If you’re preparing for an acupuncture appointment, you’re probably already familiar with the many benefits of this ancient treatment. From pain and stress relief to improved immunity, it’s a definite investment in your physical and mental health. To allow your body to reap these rewards, you’ll need to take care of yourself after the appointment. Use the following guide to make the most of this transformative Chinese medicine.

3 Ways to Recover After an Acupuncture Treatment

1. Stay Hydrated

As your body is pricked at meridians, or specific energy points, the needles will kick-start the body’s natural waste management system, so it can release toxins that build up over time. By flushing your body with water, you can help this process along, helping your body hit its own “restart” button. After your appointment, avoid dehydrating beverages such as coffee and alcohol, which can also take away the mental clarity that acupuncture treatment provides. 

2. Take It Easy

With all this internal commotion, your body needs to focus on resetting itself, and it can’t do that if you’re stressed out at work or on a rigorous hike. With this in mind, make sure you have time to head home and lie down after your appointment. Whether you take a nap, read a book, or listen to soothing music, use this time to find your mental and emotional grounding as your body follows suit.

3. Use Heat Therapy

Some people head to acupuncture treatments for relief from slipped discs, sprained joints, and other discomforts. By stimulating pressure points throughout the body, traditional acupuncturists believe they are ending stagnation inside the body’s energy channels, setting your natural physical processes in motion once again. To accentuate these effects, use heat to promote circulation throughout your body—ice packs will only slow down your body’s healing process.

If you’re eager to schedule your own acupuncture treatment, get in touch with Marie Gonzales, L.Ac. of Nyack, NY. She performs holistic and Chinese medicine practices to help you feel reinvigorated, and she has over 20 years of experience offering acupuncture. Once she learns about your ailments or health concerns, she’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to facilitate natural healing. For more information on her services, including cupping, visit the website. You can also call (845) 398-1312 to schedule an appointment.