Complete Guide To Post Acupuncture Care

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese healing practice in which thin needles are inserted at specific point in your body. The acupuncture points stimulate the central nervous system, which release biochemicals that activate the natural healing process, promoting good health and wellbeing.

An acupuncture session leaves patients feeling warm and lightheaded (relaxed) due to the release of mood-uplifting hormones and neurotransmitters. The body is flooded with serotonin, the happiness hormone that enhances mood, improves digestion & sleep, and supports cognitive activities. Release of endorphins help to reduce physical pain and other bodily discomforts. The level of stress hormone cortisol, responsible for anxiety and depression, is significantly reduced. 

Most people feel great after an acupuncture session and the mood uplifting sensations – termed as "acu-high” – occurs due to stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Here we discuss about how to support your body after an acupuncture session to sustain the benefits of this restorative therapy.

Guide to post acupuncture care

An acupuncture session leaves you with mental clarity, but to sustain the benefits of the treatment you need to take care of yourself. Here are some steps recommended for post acupuncture care.

Avoid strenuous workouts

Avoid rigorous exercises immediately after an acupuncture session. Challenging High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) sessions is a strict no. Acupuncture works by speeding up blood circulation and free flow of chi, so a stressful physical exercise soon after an acupuncture session will result in dizziness and fatigue. Relaxing movements like restorative yoga are recommended.

Strictly stay away from alcohol or caffeine

An acupuncture session speeds up the body’s metabolism, initiating the process of detoxification. Hydrate your body with water – before and after a session – to further help in removing toxins and movement of lymph fluids. Caffein counters the effect of acupuncture by activating the sympathetic nervous system. Alcohol is a neurotoxin that works as an immunosuppressant, hindering response of the immune system and nervous system – which acupuncture strives to optimize. Besides, alcohol takes a toll on the liver.

Eat clean food

Acupuncture triggers the immune response of your body and helps to eliminate toxins. So, eat clean food that will support the body’s detoxification process. Avoid eating processed food, sugary delicacies, and food high in saturated fats. Stick to nutritious, light meals that are easy on your stomach and support elimination of built-up toxins.

Try to relax and stay calm

An acupuncture session rejuvenates and energizes the body, making you want to work through an important deadline. But it is recommended to avoid stress or keep it to a minimum, for the rest of that day at least. Taking up stressful activities right after an acupuncture session will activate the sympathetic nervous system to go into overdrive and the benefits from the session will be lost too soon. So, try to relax and stay calm.

Say warm and comfy

After a session of acupuncture avoid cold and stay indoor if it is windy outside. The treatment improves circulation and relaxes the body, making it susceptible to shock if it is exposed to extreme cold conditions.  

Takeaway

Acupuncture is a restorative therapy that supports the body’s metabolic process, allowing it to detoxify and heal. A good rule of thumb, after an acupuncture session, is to stay in a relaxed state – stay calm, provide complete rest to your body, and allow self-care (self-love) for yourself. Good place to begin with is to follow the post acupuncture care discussed in this article.