Come prepared: Acupuncture prep and after-care guide
This guide helps you get the most out of your treatment at Point Loma Acupuncture. Following these simple steps supports better results, reduces side effects, and helps your body respond well to the work we do.
How to Come Prepared for Your Acupuncture Appointment
1. Clothing
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be easily rolled up or adjusted. We often need access to the arms, legs, abdomen, back, or neck. Avoid tight jeans, restrictive dresses, or multi-layered outfits that are hard to move. You may be offered a gown or sheet for comfort and privacy.
2. Eating and drinking
Eat a light meal or snack 1–2 hours before your appointment. Coming completely empty-stomached can increase the chance of feeling lightheaded.
Avoid heavy, greasy, or very large meals right before treatment.
Stay normally hydrated, but don’t overdrink immediately before your session.
3. Substances to avoid beforehand
Avoid alcohol, cannabis, and any other substances the day of treatment.
Limit caffeine if you are sensitive (it can make some people more restless on the table).
If you take pain medication or muscle relaxants, you can usually take them as prescribed—just let us know what you’ve taken.
4. Hygiene and skin
Arrive clean. Avoid heavy lotions, oils, or strong fragrances on areas that may be treated (especially if cupping or gua sha is planned). Light moisturizer is fine.
5. What to bring
Photo ID and insurance card (if using benefits)
Any relevant imaging reports or notes from other providers
A change of clothes if coming from work where you can’t wear the appropriate gear (see #1 above).
6. Timing and mindset
Arrive 5–10 minutes early so you can check in and settle. Let us know about any new symptoms, recent injuries, changes in medications, pregnancy status, or concerns before we begin. It’s helpful to have a rough idea of your main goals for the visit.
After Your Acupuncture Treatment – General Guidelines
Most people feel relaxed, grounded, or lightly tired after treatment. This is normal.
Do’s
Rest or take it easy for the rest of the day when possible.
Drink extra water to support circulation and the movement of qi and blood.
Eat nourishing, easy-to-digest food.
Keep the treated areas warm and covered, especially in cool or windy weather.
Note how you feel over the next 24–48 hours—many people notice continued improvement.
If you feel very exhausted after treatment, let your practitioner know for next time.
Don’ts
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or intense workouts for the rest of the day (gentle walking is usually fine).
Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs the day of treatment.
Avoid very hot baths, saunas, or extreme cold exposure right after treatment.
Don’t schedule demanding mental or emotional tasks just in case you feel foggy or deeply relaxed.
Mild soreness, temporary fatigue, or a brief emotional release can occasionally occur. These usually pass within a day. Contact the clinic if anything feels unusual or concerning.
Gua Sha Aftercare
Gua sha commonly leaves temporary redness, petechiae (small red or purple dots), or mild bruising-like marks called “sha.” These are expected and typically fade over 2–7 days.
Do’s
Keep the area warm and covered, especially the first 24 hours.
Drink plenty of water.
You may gently apply a light natural oil or lotion once the skin is no longer sensitive.
Rest the treated area; avoid vigorous rubbing or scratching.
Don’ts
Avoid direct cold wind, air conditioning blasting on the area, or ice.
Skip hot tubs, saunas, swimming pools, and intense sun exposure on the marks until they fade.
Do not aggressively massage or scrape the area further yourself.
Avoid heavy exercise that stresses the treated muscles the same day.
The marks are not the same as a regular bruise and usually resolve without special treatment.
Cupping Aftercare
Cupping often leaves circular marks that can range from light pink to deep purple. These typically last 3–10 days depending on the individual and the intensity used.
Do’s
Keep the cupped areas warm and protected from wind and cold.
Stay well hydrated.
Light activity and normal daily movement are fine; listen to your body.
You can shower normally; pat the skin dry rather than rubbing vigorously.
Don’ts
Avoid extreme temperatures (very hot showers, saunas, ice packs, or cold plunges) on the marks for the first day or two.
Skip swimming in chlorinated pools or ocean water until the marks have significantly faded if the skin feels sensitive.
Do not pick at or aggressively massage the circular marks.
Avoid heavy lifting or intense workouts that heavily load the treated muscles the same day.
Mild tenderness over the marks is common and usually settles quickly.
When to Reach Out
Contact the clinic if you experience significant pain, dizziness that doesn’t resolve, unusual swelling, or anything that feels outside the normal range of post-treatment responses. We’re here to support you.
Point Loma Acupuncture
Call or text 619-988-2013 with questions before or after your visit.
Coming prepared and following simple aftercare helps your body integrate the treatment more effectively. We look forward to seeing you.
