How to Maintain Acupuncture Results

Acupuncture, the central component of traditional Chinese medicine, can be an intimidating form of alternative medicine. The treatment is a technique for balancing your life force or energy flow.

The flow of energy or qi moves through meridians or pathways in your body where the acupuncture therapist places fine needles. By placing these into specific points along the meridians, they ensure the restoration of balance.

Getting the Most Out of Treatment

Acupuncture therapy has a lot of benefits. However, there are a few things you may need to do to maintain the results and get the most out of it.

Eat Beforehand

There is a correlation between qi and what you eat. Thus, start by ensuring you do not go for a session when you are hungry. Qi comes from the food you eat. So if you do not eat well and skip meals, you will be low on qi. Having food in your stomach means you have enough qi to redirect and help bring balance during treatment. The treatment will not be effective if you are low on qi.

Avoid Greasy Foods and Stimulants

Greasy foods can irritate your stomach and cause agitation, causing an imbalance in your energy flow. Hence, you should not eat fatty food at least two hours after your session. Otherwise, you will cause an imbalance in your life force. The same goes for stimulants like coffee. 

Caffeine blocks the production of adenosine. Adenosine is a chemical that performs signaling functions in the brain to help you calm down, relax, and rest. Acupuncture increases the production of this compound, enabling your qi to flow.

When you take caffeine after a session, it lowers the adenosine level your body is producing. The stimulation also unsettles the relaxed mood and causes an imbalance in your qi.

Plan Your Day and Prepare for Treatment

As you plan for your day, take note of any strenuous activity that you may have to do. Do them earlier in the day if you have no way to avoid them. The strenuous activity involves physical and psychological activities that drain your energy after a session.

That does not mean you should not engage in any physical activity—you can, as long as it is not something that will drain your energy. Strenuous activity redirects your energy and stops the desired effects of the treatment.

Relax

Relax to get the most out of your acupuncture session. When your muscles and nerves relax, it makes it easier for your acupuncturist. Your body is also more receptive to the treatment. Turn off your mobile phone and focus on taking care of yourself. Do away with all things that may distract you or make you uncomfortable.

Drink plenty of water and stay comfortable after the appointment. Avoid anything that may stress you, and give yourself time to rest and relax.

Conclusion

Follow the advice your acupuncturist gives you. Take care of your nutrition, exercise, and relax. Your acupuncturist will make recommendations from the knowledge that these three things affect your qi. Take care of your energy flow and make changes to your life.

For more information on acupuncture, visit Frame Chiropractic & Acupuncture at our Toledo, Ohio office. Call (419) 573-0077 to schedule an appointment today.