Can Detox Symptoms After Acupuncture Be a Good Thing?

Release of Toxins After Acupuncture

The side effects associated with alternative medicine therapy like acupuncture, are often referred to as "detox symptoms." Your body is said to have detox symptoms after acupuncture when you feel signs of tiredness, soreness, nausea, bruising, or dizziness, all of which are very common.

But what causes detox symptoms after acupuncture? In order to understand why our bodies react when they purge themselves of toxins, as well as how to recognize and treat detox symptoms, let's examine the acupuncture procedure. We'll also look at how, under some (rare) conditions, the vasovagal response triggers more adverse effects.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture, a crucial element of traditional Chinese medicine, is frequently used to treat pain. It is increasingly being used for overall wellness, which includes stress reduction. To perform acupuncture, thin needles are inserted under the skin at specific body locations.

Acupuncture is sometimes used to balance the flow of life force, or energy, which is thought to move through specific pathways in your body. Acupuncture points are seen as locations to stimulate the muscles, connective tissue, and nerves. According to some, this stimulation increases your body's natural painkillers.

Studies show that numerous medical conditions, such as back pain, acne, insomnia, asthma, infertility, obesity, and irritable bowel syndrome, can be successfully treated with acupuncture. When done correctly by a trained professional, it is a procedure that works well.

How Acupuncture Affects the Body

During acupuncture treatments, the body's natural healing processes are aided by the nervous system's stimulation because chemicals are released into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. In turn, this encourages mental and physical health, especially when treatments are continued over time.

Some people think that acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing processes by causing the brain to send signals to the troubled area to reestablish balance. Additionally, the reported advantages of relaxation and a decrease in stress and anxiety may permit the body to uninterruptedly regenerate and repair.

Studies suggest that acupuncture helps the body release more nitric oxide at the points where the needles are inserted. It may also cause the body to release natural anesthetics, which can produce a warming or cooling sensation and boost circulation.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is thought to promote health and well-being by removing blockages in the body that prevent energy (Qi) from flowing freely. But it is debatable whether or not some medical professionals think that acupuncture's effects are nothing more than a placebo effect.

How Acupuncture Detoxifies the Body

According to recent studies, acupuncture has the potential to help the body detox from drugs, alcohol, chemicals, and toxins. The liver, kidneys, and digestive system—all of which aid in the body's removal of waste and toxins—are thought to benefit from acupuncture. In essence, acupuncture removes any toxin-related blockages to encourage energy flow throughout the body and restore normal balance.

Acupuncture can aid in detoxification by assisting the body in releasing various toxins. However, don't automatically associate the term "toxin" with negative things; it can refer to substances that are found in commonplace items and daily life, such as unhealthy substances found in food and drink, environmental toxins, alcohol, and drugs (whether prescribed or not), and other chemicals.

Detox Symptoms After Acupuncture

There are some typical side effects with this treatment, just like with any other procedure. The majority of detox symptoms after acupuncture are mildly unsettling, but also entirely normal. They are signs that the treatment is effective and that energy is flowing through the body. In rarer cases, the body reacts more abruptly and negatively, triggering what is known as a vasovagal response.

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5 Common Detox Symptoms

The most common detox symptoms after acupuncture, as listed below, reflect the majority of the treatment's detoxifying effects, which on average, can last for about three days. During this time, the body is purifying itself during this time and getting rid of toxins and waste that have accumulated.

• Pain: Following the procedure, the body parts where the needles were inserted may feel a little sore. This frequently occurs in delicate regions such as the hands, feet, or large intestine. The soreness typically passes after 24 hours of therapy, but occasionally it may linger for a few days. Following acupuncture, muscle twitching is also common.
• Bruising: After acupuncture, minor bleeding or bruising at the point where the needles were inserted into the skin is also very common. This occurs because blood gathers at the spot where the needle punctures the skin. Although bruising lasts longer than soreness, there is still no cause for concern.
• Tiredness: Some people experience exhaustion following acupuncture. Usually, this condition passes a few hours after taking the medication, but it can linger for up to three days in some people. At the beginning of the session, this was quite typical, so there was no need to be concerned. It is a signal that you should take care of your body and get some rest.
• Nausea: Even though acupuncture is used as a treatment to lessen emetic symptoms like nausea and vomiting, some people may experience nausea as a detox symptom of acupuncture. Stimulating particular body regions, especially those that are highly sensitive, may cause nausea. Some people may also claim to experience nausea at the mere sight of an acupuncture needle or right after it is inserted; this is common among people who have a needle phobia.
• Dizziness: Some patients also report feeling lightheaded or dizzy after treatment. When that happens, try to take a nap after the treatment if you feel like it. After the treatment, stay seated on the acupuncture table for a while and take a few deep breaths rather than getting up right away. Additionally, always eat something before your session to prevent this from happening.

Vasovagal Responses

Rarely, a patient may pass out as a result of an overreaction by the body to a trigger, such as the sight of blood or severe emotional distress. When this happens, you experience a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate, and numerous symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, sweating, pale skin, and bradycardia, can appear.

Vasovagal responses like these can happen in more serious cases, but they are uncommon side effects of acupuncture that only manifest in less than 7% of treatments.

How Long Do Detoxifying Effects Last?

Acupuncture's detoxifying effects can last for about three days. The body is purifying itself at this time and getting rid of toxins and waste that have accumulated, so patients may experience fatigue and discomfort as a result.

It's a smart idea to rest and take it easy for a few days after treatment to help with the discomfort that some people feel during detoxification. A hot shower or bath before bed can ease any discomfort, and staying well-hydrated by drinking lots of water is essential for quick recovery and long-lasting effects.

Final Thoughts

The most common detox symptoms after acupuncture include pain, bruising, tiredness, nausea, and dizziness. Vasovagal reactions are rare acupuncture side effects that occur in less than 7% of treatments. Extreme overreactions by the body to a trigger, such as the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress, may cause a patient to pass out. However, this is very rare.

The detoxifying effects of acupuncture can last for up to three days. At this time, the body is cleansing itself and getting rid of waste and toxins. Following treatment, discomfort can be eased by resting and taking it easy for a few days. Any discomfort can be relieved before bed with a hot bath or shower, and staying hydrated is crucial.

Sources and Further Reading

• Does Acupuncture Detox the Body?
  You may have heard claims that Acupuncture can detox the body, but what’s the truth in this? Learn more about Acupuncture and detox from both a Western and Eastern perspective.
• Acupuncture-Associated Vasovagal Response
  Vasovagal reflex responses associated with acupuncture therapy are relatively uncommon adverse events
• Acupuncture - NHS
  Read about acupuncture, a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine in which fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body to relieve or prevent health problems

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2022 Louise Fiolek