Tiredness After Acupuncture: Why You Feel It and Why It’s Actually a Good Thing
Feeling tired after acupuncture is very common, and completely normal. Many acupuncture patients describe a calm, heavy tiredness after their first acupuncture appointment, followed by better sleep and mental clarity the next day.
Post acupuncture tiredness is a common and expected experience, as your body responds to treatment and processes the improved energy flow and healing responses.
This blog post explains why tiredness after acupuncture happens, what your body’s response means, and how acupuncture supports your body’s natural recovery, balance and energy flow.
At-a-Glance: Tiredness After Acupuncture
Why it happens: Your nervous system switches from “fight-or-flight” to “rest-and-repair,” lowering blood pressure and releasing tension.
How long it lasts: Usually a few hours to 24 hours; rest, hydrate, and eat light meals.
When to call the clinic: If fatigue lasts longer than two days, or you feel dizzy or faint after treatment.
Introduction to Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, offering a holistic approach to health and healing that has stood the test of time.
This ancient practice involves the careful insertion of ultra-fine needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points, to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, looking to manage stress, or hoping to improve your overall wellbeing, acupuncture treatment is designed to restore balance and promote healing from within.
During an acupuncture session, the practitioner targets points on the body that correspond to different organs and systems, working to enhance the flow of vital energy and support the nervous system. By doing so, acupuncture works to address not just physical symptoms, but also the underlying imbalances that may be affecting your health.
Many people turn to Chinese medicine and acupuncture for its ability to promote healing, reduce pain, and help the body recover from a wide range of conditions.
Understanding how acupuncture works can empower you to make informed choices about your health and take the first step toward a more balanced, vibrant life.
Acupuncture Treatment: What Happens in the Body
During an acupuncture treatment, fine acupuncture needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points across the body. These points stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue, improving blood circulation and activating the body’s natural healing process.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that these points influence the flow of Qi, your body’s vital energy.
When energy becomes blocked or depleted, fatigue, tension and chronic pain can build up. Acupuncture helps restore balance, relieve stress, and encourage your body to heal.
Many acupuncture patients describe feeling deeply calm or sleepy during treatment. That’s because acupuncture lowers stress hormones, relaxes muscles, and helps the body switch from “fight-or-flight” into “rest-and-digest” mode, as the body begins to adjust and release toxins, the healing process is set in motion and detoxification can occur naturally.
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Acupuncture Session: Why You Might Feel Tired Afterwards
It’s perfectly normal to feel tired or experience mild fatigue after acupuncture. This shows that your body adjusts to changes in blood circulation, nervous-system activity and energy flow.
In some cases, people may experience extreme fatigue after acupuncture, especially if they are already under significant stress or exhaustion. This is a temporary response and usually indicates your body is working to restore balance.
When needles are inserted, acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin, chemicals that ease pain and enhance mood. It also helps regulate sleep patterns, which is why many people report better sleep after a session.
After periods of high stress, this sudden relaxation can feel like post-acupuncture light-headedness or temporary fatigue. But it’s a good sign that your body is responding and beginning to repair itself.
Acupuncture Points: The Pathways of Energy Flow
Each acupuncture session is personalised. For energy and recovery, acupuncture practitioners often select points such as ST36 (Zusanli), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), PC6 (Neiguan) and KI3 (Taixi). Some points are also chosen specifically to support liver function and aid in detoxification.
These points promote healthy blood flow, support the digestive system, enhance liver function, calm the mind, and strengthen vital energy. When combined, they help improve stamina, relaxation, and pain relief while restoring balance to your overall health.
Acupuncture Needles: How Many Are Used?
Patients often ask, “How many acupuncture needles will I have?” It depends on your condition. Some treatments use only a few points; others may use 10–15.
Each licensed acupuncturist chooses points based on your symptoms, ensuring a safe and effective treatment. The needles are extremely fine, much thinner than those used for medical injections.
Once inserted, most people feel only a mild warmth or tingling as the healing process begins.
Detoxification Process: Supporting Natural Balance
You may have heard people describe acupuncture as helping with detox, but it’s more accurate to say that acupuncture supports your body’s natural balance and repair processes by aiding the detox process. Acupuncture can help mobilise and eliminate accumulated toxins, which may be released as part of the body's natural healing response.
By improving blood circulation, calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation, acupuncture may help your liver, kidneys and digestive system work more efficiently.
Some people notice short-term adjustment symptoms such as mild tiredness, thirst, or muscle soreness. These are temporary and show your body is shifting toward a healthier rhythm, a positive response rather than a concern.
Body’s Detoxification Process: Gentle Reset, Not Detox Hype
Your body detoxifies itself naturally through the liver, kidneys and lungs. Acupuncture supports the body's natural detoxification process by enhancing the function of organs like the liver and kidneys, creating the best internal environment for detoxification by improving circulation and reducing stress.
It’s normal to feel sleepy or heavy after treatment as your body adjusts. Think of it as a short “reset period” where your body prioritises rest, balance and internal healing.
Blood Flow: The Foundation of Healing
Improved blood flow is one of the key reasons acupuncture helps people feel restored. Acupuncture helps improve blood flow, which is essential for delivering nutrients and removing waste products from tissues. Increased circulation brings oxygen and nutrients to cells while removing waste by-products from tissues.
Studies also show acupuncture helps regulate the immune system, supports digestive health, and assists the body’s ability to manage acute pain and long-term tension.
When circulation improves, you might feel temporarily heavy or relaxed, then lighter, more energised, and feeling totally rejuvenated the following day.
Detox Symptoms: What’s Normal After Treatment
Most people feel relaxed after treatment, but the most common detox symptoms, like slight fatigue, thirst, or tenderness, can occur. These are common adjustment responses and usually resolve within 24 hours.
If symptoms persist or worsen, reach out to your practitioner. Acupuncture is a helpful treatment, but dosage and needle technique can be adjusted for comfort and sensitivity.
Common Detox Symptoms and When to Contact Your Practitioner
If you feel light-headed, thirsty or tired, rest and hydrate. Contact your acupuncture practitioner if fatigue lasts longer than two days, or if you experience unusual discomfort.
Most people experience a greater sense of calm and clarity once their body’s response settles, in fact, many patients report these positive outcomes, showing that acupuncture works gently yet powerfully to support overall health.
If you’re unsure whether your response is part of the normal healing process,
professional acupuncture care can provide reassurance and adjust treatment to suit your needs.
Preparing for an Acupuncture Appointment
Getting ready for your acupuncture appointment is an important part of your healing journey.
To make the most of your session, try to avoid heavy meals beforehand and wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms and legs.
It’s also helpful to arrive with an open mind and be prepared to discuss your health history, current symptoms, and any concerns you may have with your acupuncture practitioner.
At your first acupuncture appointment, your licensed acupuncturist will take the time to get to know you, asking questions about your lifestyle, medical background, and specific health goals.
They may also perform a physical exam and develop a specific treatment plan tailored to your needs. This plan could include the use of carefully selected acupuncture points, herbal medicine, and other traditional Chinese medicine techniques to restore balance and promote healing.
By working closely with a qualified practitioner, you can feel confident that your treatment is safe, effective, and designed to support your unique path to wellness.
Acupuncture Appointment: Supporting Your Healing Journey
Your first acupuncture appointment begins a wider healing journey. Whether your goal is to improve energy, ease chronic pain, support digestive health, or reduce stress, acupuncture is a safe, evidence-based and helpful treatment for long-term wellbeing.
To support recovery:
These steps are part of your personal detox journey, supporting ongoing healing and restoring balance as you progress.
As your body adjusts, you may notice improved focus, calmer emotions and better sleep, clear signs of progress.
What Research Says About Feeling Tired After Acupuncture
Modern research confirms what Traditional Chinese Medicine has long taught: acupuncture helps the body rebalance naturally.
A 2014 study showed a 28% reduction in fatigue after the first acupuncture treatment and a 90% improvement after sixteen acupuncture sessions (n = 44 patients with chronic fatigue) (Zhong et al., 2014). These results highlight the cumulative benefits of ongoing acupuncture sessions for reducing fatigue.
Other studies show that acupuncture lowers stress hormones, enhances blood circulation, and restores healthy energy production in cells (Li et al., 2015; Zhou et al., 2016).
A forthcoming 2024 systematic review found acupuncture improved sleep patterns, mental clarity, and long-term energy levels, particularly when combined with relaxation therapies (Liu et al., 2024).
A large international meta-analysis of over 20,000 patients found acupuncture significantly improved pain-related fatigue and quality of life compared with usual care (Vickers AJ et al., 2018, J Pain 19(5):455–474).
The NICE guidelines also recognises acupuncture as a recommended option for chronic primary pain in adults.
When Should You Not Have Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is generally very safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist using single-use sterile needles. However, there are times when it should be delayed or approached with extra care. These precautions keep your treatment safe and effective.
Avoid treatment today if you:
Have a fever, flu, or active skin infection at the area to be treated.
Can’t stay still due to uncontrolled movements, seizures, or severe tremors.
Have a true needle phobia that causes distress.
Tell your practitioner before treatment if you:
Are pregnant or may be pregnant – some points are avoided early in pregnancy, but acupuncture can be used safely with adjustments.
Take anticoagulant medication or have a bleeding disorder – shallow needling and gentle technique are used.
Have a pacemaker or implanted electronic device – manual acupuncture is safe, but electro-acupuncture is avoided.
Have diabetes, epilepsy, immune suppression, or lymphoedema/limb at risk – extra precautions or medical clearance may be required.
Have significant metal allergies – your acupuncturist can use coated or titanium needles.
Acupuncture should also be postponed if you feel faint, extremely fatigued, or haven’t eaten recently.
After your session, rest before driving if you experience drowsiness or light-headedness.
Why these precautions?
The NHS, NCCIH (2024) and the British Acupuncture Council note that serious complications are extremely rare and most occur when acupuncture is performed by untrained individuals. Choosing a BAcC-registered acupuncturist ensures compliance with the UK’s Code of Safe Practice.
FAQ: Common Questions About Post-Acupuncture Fatigue
How long does post-acupuncture fatigue last? Usually a few hours, up to 24 hours. Your body’s response varies depending on the condition and points used.
Can I exercise after an acupuncture session? Gentle stretching or walking is fine, but avoid intense workouts for 24 hours to let your body adjusts and recover.
Does tiredness mean acupuncture is working? Yes, in most cases it means your nervous system is relaxing and the healing process is underway.
Can acupuncture help with chronic pain and digestive health? Yes, research shows acupuncture supports the digestive system, immune system, and helps reduce chronic pain, contributing to overall health.
Is it normal to notice changes in bowel movements after acupuncture? Yes, some people may experience temporary changes in bowel movements after acupuncture. This can be part of the body's detox response and an indication that gut function is adjusting. These changes are usually mild and resolve on their own.
When should I contact my practitioner? If tiredness lasts more than two days or you experience dizziness, contact your licensed acupuncturist for advice.
Body’s Response: A Sign of Healing
Feeling tired or sleepy after acupuncture doesn’t mean the treatment has drained you, it’s your body’s way of recalibrating. This positive response shows your system is working toward balance and improved vitality.
Once your body adjusts, most people notice a greater sense of calm, clarity and stable energy. That’s the real power of acupuncture: gentle, natural restoration that lasts. Many people leave treatment feeling totally rejuvenated, experiencing deep relaxation and an energy boost as their body restores balance.
Conclusion
In summary, acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of health concerns, from chronic pain and irritable bowel syndrome to stress and sleep disturbances.
By supporting the body’s natural detoxification process and encouraging deep healing, acupuncture can help you achieve a greater sense of overall health and wellbeing. While fatigue after acupuncture is a common and temporary response, it’s simply a sign that your body is adjusting and beginning to heal.
To get the best results, it’s important to work with a qualified acupuncture practitioner who can guide you through the process and tailor your care to your individual needs.
With its long history in traditional Chinese medicine and a growing body of research supporting its benefits, acupuncture offers a holistic, effective treatment option for those seeking to improve sleep patterns, manage chronic pain, and enhance their overall health. If you’re ready to experience a greater sense of balance and vitality, acupuncture may be the perfect addition to your wellness routine.
About the Author
Written by Deanna Thomas, BSc (Hons) Acupuncture, Lic. Ac, MBAcC
Deanna Thomas is a licensed acupuncturist and member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), practising in Middlesbrough since 2021. She holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Acupuncture and blends Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern, evidence-based practice. Her work focuses on women’s health, fertility, chronic pain, and stress management. This information is for educational purposes and not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
References
Zhong F et al. (2014). J Acupunct Meridian Stud 7(3): 100–109. DOI 10.1016/j.jams.2013.12.004
Li S et al. (2015). J Transl Med 13: 89. PMID 25764329
Zhou Y et al. (2016). J Tradit Chin Med 36(6): 770–776. PMID 27886247
Liu X et al. (2024, in press). Front Neurol. PMC 12113930