As an acupuncture professional, you might occasionally have clients ask you about aftercare; what they should and shouldn’t do, or what they should and shouldn’t eat after their session in order to maximise the benefits of acupuncture. In this article, we go over everything you, and your clients, need to know about acupuncture aftercare.
So, what food should you eat after acupuncture? Acupuncture clients should stick to healthy foods, ideally those rich in antioxidants, after a session in order to promote the elimination of toxins from the body. Avoid anything overly processed, fried, refined sugars, caffeine, and alcohol.
Read on to learn more about what clients should and should not eat after an acupuncture appointment in order to maximise their benefits.
Should You Eat Before or After Acupuncture?
Experts recommend that clients eat approximately two hours before their acupuncture session. However, this shouldn’t be a big meal as that could cause discomfort during the session. It is also recommended that clients avoid unhealthy, overly processed foods prior to their session, as well as coffee as this can activate the body’s fight or flight response. Never advise patients to arrive on an empty stomach; this may cause them to feel lightheaded, which could be dangerous post-session. If your client feels lightheaded after their session regardless, advise them to sit in the waiting room for a while, or have someone pick them up; ensure that they don’t drive in this situation.
What Food Should You Eat After Acupuncture?
After an acupuncture appointment, it is recommended that clients eat healthy foods to help promote the elimination of toxins from the body. Antioxidants are great for this and can be found in a wide range of food, including:
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Cranberries
- Turmeric
- Pecans
- Artichoke
- Kale
- Spinach
- Ginger
- Kidney Beans
- Herbs such as Thyme, Basil, and Oregano
- Peppers
- Tomato
- Broccoli
- Green Tea
Rather than heading straight for the coffee or tea after an appointment, recommend that your clients stick to water for the rest of the day. This will further help to flush the body of toxins.
What Should You Not Eat After Acupuncture?
It’s important that client’s avoid unhealthy foods after their acupuncture appointment, as it may hinder their received benefits. This includes processed foods, fried foods, and refined sugar - if clients crave something sweet, antioxidant-rich fruits are a great option! It is also recommended to avoid caffeine rich drinks such as coffee and black tea, and alcohol. This is important for three reasons;
Firstly, your clients need to stay hydrated after an acupuncture session and both alcohol and caffeine do almost the opposite. Instead, recommend that your client drinks plenty of water. Not only will it help them to stay hydrated, but will help to flush the toxins out of their body.
Secondly, alcohol and caffeine release toxins into the system which the body would be in the process of eliminating - it would be counterproductive to drink such beverages at this stage.
Thirdly, alcohol and caffeine have an influence on the body, either reducing or heightening senses. Acupuncture aims to promote clarity and bodily awareness, of which alcohol and caffeine may have a negative effect.
What Should You Not Do After Acupuncture?
Like with food and drink, there are a variety of activities that you should warn your clients to avoid after their session:
Avoid TV and Other Screens
Avoiding TV and other screens helps to elongate the relaxing benefits of acupuncture for much longer, and can promote good sleep. It might be useful to recommend that your clients, instead, read a physical book, listen to soothing music, or do something else which doesn’t involve screens.
Avoid Extreme Cold
Keeping warm will help to maximise the benefits of acupuncture as it keeps the bodily fluids flowing. Some acupuncturists suggest that, with this in mind, clients should avoid showering or swimming for up to 24 hours after their session, although this may depend on the temperature and environment of the area in which your client lives.
Acupuncture Courses at Breeze Academy
At Breeze Academy, we ensure that students leave with the knowledge and confidence to safely practice acupuncture, including having the knowledge to answer client questions such as What Food Should You Eat After Acupuncture?.
Check out our range of Foundation and Advanced Acupuncture Courses now. We also offer more specialist acupuncture courses for Nurses, Midwives, Dentists, Physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals.