Acupuncture boasts a number of benefits, including pain relief, stress alleviation, high energy levels, a healthier immune system, and more. But did you know that what you do after your acupuncture sessions has a direct effect on how well it works? Many people wonder, “Can I workout after acupuncture?” In this post, we’ll answer this question and give you a list of other things you should avoid after acupuncture.
Can I Workout After Acupuncture?
In short, the answer is no. You should certainly avoid heavy workouts or weightlifting. While it’s natural (and preferable!) that you have a large boost of energy after a session, workouts usually involve strenuous exercise. Intense exercise can actually counteract the effects of acupuncture.
During an acupuncture session, your practitioner moves energy along the meridians in your body by inserting needles at certain points. Exercise draws energy away from those points, which defeats the purpose of the treatment altogether.
When you disrupt these energy paths, it can also have a temporary negative effect on you. If they exercise after getting needlework done, many people feel dizziness, lightheadedness, head pain, or tired during or after their workout.
However, light exercise before a session can increase blood flow, which can actually have a positive effect on your body during the acupuncture session.
3 Other Activities to Avoid After a Session
1. Don’t Drink Lots of Alcohol or Caffeine
This Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment helps toxins leave your body. While alcohol in moderate amounts is not harmful, it can be harmful to you in large doses, which undoes the effects of the treatments.
To flush out these toxins, you also need to stay hydrated — water helps your system get rid of toxic substances. Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you, preventing you from getting the full benefits of acupuncture.
2. Avoid Processed and Low-Quality Foods
Processed and less nutritious foods can be full of toxins that acupuncture is trying to flush out of your system. Use food as a way to heal and enhance your body after a session. Focus on fresh, nutrient-dense foods that you enjoy eating, such as mango, spinach, fish, and more.
3. Avoid Using Ice Packs
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, stagnant energy is responsible for pain and inflammation. Acupuncture helps restore the flow of blocked energy along the meridians in your body. That’s why using ice can be a counterproductive measure since cold leads to stagnation.
What Should I Do Instead?
Focus on hydration and drink plenty of water to continue flushing toxins out of your bodily systems. Fill your diet with plenty of nutrient-rich foods. If you feel discomfort or aches in any of the areas where you received needlework, use heat packs instead of ice packs.
If you feel the need to engage in some exercise, do light exercise. Light exercise includes activities that don’t make you sweat or breathe hard. Engaging in casual walks or short bike rides, for instance, are good choices.
Ultimately, get lots of rest. Rest is important for allowing your body to heal and rejuvenate itself.
Ready to book your next acupuncture session? Call Dr. Rafael Padro at 305-275-8573 or book a session here.