“What should you not do before acupuncture?”

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“What should you not do before acupuncture?”

I am a 29 year old female. I will have an acupuncture treatment next week. What should you not do before acupuncture?

32 Answers

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**Kaiti Wang** Acupuncturist Baytown, TX · Accepted Answer

Kaiti Wang Acupuncturist Baytown, TX

Not too tired , hunger .

**Catherine Rahm Coudray** Acupuncturist Laramie, Wy · Accepted Answer

Catherine Rahm Coudray Acupuncturist Laramie, Wy

No drugs or alcohol consumption

**Phavikone Sundara** Acupuncturist Kent, WA · Accepted Answer

Phavikone Sundara Acupuncturist Kent, WA

Avoid eating to the point of being very full before an acupuncture treatment for the best results.

**Tara Foster** Acupuncturist Arcata, CA · Accepted Answer

Tara Foster Acupuncturist Arcata, CA

take drugs or drink alcohol

**Ms. Ellen D. Leonard** Acupuncturist Grants Pass, OR · Accepted Answer

Ms. Ellen D. Leonard Acupuncturist Grants Pass, OR

Don't get drunk or stoned before an acupuncture treatment. And be sure to have something to eat beforehand.

**Dr. Rebecca Boros** Chiropractor BONITA SPRINGS, FL · Accepted Answer

Dr. Rebecca Boros Chiropractor BONITA SPRINGS, FL

Not eat a meal! Always eat 2-3 hours before an Acupuncture so your blood sugar is normal. Otherwise you can get a little dizzy sometimes if you haven't eaten.

**Mr. Anthony James Lorenzo** Acupuncturist · Accepted Answer

Mr. Anthony James Lorenzo Acupuncturist

Consume alcohol. That's all I have. But you should talk to your practitioner and ask them.

**Ramona Whan** Acupuncturist Wildomar, CA · Accepted Answer

Ramona Whan Acupuncturist Wildomar, CA

You should be sober for your appointment otherwise I can't think of any restrictions.

**Adam Perna** Acupuncturist Roseland, NJ · Accepted Answer

Adam Perna Acupuncturist Roseland, NJ

Eat most important. Should not do acu on someone that hasn't not eaten yet that day. And don't come in dirty of course.

**Dr. Hongjie Zhu** Acupuncturist Lake Mary, FL · Accepted Answer

Dr. Hongjie Zhu Acupuncturist Lake Mary, FL

Should not be afraid of needles.

**Rene Ng** Acupuncturist Sarasota, FL · Accepted Answer

Rene Ng Acupuncturist Sarasota, FL

Definitely should not eat a full meal before a treatment.

**Yan Jin** Acupuncturist Boston, MA · Accepted Answer

Yan Jin Acupuncturist Boston, MA

Nothing to worry about the treatment, but may help if able to read something about acupuncture.

**Kathleen ODonnell** Acupuncturist Blue Ahs, OH · Accepted Answer

Kathleen ODonnell Acupuncturist Blue Ahs, OH

Get dehydrated, fast, or anything that would compromise your health in general. Just be sure you are hydrated and have eaten enough so that you aren't hungry. Enjoy your treatment!

**Ashleigh Taylor-Schmidt** Acupuncturist Lakewood, CO · Accepted Answer

Ashleigh Taylor-Schmidt Acupuncturist Lakewood, CO

You should wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. Also, make sure you’ve at least had a snack 30 mins before your treatment and be nice and hydrated.

**Ms. Carolyn G. Rabiner** Acupuncturist Red Hook, NY · Accepted Answer

Ms. Carolyn G. Rabiner Acupuncturist Red Hook, NY

Don’t skip meals. Acupuncture needs energy to run on, so just as you wouldn’t take your car out on the highway with no fuel in the tank, you shouldn’t show up for your acupuncture appointment having skipped a meal. It doesn’t need to be a big meal, nor should it be, but it’s best to include some protein.

**Mrs. Angela Kay Buckridge** Acupuncturist Seymour, TN · Accepted Answer

Mrs. Angela Kay Buckridge Acupuncturist Seymour, TN

There is not really anything not to do before an acupuncture treatment. However, afterwards, drink plenty of water and get some rest.

Yours in Health,

Angie

**Dr. Sarah Faggert** Acupuncturist Mclean, VA · Accepted Answer

Dr. Sarah Faggert Acupuncturist Mclean, VA

You should not have alcohol before your treatment. I would, however, recommend that you make sure you are hydrated and go wearing comfortable clothes. Alcohol and too much caffeine can affect the treatment as well as your sensitivity to the needles. Being hydrated will help decrease your sensitivity.

**Lawrence Kwong** Acupuncturist New York, NY · Accepted Answer

Lawrence Kwong Acupuncturist New York, NY

It also depends on what you're having acupuncture for. But generally, just relax and enjoy your acupuncture treatment.

**Dr. Steve Sterling** Acupuncturist San Diego, CA · Accepted Answer

It is not recommended to do acupuncture after a long strenuous travel or right after working out. It is better to not be hung over or not use recreational drugs or alcohol prior to acupuncture treatment. You should eat something before your treatment because it is not advisable to get acupuncture if you are too hungry or if your blood sugar is low or if you have been fasting. Use the restroom before your treatment so that you don't have to go while the needles are being retained during your treatment. Well loose clothing so that the acupuncturist can access the points below your elbow and knees. Avoid working out or doing anything too strenuous right after your acupuncture treatment. And, avoid going into water or taking a shower for about an hour although it is ok to drink water after.

**Natalie Ramsey** Acupuncturist Montclair, New Jersey · Accepted Answer

Natalie Ramsey Acupuncturist Montclair, New Jersey

Make sure to have eaten something before your appointment and hydrate well. Make sure to not drink alcoholic beverages beforehand and it’s best to avoid them afterward too. Abstain from strenuous activity after the treatment and make sure to continue hydrating the rest of the day.

**Jessica Ra'chel Newman** Acupuncturist LONG BEACH, CA · Accepted Answer

Jessica Ra'chel Newman Acupuncturist LONG BEACH, CA

Before acupuncture, it’s best to avoid taking stimulants and other medications. Best to eat something healthful about 1.5-2 hours before. Also, best to come clean and showered.

**ryan bishop** Acupuncturist loxahatchee, fl · Accepted Answer

ryan bishop Acupuncturist loxahatchee, fl

Don't do drugs before a treatment.

**Daisy Dong** Acupuncturist Denver, CO · Accepted Answer

Daisy Dong Acupuncturist Denver, CO

Hungary, full stomach, full bladder, just finishing a sport game, and no shower for 2 days, etc.

**Cris Angel** Acupuncturist Retired, Retired · Accepted Answer

Cris Angel Acupuncturist Retired, Retired

No alcohol or strong stimulants are recommended as a pre-visit thought for you. Likely you're thinking the same way.
Best of luck to you.

**Andrea Cillo** Acupuncturist Bay Shore, New York · Accepted Answer

There really isn't anything you can't do, but I would recommend avoiding taking any OTC medications. This isn't necessary but it does help us to get a more accurate pulse reading and can help you describe your symptoms better since they won't be masked.

I also recommend that you do eat something light about an hour before your treatment and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

**Yolanda Seliga** Acupuncturist Park Ridge, IL · Accepted Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! The day of you appointment, avoid brushing your tongue - the tongue is the only muscle that we can outwardly see, and it clues us into what in going on within the body, making it an important diagnostic tool. Scraping/brushing the tongue rids it of it's natural coat, which we want to see. Also, it would be best to avoid caffeine within an hour-two hours prior to treatment. Keep hydrated and relax!

**Long Vi Vuong** Acupuncturist San Diego, CA · Accepted Answer

Long Vi Vuong Acupuncturist San Diego, CA

Post Acupuncture treatment recommendations is plenty of rest and fluids. Vigorous physical activity is no recommended, until 2-3 days after your last Acupuncture visit.

**Mozart Paiva** Acupuncturist Baltimore-Nottingham, MD · Accepted Answer

Mozart Paiva Acupuncturist Baltimore-Nottingham, MD

Fasting.

Be well, be confident, we can help.

**Elizabeth Perry** Acupuncturist Palm Beach Gardens, FL · Accepted Answer

Elizabeth Perry Acupuncturist Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Don’t drink or smoke pot. Of course, exercise.

**Phranque Wright** Acupuncturist Chicago, IL · Accepted Answer

Be sure to get rest and have food in you when you go. Don't overeat, but do have regular meals. Don't consume alcohol or recreational drugs before the treatment. Try to get there in a reasonable time so you don't feel rushed or flustered. If you do end up being late be sure to call to let them know and act accordingly.

If you have any questions freely ask them of your practitioner. They're there to help, so don't fear asking questions.

**Jeff Rippey** Acupuncturist Saint Joseph, MO · Accepted Answer

Jeff Rippey Acupuncturist Saint Joseph, MO

I don't typically ask my patients to avoid anything prior to an appointment. Off the top of my head, I can't think of anything that might have an adverse impact on either diagnosis or treatment.

You may want to give your provider a call, just to make sure.

**Ms. Qin Milla Mu** Acupuncturist San Jose, CA · Accepted Answer

Ms. Qin Milla Mu Acupuncturist San Jose, CA

Don't let the stomach empty before acupuncture, always eat some food before acupuncture.

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