After your acupuncture session, you will be feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. But what comes after your acupuncture treatment? The hours and days after your acupuncture treatment are just as crucial as the acupuncture session itself.
Proper post-acupuncture care can help maximize your treatment benefits and support your body’s natural healing response. Understanding what you should and shouldn’t do after your acupuncture session can significantly affect your results.
Rest and relax after your acupuncture session
One of the most important aftercare procedures after acupuncture is to give your body time to process the treatment. During your acupuncture session, your nervous system enters a state of deep relaxation, so you will want to maintain this state for at least a few hours post-acupuncture to enhance the therapeutic effects. Think of it like taking a Polaroid photograph – it takes time and the right conditions to get the best photo, and your body is the same.
Most of our patients report feeling deeply relaxed or even slightly tired after their sessions, and this is completely normal. This reaction to the acupuncture session indicates that your body responded well to the treatment. While you don’t need to take a nap after treatment, taking it slightly easy for the rest of the day can help your body integrate the amazing effects of the treatment more effectively.
Stay hydrated and maintain good health after acupuncture
As the human body contains up to 70% water, hydration plays a key role in supporting your body’s response to acupuncture sessions. Drinking plenty of water after your acupuncture sessions helps flush out any toxins that may have been released during the treatment and supports proper circulation. While we are not suggesting that you dramatically increase your water intake after the session, we do recommend maintaining good hydration in the next 24 to 48 hours.
Another factor is the food you eat after the acupuncture session. As your digestive system may be slightly more sensitive than usual, following your acupuncture session we recommend eating light and nutritious meals and avoiding foods that are heavy or greasy. Some patients experience slight changes in appetite, which is perfectly normal and typically balances out after a day or two.
Listen to your body
After your acupuncture session, you may notice minor changes in how you feel. Some patients experience what we call a “healing response”. These are temporary changes that signal your body is responding to the treatment. This can include:
- Fluctuations in your energy levels throughout the day
- Feeling slightly more emotional or sensitive than normal
- Improvements in your sleep patterns
- Minor muscle soreness (similar to post-exercise)
All of the above responses are normal and usually resolve within 1-2 days. However, if you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms, do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly practitioners.
Track your response to acupuncture treatment
We recommend keeping a simple journal of how you feel in the days and weeks following your acupuncture session with us. Noting any changes in symptoms, sleep quality, energy levels, or mood can be incredibly valuable. This information not only helps you understand your body’s powerful healing abilities, but it also helps us fine-tune future acupuncture treatments and allows us to adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Can you exercise after acupuncture?
While we highly recommend resting after your acupuncture session, whether you’re an athlete or simply enjoy exercising, you may wonder, can you exercise after acupuncture? The general rule of thumb is to avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after an acupuncture session. However, this does not mean you need to be completely inactive. Gentle exercises and movements such as walking or light stretching can benefit your healing journey.
For our more athletic patients who are heavily involved in sports, we can help you create a customized plan that balances your training schedule with your acupuncture sessions. Our expertise in sports therapy and strength assessment allows us to provide specific guidance on when and how to continue your training activities for optimal results.
Maximize the long-term benefits of acupuncture with corrective exercises
To maximize the effects of your acupuncture treatment, we often suggest specific corrective exercises that complement your therapy. Our team will carefully select exercises based on your condition and long-term treatment goals.
Corrective exercise can help you improve your overall body awareness and posture, strengthen areas contributing to your symptoms, maintain the positive results of your acupuncture sessions, and support long-term healing and prevention of future complexities.
When to book your next acupuncture session?
The timing for your next acupuncture session depends on a few key factors. These include:
- Your condition
- Your treatment goals
- How well your body responded to treatment
Some patients benefit from weekly sessions, while others may need more or less frequent acupuncture treatment. At Lycoming Orthopedics & Sports Acupuncture, we will work closely with you to develop a treatment schedule that aligns with your lifestyle and treatment needs. This may include combining acupuncture with other therapeutic approaches we offer such as strength training or sports therapy for a comprehensive treatment approach.
Book your appointment today
Getting the most out of your acupuncture sessions doesn’t stop when you leave our clinic. By following the post-treatment guidelines and listening to your body’s responses, you can maximize the benefits of your sessions.
At Lycoming Orthopedics & Sports Acupuncture, we are committed to supporting your healing journey every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment or to learn more about our comprehensive approaches to your needs. Our experienced team of practitioners can answer any questions about post-acupuncture treatment care and help create a personalized treatment plan that works towards your health and wellness goals.
