What to Do After Receiving Acupuncture

You've just experienced the gentle precision of acupuncture needles and are now resting on the treatment table, feeling a unique blend of relaxation and renewed energy. That floating sensation is just the beginning of your healing journey. What you do in the hours and days following your acupuncture session can significantly impact your results and overall wellness experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to take after your acupuncture treatment to maximize benefits and support your body's natural healing process.

Understanding Your Body After Acupuncture

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on your body to regulate the flow of qi (vital energy) through meridian pathways. This ancient practice triggers your body's natural healing mechanisms, releases tension, reduces inflammation, and helps restore balance. During treatment, your autonomic nervous system shifts into a parasympathetic state—often called "rest and digest" mode—creating optimal conditions for healing.

In the hours following treatment, your body continues processing these effects. Energy pathways remain activated, blood circulation is enhanced in treated areas, and neurochemical changes persist throughout your system. This therapeutic window is precious—a time when your body is especially receptive to healing influences and vulnerable to disruptions.

Understanding this post-treatment state helps explain why proper aftercare isn't just beneficial—it's essential for maximizing your results. Your practitioner has created specific changes in your body; your aftercare helps preserve and enhance these adjustments.

Immediate Post-Treatment Care

The First Hour

The moments immediately following your session are particularly important. Take these steps right after treatment:

• Rest briefly: Remain on the treatment table for a few minutes after needle removal. This allows your body to integrate the treatment effects before you return to normal activities.

• Move slowly: When you do get up, move deliberately and mindfully. Your balance might be slightly affected due to the deep relaxation acupuncture often induces.

• Hydrate well: Drink plenty of water after your session. Acupuncture can trigger a detoxification response, and proper hydration supports this process while preventing potential headaches.

• Arrange appropriate transportation: If possible, avoid driving immediately after your first few treatments until you know how your body responds. Some people experience a pleasant lightheadedness that, while therapeutic, may temporarily affect reaction time.

Your practitioner has activated specific healing responses. These first steps help protect that valuable therapeutic state and allow the treatment to fully integrate before you resume normal activities.

The First 24 Hours

How you treat your body in the day following acupuncture significantly impacts your results. Balance is key—neither overexerting nor completely immobilizing yourself.

Physical Activity Considerations

Exercise isn't forbidden after acupuncture, but moderation is crucial. Light to moderate activity like gentle walking can actually enhance circulation and extend treatment benefits. However, intense workouts might counteract some of the balance your session just established. Listen to your body's signals and consider these guidelines:

• Gentle stretching or walking is beneficial
• Postpone high-intensity training for 24-48 hours
• Swimming should be delayed 24 hours (especially after cupping)
• Yoga can complement your treatment, but avoid advanced inversions

Dietary Recommendations

Your digestive system may be particularly responsive after acupuncture. This presents an opportunity to nourish your body effectively:

• Favor warm, easily digestible foods
• Include plenty of vegetables and clean protein sources
• Minimize processed foods, sugar, and alcohol
• Continue hydrating throughout the day

Your meal choices can either support or diminish your treatment effects. Think of food as medicine during this responsive period.

Rest and Sleep

Acupuncture often improves sleep quality. Take advantage of this effect by:

• Honoring fatigue if you feel tired
• Setting aside time for adequate sleep
• Creating optimal sleeping conditions
• Avoiding sleep disruptors like late-night screen time

Quality sleep amplifies healing and allows the energetic adjustments from your treatment to fully integrate.

Maximizing Your Treatment Benefits

Acupuncture's effects are cumulative. Each session builds upon previous ones, gradually creating sustainable changes in your body's functioning. To maximize these benefits:

Follow Your Treatment Plan

Your practitioner has designed a specific protocol based on your condition. Consistency matters—attend all recommended follow-up sessions, even if you're feeling better. Early symptom relief is often just the beginning of deeper healing.

Practice Self-Observation

Pay attention to your body's responses in the days following treatment. Note any changes in:

• Pain levels or symptom intensity
• Energy patterns throughout the day
• Sleep quality and dream patterns
• Digestion and elimination
• Emotional state

These observations provide valuable feedback for your practitioner and help you recognize positive changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Complementary Practices

Certain self-care practices can enhance and extend your acupuncture benefits:

• Gentle self-massage of acupressure points your practitioner recommends
• Mindfulness meditation or breathing exercises
• Epsom salt baths (but wait 24 hours after treatment)
• Tai chi or qigong movements that support energy flow

These practices work synergistically with acupuncture, amplifying its effects between sessions.

Common Post-Acupuncture Questions (FAQs)

Is soreness normal after acupuncture?

Mild soreness at needle sites is normal and typically resolves within 24 hours. This "therapeutic soreness" indicates activation of the point and is different from pain. If discomfort persists beyond 48 hours, contact your practitioner.

Why do I feel emotional after treatment?

Acupuncture affects both physical and emotional aspects of health. Sometimes, emotional release follows treatment as energy blockages clear. This is normal and often therapeutic. Practice self-compassion if emotions surface.

When should I contact my practitioner?

Reach out if you experience:

• Significant pain at needle sites lasting more than 48 hours
• Dizziness that doesn't resolve with rest
• Unusual or concerning symptoms
• Questions about your specific aftercare

Can I resume normal activities immediately?

Most people can return to most normal activities, but it's wise to moderate intensity for 24 hours. Your practitioner may provide specific guidance based on your treatment focus.

Why am I tired after acupuncture?

Fatigue can indicate your body is directing energy toward healing. Honor this by resting if possible. For some conditions, this fatigue diminishes with subsequent treatments as your energy systems balance.

Conclusion: Your Continued Healing Journey

The care you provide yourself after acupuncture sessions plays a crucial role in your healing journey. By understanding your body's responses, implementing appropriate aftercare, and maintaining consistency with your treatment plan, you're actively participating in your wellness transformation.

Remember that healing isn't always linear. Some days bring dramatic improvement, while others might show subtle changes or temporary intensification of symptoms as your body adjusts. Trust the process and maintain open communication with your acupuncturist about your experiences.

If you're ready to experience the benefits of acupuncture or have questions about how it might help your specific condition, Lyco Acupuncture offers comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans. Our holistic approach combines traditional acupuncture with modern therapeutic insights to address your unique health concerns. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the next step in your healing journey.

This is a guest blog entry.

Tips For Tackling Chemotherapy From Cancer Survivors

Going through chemotherapy is no easy feat, and it can take an incredible toll on both the mind and the body. If you’ve recently had a cancer diagnosis and you’re about to start your chemotherapy journey, these are some tips and tricks you can implement into your routine to make chemotherapy as easy as it can possibly be. 

This is some of the best practical advice on how to tackle chemotherapy from cancer survivors who have been through it before. 

Here’s our list of tips and tricks on how to tackle chemotherapy.

1. Rest is everything 

This might seem like a no-brainer, but fatigue and extreme tiredness is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy that cancer patients experience. Rest is one of the most important things you can do for yourself when undergoing any kind of medical treatment, but, especially chemotherapy. 

Even if you’re feeling fine or you’re not feeling too tired, it’s important to not push yourself too hard. Ask for help from others whenever you need it and instead focus on taking all the time you need to rest, recuperate and recover from cancer treatment. 

2. Keep your water levels up 

Another one you’ve probably heard time and time again, but it’s for good reason! Chemotherapy can come with a number of nasty side effects, including vomiting and diarrhoea. These side effects,s in particular, can dehydrate you, which can lead to you feeling even more tired. It’s important to drink plenty of water whilst undergoing cancer treatment, even when it’s difficult. 

Nausea and vomiting might make it hard for you to drink as much water as you may like, but it’s important to take small, regular sips (or whatever you can manage) to ensure you stay hydrated whilst undergoing treatment. 

3. Prepare for the unexpected 

Cancer treatments can come with unexpected side effects, and even if you think they may never happen to you – it’s important to prepare yourself. One of the main things you should be preparing yourself for is hair loss. No one wants to go through hair loss, but if you’re undergoing chemotherapy, it’s pretty unavoidable. 

Everyone has different experiences with hair loss; for some people, their hair falls out gradually, while others may wake up to huge clumps of hair on their pillow that have come out overnight. Whilst the dosage of chemotherapy impacts whether or not you will lose your hair, it’s important to prepare yourself regardless. If you’re not sure if hair loss will be something you experience during chemotherapy, you can always speak to your oncologists to find out their opinion.

4. Remember to eat 

As mentioned above, chemotherapy can leave you feeling nauseous or lead to appetite loss, but it’s important to remember to eat when you can. It’s also important to remember that chemotherapy can impact the way different foods taste both during and after treatment. 

To avoid becoming malnourished, try to eat as regularly as you can whilst undergoing treatment, even if you may not feel hungry. 

5. Try to keep your routine

One thing you can lose during cancer is your sense of routine and normalcy. It can be incredibly easy to feel like you just want to lay around in bed all day (which is okay – and sometimes needed!), but it’s essential to try to keep a routine. 

This is incredibly beneficial for your mental health and it can be as small as just getting up and getting dressed every day or having a cup of tea at the same time with a loved one. Keeping a routine and a sense of normalcy in your life can help your mental health and help take your mind off your cancer and your treatment. 

6. Lean on your support systems 

It can be hard, especially if you were previously incredibly independent, to ask for help – but sometimes, you’ll have to. Going through chemotherapy is incredibly difficult, both mentally and physically, and it’s important for you to have a support system you can lean on as you undergo treatment. 

Whether it’s your family, your friends, your care team or anything in between, find your support system and lean on them whenever you need to. 

7. Look into integrated therapies 

Whilst undergoing chemotherapy, you may want to look into integrated oncology therapies that you can use in conjunction with your treatments. High-dose vitamin C IV therapy is a great therapy to add alongside your chemotherapy in order to keep your immune system working at its best. 

When it comes to integrated or alternative therapies, it’s always best to speak to your oncologist or your care team first to ensure they won’t have any negative interactions with your chemotherapy. 

8. Stay positive 

This one can be incredibly difficult, especially as you navigate this difficult time in your life, but staying positive can make all the difference in your mood and mental health. 

Try to find the positives in each day, no matter how small. It could be a really great coffee you had or a bird you saw from the window of your home; looking for positives every day can help keep your anxiety at bay. 

9. Stay alert 

Chemotherapy can come with neuropathy, and it’s incredibly important to stay alert and aware of the signs and symptoms. This can be pain, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, and if you’re experiencing this, it’s best to contact your care team as soon as possible. 

Sometimes, it can be fixed with a dose adjustment or a pause in treatment, but no one can help you if they don’t know you have it, so make sure you tell your doctors right away. 

10. Remember, everyone's experience is different. 

Every individual who undergoes chemotherapy is going to have a different experience, and it’s important to remember that your experience won’t necessarily be the same as someone else's. 

It's important not to get disheartened if you think others are handling chemotherapy “better” than you or if someone you know kept their hair and yours begins to fall out. Chemotherapy is an incredibly unique and personal journey, and it’s crucial to know that no two experiences are going to be exactly alike. 

Overall, when undergoing chemotherapy, it’s important to take care of both your physical and mental health and alert your care team immediately if you are experiencing any concerning side effects. 

This is a guest blog entry.

Cosy Indoor Activities For The Elderly This Winter

Winter can be especially challenging for individuals receiving in-home care as it can often make them feel more isolated, and it can lead to a sedentary life, which can worsen their conditions. This is why it is important to try to introduce your elderly loved ones to activities that can help maintain their mental, emotional and physical well-being. 

In the dark winter months, creating a sense of routine that maintains a healthy psychological state is extremely important for everybody, especially the elderly and people in care. 

For this article, we’ve gathered ideas from specialists working in in-home care in London, who share the cosy indoor activities that will keep your elderly loved ones engaged, entertained, and warm this winter.

Knitting, Crocheting & Embroidery 

Apart from being cosy and fun, knitting scarfs, crocheting little dolls, or embroidering can help maintain good cognitive function and improve memory by following patterns, counting stitches, and coordinating movements. Such activities are most beneficial to individuals with early-stage dementia or anyone else at risk of cognitive decline. 

Furthermore, repetitive motions can have a relaxing effect, are similar to meditation, and, together with social factors, can help reduce stress and anxiety in the cold months. 

Painting & Colouring 

These are another relaxing set of activities allowing people in live-in care to express their creativity. You can find adult colouring books with mandalas and other sophisticated patterns or nature scenes that can offer a creative escape from the winter blues. 

Such activities will also encourage focus and problem-solving and, ultimately, are a fun leisure time that can create more positive memories and emotions.

Baking & Cooking Together 

Sensory experiences are also extremely important, and cooking together is a wonderful way to engage sight, touch, smell, and taste while also having fun and fostering love and connection. 

Baking and cooking also have physical and cognitive benefits. Kneading, rolling pastry, or shaping cookies can support fine motor skills and hand strength while following a recipe, which can improve concentration and, if it is a family recipe, stimulate memory recall.

Of course, sharing a meal together will strengthen bonds with neighbours, caregivers, and loved ones, further enhancing mental well-being. 

Hand Massages & Aromatherapy

A gentle hand massage with your loved one’s favourite scent can bring relaxation and improve well-being. Engaging with smells that your family and friends can link to positive memories from childhood, for example, can stimulate reminiscence, emotions and positive psychological responses. These are particularly helpful and efficient for seniors with cognitive impairments. 

Gentle Movement & Exercise 

During the colder months, we all tend to prefer the warmth of home to going out, but this often enhances our sedentary life, which can have negative effects on our physical and mental health. Regarding older adults in-home care, finding ways to promote exercise and physical activity is even more important. Gentle movement exercises can provide a safe way to maintain mobility. For example, seated exercises or Tai Chi can offer low-impact ways to improve flexibility, balance, and circulation. Tai Chi significantly strengthens the mind-body connection through relaxing, flowing movements. 

Indoor gardening is another way to keep your body and mind busy and healthy. Besides light exercise, it is also a sensory and therapeutic experience that promotes dexterity, cognitive function, and, ultimately, overall mood. 

Reading Short Stories and Poetry 

What better way to engage the mind and emotions than the world of storytelling? You can organise readings at home for your loved one and choose from short stories and poetry rather than longer pieces to provide a quick and meaningful escape into a different world. Poetry, especially with its rhythm and rhyme, can be soothing and thought-provoking, enhancing cognitive functions.

Listening or reading aloud familiar stories is advised to help evoke memories, foster connection through conversation and offer comfort. 

And if your loved one is struggling to read, audiobooks are a great modern way to access storytelling. Whether alone or in the company of family and caregivers, literature is a wonderful way to stay mentally and emotionally engaged in winter. 

Animal Therapy 

If the individual in in-home care enjoys animal company, spending time with them can help them feel less isolated and find companionship and comfort. 

Therapy sessions with dogs, cats, and smaller pets are available and have been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and simply bring more joy to the winter routine. Even the simple act of petting an animal releases oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone, which helps combat loneliness and anxiety. For those unable to have a pet at home, visits from therapy animals or watching nature videos featuring animals can still provide a sense of connection. Even small tasks like feeding fish or brushing a pet can create a sense of routine and purpose, making animal therapy a truly heartwarming experience.

Tea & Conversation 

Nothing cosier than sharing a warm cup of tea in the company of those you love and in the comfort of your home. Simple conversations over tea can create a sense of relaxation and deep emotional connection. The ritual of brewing itself is a calming and comforting routine moment of the day, a first step to the conversations that follow. Spending time together like that can stimulate cognitive engagement, and talking about fond past memories or current interests or even enjoying the quiet companionship of a friend or caregiver can help your loved one in in-home care feel seen, understood and loved.

Winter In-Home Care Activities That Bring Comfort & Promote Well-Being

The colder months are the perfect time to engage your loved one in cosy activities that can offer a deeper connection and promote cognitive function. It is important to always find opportunities to stimulate memory, emotional expression, and social connection in these months to fight seasonal depression, cognitive decline, and feelings of isolation, which can often affect individuals living at home. 

Be it creative pursuits, sensory therapy, or light exercise, finding ways to encourage our loved ones to stay connected to their world will nurture a sense of purpose, joy, and comfort and ultimately maintain a healthy body and spirit.

This is a guest blog entry.