Medical acupuncture is a powerful pain relief method for many people. If you are thinking about getting it in order to improve your health and quality of life, you might wonder what you can expect after your sessions. What will you feel like? Is there anything you should or should not do in order to maximize the benefits of your acupuncture treatment? This blog post helps you preview the road ahead and provides some practical do’s and don’ts.
What Will You Feel Like After Your Session?
Some patients notice immediate, total pain relief after an acupuncture session. That could occur in your case, but there is also the possibility that you will simply notice a reduction in pain. Some patients even experience a temporary increase in discomfort; if that happens to you, do not worry. That may just be part of your body’s healing process. After a few days, it is likely that your pain level will be less than it was prior to your acupuncture session.
What to Do After Your Appointment
To make sure you get the most out of your treatment, you should:
- Move slowly and gently. If you choose to exercise, take a walk or do some gentle yoga. Do not do anything too intense.
- Hydrate yourself. Acupuncture amps up your body’s detox process. Staying hydrated with plenty of water can support your detoxification organs.
- Eat nutrient-rich foods. A veggie-filled soup or another nourishing meal can help you relax and provide your body with the fuel it needs to move toward improved health.
- Monitor how you feel. Take note of your pain level, appetite, and sleep patterns. Let your practitioner know how your acupuncture affected these aspects of your health so they can monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan if necessary.
What Not to Do After Your Appointment
Here are a few things you should avoid doing after your acupuncture appointment:
- Do not overstimulate yourself. Intense workouts, as well as alcohol and caffeine consumption, might negatively affect your acupuncture results. Keep your body at a slow and steady pace for a few days.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes. Extreme temperature changes (for example, sitting in a sauna or taking a cold shower) may overstimulate your body.
- Keep stress to a minimum. If your circumstances allow, you might choose to take the day off work and do something that you enjoy, such as reading or working in your garden.
Medical acupuncture might allow you to enjoy increased mobility, decreased pain, and other benefits! Treat your body gently after your appointment so you can reap the greatest benefits possible.
Meet the Practice
Dr. James Pinkston, DO, is board-certified in neuromusculoskeletal medicine. Under his leadership, our practice offers a number of pain relief techniques, including medical acupuncture. If you are struggling with aches and pains and want to learn more about our non-surgical treatment options, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our Asheville office at 828-417-9913.