Side effects of acupuncture are rare , but can occur.  When they do, they are usually a part of the healing process associated with this ancient practice.  Many practitioners believe side effects are a positive sign that the body is working to heal itself and restore balance.  What kind of side effects might you encounter after an acupuncture treatment?

Physical Side Effects of Acupuncture

Flu-like symptoms, such as aches and/or a mild fever, can occur though they are not common.  You also may experience some bruising or swelling at the point of the needle’s contact with your skin.  These symptoms are not a sign of a problem, but rather that the treatment is working.  Fatigue is also sometimes part of the experience following an acupuncture treatment.  Your body is working hard to rid itself of the toxins that have built up on your bloodstream, so fatigue may be a natural byproduct of this process.

Non-Physical Side Effects of Acupuncture

Following an acupuncture treatment, some people experience an emotional discharge.  Sometimes this side effect can occur during the treatment as a patient is feels a burst of emotion.  Again, this side effect is nothing to worry about, but is rather a part of the process.

Another possible non-physical side effect of an acupuncture session is a feeling of euphoria.  This feeling is associated with the emotional discharge described above.  Many patients describe feelings of euphoria and relaxation following a treatment.  

Managing Side Effects

If side effects occur, they usually do so within 48 hours of the treatment and do not last long.  Sleep, warm showers, and drinking a lot of water are all strategies that can help if the symptoms are unpleasant.   

Though rare and usually harmless, if you experience any side effects, they are worth mentioning to your practitioner.  He or she will know whether the side effects are a normal part of the process and can advise you on further strategies to minimize them if necessary.

Azadian Homes Blog

A woman is blowing her nose in front of a field of yellow flowers.

Suffering from Allergies this Spring? Acupuncture Can Help

By adminnsa • March 26, 2018
The ancient medical practice of acupuncture is well known as a treatment for pain, but science is continually discovering new uses for this procedure in the treatment of numerous maladies including weight loss, stress, and even allergies.  If you suffer from allergies acupuncture may provide a solution. With the arrival of the warmer weather and […] The post Suffering from Allergies this Spring? Acupuncture Can Help appeared first on Nan's Acupuncture Clinic.

Acupuncture for Weight Loss – How Does It Work?

By adminnsa • February 7, 2018
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of maladies.  Pain relief is one of the primary ailments for which acupuncture is prescribed.  However, researchers are exploring a multitude of other conditions that acupuncture can treat.  With obesity being a major cause of diseases […] The post Acupuncture for Weight Loss – How Does It Work? appeared first on Nan's Acupuncture Clinic.
A man with glasses and a beard is laying on a bed with acupuncture needles in his ears.

Can Acupuncture Help Me Quit Smoking?

By adminnsa • December 7, 2017
The ancient Chinese medical treatment of acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments and behaviors.  Acupuncture may not be the first line of defense people think about for smoking cessation, but this acupuncture for smoking can play a valuable role for those looking to quit. How Acupuncture Can […] The post Can Acupuncture Help Me Quit Smoking? appeared first on Nan's Acupuncture Clinic.
A person is getting acupuncture on their back.

Alleviate Infertility With Acupuncture in Denver

By adminnsa • November 23, 2017
Acupuncture is often associated with pain relief or stress relief, but this ancient Chinese medical treatment helps with other issues normally only associated with high-tech science, including one of the most costly–infertility. Acupuncture is Denver’s holistic remedy to this heartbreaking problem.  Acupuncture to Augment IVF and IUI Treatment Many women are referred to treat infertility […] The post Alleviate Infertility With Acupuncture in Denver appeared first on Nan's Acupuncture Clinic.
A statue of a human body with acupuncture points on it is sitting on top of a table.

Nan’s Acupuncture Denver: A Different Experience

By adminnsa • October 19, 2017
The modern world is an amazing place. We are surrounded by astonishing technology, advanced medical care, and up-to-the-minute practices. However, with such advancements comes the risk of losing ancient methods and practices that work just as effectively. We can become so wrapped up in instant results with pills, capsules, and tablets, that holistic approaches to […] The post Nan’s Acupuncture Denver: A Different Experience appeared first on Nan's Acupuncture Clinic.

New study of how acupuncture prevents toxins from damaging the lungs.

By Nan's Acupuncture • October 1, 2014
The post New study of how acupuncture prevents toxins from damaging the lungs. appeared first on Nan's Acupuncture Clinic.