Does acupuncture make you cry, get angry or feel elated?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest natural therapies still used to this day, initially practiced by the ancient Chinese it is a proven method by which to release blockages within the energy flow of the body. These blockages, if not dealt with, can lead to physical problems, even chronic illnesses. Nowadays the acupuncture is becoming more and more popular, with many people using it for emotional purposes like anxiety and depression, as well as dealing with physical aches and pains. The need for better sleep patterns, more energy and mental clarity also fall into the realm of acupuncture’s remedy, as well as easing digestive issues and stress.

One thing that isn’t often expected are the less common (yet well documented) side effects that acupuncture can invoke. If you were heading to an acupuncture therapist to ask for help with a back problem for example, you wouldn’t expect to come out of the session crying. But it happens. Many of the possible side effects are rare, most are temporary and pass very quickly, and none are life-threatening so it is not something which should put us off the treatment, just interesting information to take on board and be aware of.

Exhaustion

For some, the feeling of a surge of fresh energy can flood their body post-acupuncture, but it’s possible that the opposite may occur for a fleeting amount of time. This shows the patient that their body and mind is effectively in need of rest and it’s not the treatment to blame – the treatment merely highlights the issue. So if you feel fatigue after having acupuncture, there is no cause for concern, it has not been done wrongly and it is nothing serious, your body is just letting you know that it needs rest. After a good night’s sleep, this will probably have passed and you’ll begin to feel the positive effects of the treatment.

Increased symptoms

Similarly to tiredness being a possible side effect when searching for energy, it is often noted that those symptoms you were intending to reduce by way of acupuncture may first be heightened prior to achieving the desired result. New symptoms may even arise as the self-healing abilities of the body are stirred. Again this isn’t something to panic about or feel concerned by, it shows that the body is awakening and beginning the process of self healing.

Pain

Post-acupuncture we may experience soreness, bruising, and even some muscular reactions to the treatment. Often the location of the needles can cause some discomfort, often reported in sensitive areas such as the hands, head and feet, but in addition to this, the place within the body and meridian flow that this point relates to may also experience some soreness or muscle ache as the energy flow becomes smooth again. This should only ever last up to a few days at most, and usually passes within the first day. Speak with your practitioner if you have any concerns, but generally they will reassure you that this is a common experience which is harmless. Some people experience bruising as well as muscle twitches after acupuncture, which again will pass, bruising may take a little longer but will pass as it would normally.

Feint

If you are feeling lightheaded and a little dizzy on exposure to acupuncture, do not worry, it is just the fact that you may be releasing slightly different outlets to your usual exertions, this is not something to be concerned about. However, if it does occur one must be aware of the fact and take a moment, be in a space where you can relax, no rushing around, etc. We must be aware that the act of acupuncture can instigate many unrecognised feelings and that they are not wrong, but new. It can result in intensity that we are not expecting yet that will eventually move to positivity which is the part we may want to focus on. Any decent acupuncture therapist will encourage you to sit and relax after treatment.

Emotions

To know that there is a strong connection between our emotional health and physical health is to understand ourselves, to know that we must protect ourselves from mixing the two is an important part of maintaining who we are and who we ought to be, so acupuncture can have a positive effect on this balance. Yet, there are some moments for many people where their inner feelings present themselves and become overwhelming, in such a strong way that it starts to feel like a detrimental thing they may be doing, yet, no, this is all part of the process. It is really really OK to cry, and release. This is where we keep the faith and push forward with the reason why we are there in the first place.

Bottom line

If you decide to undertake the therapy of acupuncture it is something to respect, to understand, and to enter in to with a positive and understanding mind. To have purpose, to have reason and to look back at the previous information and know that it may induce intensity within your boundaries yet will, if you are so inclined, release the best or better you.