Acupuncture, one of the earliest forms of Chinese medicine, has been practised for thousands of years. It is based on the belief that energy, called qi, flows through the body along pathways called; meridians. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points along these pathways to stimulate the flow of energy and bring about a state of balance and wellness in the body. What food can you safely eat after receiving acupuncture?

After having acupuncture, patients should only eat nutritious foods, particularly those rich in antioxidants, to aid the body in removing toxins.  Avoid fried food, coffee, alcohol, and refined sugars. Continue reading to learn more.

Should You Eat Before or After Getting Acupuncture? 

It is essential to consider the timing of meals when it comes to acupuncture. It is best to eat before getting acupuncture. This is because acupuncture stimulates the body’s digestive system, which can cause discomfort if your stomach is empty. Eating a light meal or snack can help to prevent nausea, light-headedness, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Drinking some water before and after your session is also advised because staying hydrated is important. On the other hand, some practitioners recommend eating after getting acupuncture. This is because acupuncture can help to stimulate digestion, so eating after a session may help to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients. However, eating too soon after acupuncture can slow the healing process, so it is best to wait at least an hour after your session before eating.

What Foods Are Advised Following Acupuncture?

After an acupuncture treatment, nourishing the body with the right food is important. This is because acupuncture can help to regulate the body’s energy and strengthen its natural healing abilities, but it also can be draining and cause fatigue. Therefore, food that provides energy, balance, and nourishment is essential. The best foods after acupuncture are easy to digest and contain plenty of nutrients. This includes whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, and seeds. These foods are packed with vitamins, natural herbs, minerals, and antioxidants to help the body recover quickly and promote overall health. Drinking plenty of fluids after acupuncture is also important to help flush toxins out of the body. This can include water and herbal teas. Moreover, avoiding processed and sugary foods is best, as this type of food can cause inflammation and disrupt the body’s energy. In addition, it is important to eat slowly and mindfully after acupuncture. This allows the body to absorb the nutrients better and helps to ensure the food is properly digested. It is also important to avoid eating too much or too little. Overeating can cause bloating and indigestion, while eating too little can cause fatigue and lack of energy.

Meals to Avoid After Acupuncture

The primary reason it’s important to be mindful of your diet after acupuncture is to ensure the efficacy of the treatment. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s energy pathways, and eating certain foods can interfere with this process. Additionally, certain meals can negatively affect the body’s healing process and can even lead to complications. It is best to avoid heavy and greasy meals after acupuncture as these can cause an increase in inflammation. Foods like fried foods, red meat, and processed foods are best avoided. Additionally, foods high in sugar should be avoided as these can disrupt the body’s natural balance and slow the healing down. It is also essential to avoid cold beverages and ice cream after acupuncture. Cold foods and drinks can cause constriction in the body, which can impede the healing process. Additionally, alcoholic beverages should be avoided as these can cause dehydration and can harm recovery. Lastly, it is best to avoid overly spicy meals after acupuncture, especially during cold weather Spicy foods can release internal heat which can interfere with the healing process and can lead to more health complications.

Conclusion

Acupuncture can help improve overall health and well-being, reduce pain and inflammation, improve sleep and treat various other health conditions. Eating the right food before and after acupuncture is crucial for maximising the benefits of the treatment. Eating the right food is vital to an overall healthy lifestyle and acupuncture treatment plan. Virtual Medicina provides natural and holistic treatments -such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping therapy, Feng Shui for health, and herbal supplements. Book now!