Dos and Don’ts After an Acupuncture Session

Medical acupuncture has the potential to relieve pain, reduce stress, and provide other benefits. Plus, since it is nonpharmaceutical and minimally invasive, it will not have a big impact on your daily routine. However, in order for your treatment to reach its maximum effectiveness, there are some simple steps you should take after your appointment. What are the dos and don’ts that you should observe after an acupuncture session? This blog post explains.

What to Do After Acupuncture

After an acupuncture treatment, you should:

• Move gently.  For chronic pain sufferers, some gentle walking or stretching can encourage circulation and help to reduce your symptoms.
• Take it easy if you decide to work out. If you are an avid exerciser, keep in mind that immediately after an acupuncture treatment is not the time to test your limits. It might be best to replace your usual workout with a long walk or some gentle flexibility movements.
• Drink plenty of water. Acupuncture can help to detoxify your body, which means you might need to urinate more than usual. Replace lost fluids by drinking lots of water.
• Monitor how you feel. You may notice pain relief after your session, but you might also feel tired or lethargic. These sensations are normal. If your circumstances allow, it may be helpful to take a nap after your appointment.

What Not to Do After Acupuncture

Here are some things that you should avoid doing after your treatment:

• Avoid stimulants. Drinking coffee or engaging in a fast-paced workout might reduce the effectiveness of your treatment. It is best to keep a slow and steady pace for at least a day or so after your appointment.
• Avoid big temperature changes. Things like hot showers, cold baths, and other sources of significant temperature changes could affect the energy meridians throughout your body and interfere with the results of your acupuncture session.
• Do not consume fast food, refined sugars, or other minimally nutritious foods. Highly processed foods may falsely boost your energy. It is best to eat nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods instead.

Acupuncture gives you a chance to slow down and get in touch with your body! Keep the above notes in mind so you can derive the greatest benefits possible from your treatment.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Derek Murphy is an experienced holistic physician in St. Cloud. He focuses on helping patients achieve improved wellness through natural and minimally invasive treatments, including medical acupuncture. If you are interested in finding out how this therapy might be able to benefit you, contact Holistic Medicine Wellness Center at 407-319-7541.