruising.
Relieve Your Symptoms Through Acupuncture Treatments at BC Orchard Aesthetics in Burnaby, BC
Undergoing can sometimes be a frightening experience for first-time patients. Fortunately, you will never experience that when you visit BC Orchard Aesthetics. Our acupuncture practice has a warm, inviting atmosphere, and our staff always wears a smile to ease your mind. Even better, we have a qualified acupuncturist with extensive experience treating patients.
Contact us now if you want to ask more questions about the treatment.