Listen instead:
If you’ve been here before,1 you may know that I’ve already written about the medical language used in Chinese medicine, and you probably know that I’m liable to do it again.
In that spirit, before we jump into this post about detox symptoms after acupuncture, I want to first clarify and disambiguate a couple of terms and philosophies.
When I say “detoxing,” I do not in any way imply that the body is inherently filthy, foul, or wicked. This may sound somewhat ridiculous when stated in that fashion, and I hope so. The reason I feel the need to say it at all is because — alas! — over the years we’ve noticed a pretty common and insidious cultural loathing of the body.
For some folks, this puritanism seems to be entangled with longstanding religions, and for others with New Age orientations. Regardless of the etiology, the messages we receive about our bodies, their worthiness, and our access to medical care can be intensively distressing. At Huwe Acupuncture, we don’t hold with any abusive nonsense about bodies, and are not stating that there’s a moral connection between “detox” symptoms after acupuncture and deservedness as it relates to cleanliness.
‘Detoxing’ Defined
That said, there’s a definite reality about illness, feedback systems within the body, and homeostasis. Some processes result in decomposition, and the need to release stuff. I’m not the first to point out that to every action there’s an equal and opposite reaction. That’s just life on Earth. Similarly, humans need to urinate, defecate, cough, sneeze, and sometimes vomit. There are things to get rid of. That doesn’t make us bad or gross.
So when certain kinds of acupuncture treatments are performed — whether it’s to reduce heat or inflammation that’s causing constipation, for example, or to drain dampness that’s causing back pain — it’s very common to have a reaction afterward. That reaction is not only expected, it’s desired.
Let’s take a look at common detox symptoms after acupuncture, how long they last, and when it’s time to get in touch with your practitioner.
Main Features of an Acupuncture Detox
Firstly, despite everything I said above, some people experience very few detox symptoms after acupuncture. It depends upon the person, their symptoms, the type of treatment they receive, and most importantly (and most unpredictably) how their individual body processes the treatment they received.
Detox symptoms after acupuncture — also called a “healing crisis” — typically mean the body is taking the opportunity to release elements of pathology. Because this release often takes place as a distinct healing event, we call it a healing crisis.
Acupuncture is very effective in helping the body to do this, both by building up the necessary strength and resources and then by peeling back the layers of pathology. Read on to discover the key characteristics of a healing crisis and how to optimize your release if you have one.
An acupuncture detox or healing crisis can take many forms. While some people release aspects of their pathology without any remarkable disturbance, others may experience the following symptoms:
- Apparent worsening or the appearance of new symptoms, often flu-like.
- Copious elimination: often in the form of mucus, sweat, rash, or excretions.
- Recurrence of an old injury that had been quiet for many years. This happens when an injury does not heal properly and leads to other pathology. During a release, resources become available to heal it.
- Fatigue, or the feeling of heaviness.
In contrast to a worsening disease, a healing crisis is short in duration, usually lasting less than six days. It’s also generally peaceful. Despite erupting (and uncomfortable) symptoms, most people feel relieved of a burden.
Ensuring a Successful Detox After Acupuncture
Treatment is the best way to work out any blocks and to make sure the body has its needed resources. If you begin a healing crisis, you may wish to schedule an appointment with your practitioner.
Self-care options include:
- Give yourself acupressure or gua sha.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of room temperature, plain, non-carbonated water.
- Eat well, avoiding cold and raw foods.
- Rest when you’re tired.
- Take an Epsom or sea salt bath.
In general, Chinese medicine does not recommend antibiotics, steroids, or symptom-suppressing pharmaceuticals during a healing crisis. Although it’s appropriate to use these medicines as life-saving drugs, they typically stop a benign release and push the pathology back into latency.
Detox Symptoms After Acupuncture: Conclusion
Detox symptoms after acupuncture, or a healing crisis, can be a normal part of healing. However, if your symptoms are distressing and/or long-lasting, get in touch with your provider. And — as always — if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911.
by Mary Beth Huwe
These writings are an exploration of what it means to be human – to be sick, to be well, and to heal – viewed through the lens of classical Chinese medicine. My words aren’t medical advice, and these essays don’t constitute a practitioner-client relationship. They also aren’t meant to be the final word on… well, anything. Rather, I hope they are the beginning of a conversation you have with someone in your life. Thanks for reading!
Footnotes:
- Thank you! Bless your heart! Welcome back! Come again soon! ↩︎
