As the director of the wellness team here at Find It Health, I am always looking for ways to help my patients get the most out of their treatments. One of the top questions I often hear is, “Can I take a shower after acupuncture?”

If you’ve had an acupuncture treatment, it’s important to understand the do’s and don’ts afterward. In this article, I will explain why taking a shower is essential post-treatment and how to do it safely.

Read on to learn more about why you should shower after acupuncture and the best tips to follow.

Can You Shower After Acupuncture?

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Have you ever wondered if it’s OK to shower after an acupuncture treatment?

Showering after 2 hours is safe when treated with only filiform acupuncture needles.

However, there are some other things you should keep in mind when deciding whether or not to take a shower after your session.

After treatment, it is not recommended to swim or take a bath since the tiny pores on your skin can become infected due to water entering them.

Moreover, refrain from exposing your body to drastic temperature changes, such as hot tubs, cold temperature showers, ice baths or hot yoga as they can stimulate your body and slow down the healing process.

It is also important to avoid overexerting yourself mentally or physically and drinking or eating anything extremely cold for 12-24 hours after your session.

Instead of taking a cold shower or going swimming, soothe yourself with a warm bath and a hot pad on any part of the body that might need more attention.

Overall, it is best to wait at least 12-24 hours before taking a shower after an acupuncture session. This will help ensure that the healing process isn’t disrupted and that you get the most out of your treatment.

Is It Better To Shower Before Or After Acupuncture

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When it comes to showering before or after acupuncture, the answer is not clear-cut. While some people may feel more comfortable taking a shower before their acupuncture appointment, others may prefer to wait until after.

I will give some advice on how to decide what is best for you:

Taking a Shower Before Acupuncture

If you need to shower before your appointment, make sure it is not too hot and that you allow at least an hour for your body to cool down before the treatment.

It is also important to avoid vigorous exercise, steam rooms, saunas, or hot baths before your appointment.

Taking a Shower After Acupuncture

You could shower after 2 hours if only filiform needles were used in your treatment. However, if other types of needles were used, then you should wait 24 hours before taking a shower.

Additionally, it’s best to avoid hot showers and baths for 12-24 hours after the treatment as they can disturb the balanced energy state that was achieved during the session.

It’s also essential to refrain from coffee and alcohol within 24 hours of your treatment.

Epsom Salt Bath After Acupuncture

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Taking an Epsom salt bath after sessions of acupuncture can be beneficial for your body’s recovery. Epsom salt baths help the body relax and allow the treatment to take hold. They also help with muscle relaxation, and the release of toxins and provide a mild sedative effect.

To prepare an Epsom salt bath, add 5-10 drops of essential oil (optional) to 2 cups of Epsom salt and then add it to a standard tub full of water. Soak in the warm bath for about 20 minutes for the best results.

Drink plenty of water afterward to flush out any toxins that have been released during the treatment.

In addition to taking an Epsom salt bath, you can apply heat or liniments after your acupuncture session to aid in healing and speed up your recovery. Re-booking your next appointment is also recommended to maintain the treatment’s benefits.

Overall, taking an Epsom salt bath after acupuncture can be beneficial for both relaxation and recovery purposes. It is important to follow instructions from your acupuncturist on how best to use this method as part of your post-treatment routine.

Baths

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Taking a Bath After Acupuncture

After the needles are removed, taking a warm bath rather than a cold one is recommended.

Taking a warm bath after acupuncture will help to relax the body and muscles, which can aid in the effectiveness of the treatment. It is often recommended to wait at least two hours for the needle holes to close up before bathing or any water activities.

On the other hand, taking a hot bath can increase your body temperature and disrupt the healing process of acupuncture.

Taking a Bath Before Acupuncture

A warm bath before acupuncture can help you relax and prepare for your treatment session. It can also help open up your pores, allowing the needles to penetrate more easily.

Make sure that the water temperature is not too hot since too hot of a bath can cause dizziness or nausea, which may interfere with your treatment. Keeping the warm water temperature between 98-102 degrees Fahrenheit is best.

Follow the advice of your acupuncturist on what is best for your body and your specific treatment plan. They can best advise you on how to manage your needs before and after your acupuncture session.

Saunas

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When it comes to timing a sauna session, the best time may depend on your specific goals, preferences, and health status. Here are some valuable tips for when to go for a sauna before or after acupuncture:

Before Acupuncture

Some people prefer to go for a sauna before their acupuncture session to help relax, detoxify, and loosen up muscles, which may make it more effective.

However, it’s important to be well-hydrated before going into the sauna and to avoid getting too hot, as that may affect the effectiveness of the acupuncture session.

After Acupuncture

Other people prefer to go for a sauna after their acupuncture session to help release any additional toxins or tension that may be present in the human body.

It is best to avoid using a sauna immediately after an acupuncture session. This is because the heat from the sauna can interfere with the body’s natural acute healing process that occurs after acupuncture.

On a Separate Day

It may also be beneficial to schedule your sauna sessions on a separate day from your acupuncture needle sessions, to allow for plenty of time for rest, hydration, and self-care in between.

This may help you to reap the full benefits of each modality without any interference or unintended side effects.

Ultimately, the best time to go for a sauna may depend on your individual needs and preferences, as well as any guidance from your acupuncturist or another healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can you shower before acupuncture?

Taking a shower before an acupuncture session is not necessarily a bad thing. Showering at least two hours before your appointment would be best, rather than immediately beforehand.

How long does your body detox after acupuncture?

Acupuncture can stimulate the body’s natural detoxification process, which can help eliminate toxins and waste build-up. This process can last for up to 72 hours after the acupuncture session.

During this time, the body is working to process and eliminate toxins through the kidneys, liver, and other elimination pathways.

Is a hot tub OK after acupuncture?

Taking a hot tub immediately after an acupuncture session is not recommended. This is because the high temperature of the water can interfere with the body’s natural healing process.

It is best to wait for 12-24 hours before taking a hot tub after an acupuncture session.

What toxins does acupuncture release?

Acupuncture is a great way to detoxify the body and remove toxins. Here is a list of toxins that acupuncture can help release:

1. Metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic.
2. Chemicals from pesticides, food additives, and pollutants.
3. Excess hormones like cortisol and adrenaline
4. Toxins from processed foods.
5. Free radicals that cause oxidative stress.
6. Unwanted chemicals and oxidants running through your body’s system.

Why do I feel dirty after acupuncture?

After an acupuncture session, you may feel a sensation of dirtiness due to the release of toxins from the body. This is your body’s natural healing process and signifies that acupuncture successfully stimulated your body’s detoxification pathways.

Conclusion – Research by Findithealth.com

Showering after acupuncture is essential for proper recovery and helps the body detoxify. Be sure to wait at least 12-24 hours before taking a hot tub or any other form of heat treatment, as this can interfere with the detoxing process.

Acupuncture is an excellent way to rid the body of toxins and reduce stress, so be sure to take care of yourself afterward with a shower. Doing this will help you get the most out of your treatments and enjoy the maximum benefits of acupuncture.

If you’ve had an acupuncture treatment, follow these tips to stay safe and healthy after your session. Your body will thank you.If you want to learn more about how acupuncture can benefit your health, contact Find It Health today and let our knowledgeable team of specialists help guide you on your healing journey. We look forward to helping you reach peak wellness.​