What should patients do after an acupuncture treatment? For starters, they should avoid caffeine, junk food, digital screens, alcohol, difficult exercise, and stressful situations whenever they can. Various other activities should be avoided after an acupuncture treatment, at least for a short time. In some cases, this is for safety reasons, but it may also be done so the procedure's potential benefits can be maximised as a result of this short-lived change in lifestyle. Let's point out the things that should be avoided, this time in greater detail:
Avoid Stressful Situations
Acupuncture is a relaxation treatment for most clients, so at the very least, they need to avoid going back to a stressful situation, necessitating some lifestyle changes, at least for a short while. Whenever possible, you should book your appointments at a time when you won't have to go back to work. It may also be beneficial if you don't watch TV or check stressful news sources but instead listen to relaxing music, read a book or work on your favourite hobby.
Avoid Cold Temperatures
After acupuncture, your body will need to be warmed up to get back to normal. You should consider avoiding cold temperatures and avoiding using ice for any topical pain relief.
Avoid Digital Screens
Regarding relaxation, TV and other digital devices tend to stop the body from relaxing, as you are constantly engaged. You should give yourself at least a couple of hours of rest when you're done with the acupuncture session to wind down and have a good night's sleep. On the night of the acupuncture session, you should read a physical book, listen to music if you need to or lie down and try to relax and sleep.
Don't Drive if Lightheaded
For safety's sake, you should think about how you feel after the session is complete. Some people feel lightheaded after the procedure, so you should avoid driving if that's the case until you feel better. Have someone pick you up instead.
What Should Clients Eat After Acupuncture?
Just like you should avoid certain activities, you may also want to be aware of the food and drinks you're consuming. To maximise the potential benefits of the treatment, you should eat healthy, non-processed foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins, such as the following:
- Kale
- Spinach
- Ginger
- Kidney Beans
- Herbs such as Thyme, Basil, and Oregano
- Peppers
- Tomato
- Broccoli
- Green Tea
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Cranberries
- Turmeric
- Pecans
- Artichoke
What Clients Should Not Eat After Acupuncture
Just like there are foods you should eat, there are also foods and drinks you must avoid after acupuncture, ensuring your rate of recovery and improvement works out for the best:
- Junk food and fast food in general
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Refined sugars
Should Clients Rest After Acupuncture?
Though you don't need to sleep for days on end or get confined at home, you should still take it easy for a couple of days once the procedure is over so that you can reap the most benefits. What's more, you will find that rest will help restore your physical and emotional wellbeing.
What Clients SHOULD Do After Acupuncture
So, to summarise things:
- Rest
- Eat well and drink plenty of water.
- Be aware of their benefits, side effects, and general experience, as this feedback may be useful to you as their practitioner.
- Keep warm and use heat for pain relief where necessary.
- Consider other interventions to maximise outcomes.
- Take it easy and avoid strenuous exercise.