A mainstay of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions. This holistic health treatment offers many benefits, including pain relief, stress relief, improvements in cognitive functioning and even the potential to aid in weight loss. Acupuncture, as well as other forms of alternative medicine, such as massage, have also been shown to improve overall mental health.
Given these many benefits, acupuncture has become an increasingly popular treatment as part of a holistic health regimen. If you’ve decided to tap into these amazing benefits, keep these tips in mind when preparing for your acupuncture appointment.
1. Set Aside Time Before and After Your Appointment
Make sure that when you are scheduling your acupuncture appointment that you are not engaged in too stressful an activity before or afterward. In addition, do not overbook yourself on the day of your appointment, as you want to be relaxed during the actual acupuncture treatment.
2. Bring a List of All Your Current Medications and Supplements
As a precaution, it is important to bring a list of all your current medications and supplements, particularly if herbs are a component of your treatment. This is because there are certain herb-drug interactions that can have harmful effects. MAOI’s or blood thinning medications, including Warfarin, may fall into this category.
3. Eat an Appropriate Amount Before Your Appointment
Another rule to follow is to eat before your appointment. Most experts recommend that you eat something approximately two hours prior to your treatment. However, make sure this isn’t a big meal, as this may cause you to feel uncomfortable during your appointment. The other extreme should be avoided as well. You risk feeling lightheaded if you go to your appointment on an empty stomach.
4. Opt for Loose-Fitting, Comfortable Clothing
It is also important to wear loose-fitting clothes on the day of your appointment. This will make it easier for the acupuncturist to place the needles in the right places.
5. Avoid Caffeine Before Your Appointment
Do not drink coffee for at least two hours before your acupuncture treatment. Because it is a stimulant, coffee increases your body’s fight-or-flight response, something which acupuncture seeks to lessen.
Visit our website to schedule an acupuncture treatment today. If you have an interest in pursuing acupuncture as a career, contact the American Institute of Alternative Medicine. We offer a range of alternative medicine educational programs, including in nursing, massage and acupuncture.