Published April 6, 2018 by

What Causes Dizziness After Acupuncture? How To Prevent It

Acupuncture is an ancient holistic Chinese medicinal technique. It has been used to treat several illnesses in many parts of world. This technique has also become popular in western world and many people often rely on acupuncture treatment for various diseases. Acupuncture practitioners believe the body is controlled by a vital force or the energy which they refer it as ‘Qi’ pronounced as ‘chee’.  There are several energy channels in the body which they call it as meridians. The energy flows smoothly through this channel in a healthy person. If the flow of energy moving through meridians gets blocked, it causes imbalance resulting in a diseased state.

To remove this block, the acupuncturist uses thin acupuncture needle. He inserts the thin needle where the meridians intersect each other. This are called nodes. Insertion of needle on the nodal points stimulates the flow of energy and the blocked energy is released effectively. Ultimately it restores health and balance of the body. Acupuncture has been acclaimed and proved in reducing pain. Hence it is most effective in treatment of chronic pain, migraine, headache, neck pain, low backache, dental pain etc.

Acupuncture is a safe treatment; however, some people may experience certain side effects after the treatment.

Especially the side effect occurs after a deep session. One such side effect is feeling of dizziness and lightheadedness. According to acupuncturists, a mild dizziness and lightheadedness can occur after the session because of release of blocked energy through the electrical channels called ‘meridians’ in the body. The body balances the energy or the vital force along the meridians. In fact a mild dizziness is supposed to be a sign that the treatment is effective.

There has been scientific evidence about acupuncture that it can stimulate certain point or nodes in the body to reduce body pain. When you insert the acupuncture needle on such points, it stimulates the nerves and muscles in the body. The stimulation also initiates release of endorphins and serotonin. Endorphin is a chemical that is released by brain to reduce pain. Serotonin is a chemical that uplifts the mood and gives a feel good sensation. Many times if you get up quickly from the acupuncture table after the therapy, you may experience dizziness. Lightheadedness can also occur if you are taking the treatment on empty stomach.

How to prevent lightheadedness and dizziness after acupuncture:

Mild dizziness as well as several other side effects is often experienced by the person who is taking acupuncture therapy. However, if it results in nausea and vertigo, you have to be more careful and consult the practitioner or your doctor. Here are beneficial tips that will be helpful to reduce dizziness after acupuncture therapy:

  • Always remain quiet and lie down for 10 to 15 minutes on the acupuncture table after the session is over. Do not try to get up quickly after the therapy is over.
  • If you are feeling lightheaded and dizzy, sit in the waiting room for few more minutes and take deep breaths.
  • Drink one glass of water.
  • Sleep early after taking bath.

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