The preparation for an acupuncture treatment is indeed quite important, because what we eat and do prior to it, will either optimize its healing effects or slow it down.
Ideally, before an acupuncture treatment, we are very well hydrated, not only consuming water, or water with sea salt (rich in minerals) but also wet foods like bone broth, soups, congee etc.
That will allow the fascia and all connective tissues of the body to be moist, becoming a great conduit of energy and electricity that travels through our meridians.
The meridians work as a web, reaching every inch of our body from the deepest parts of our anatomy like our bones, to the most superficial layers like the skin.
If Hydration is so fundamental, are there foods and drinks that will work against us and dehydrate us as well? The straight answer is YES! .As important as talking about the hydration we need, to know and understand all the things that dehydrates us, leaving our fascia dry, stuck together, stiff, causing systemic inflammation and lower blood volume is a must.
The list, with very polemic items (which we will discuss in details on future blogs) is:
Garlic, Onions, Coffee, Alcohol, Chocolate, Spicy Food, Sugar, Gluten, Processed food products, Pesticides, and so on. They all either contain a very strong amount of heat or toxicity, which causes systemic inflammation that ultimately consumes body fluids. So, avoiding those items before an acupuncture treatment is definitely an excellent idea.
Receiving a treatment on an empty stomach is not recommended either, because the body needs nutrients to finance the movement of Qi that will take place during the treatment. Depending on the case, that movement can either be expelling excess of pathogens or boosting vital qi. So is best to have a nutritious meal, eating in moderation, a couple hours prior to the consultation.
Wearing comfortable clothes, suitable for the season, and clothes that are not too tight is also a good idea. Usually, women have the tendency to wear tight bras with wires, that interrupt the flow of energy and doesn’t allow the lymph of the chest to move properly through the lymph vessels towards the lymph nodes. When that happens the breast tissue doesn’t get as much circulation and cleanse as it needs, accumulating toxins. Generally speaking, wearing comfortable underwear, hopefully made of breathable organic materials are the very best.
Abstinence of sexual activities before treatments are also recommended, because sexual energy is extremely potent, it is life force itself, called in Chinese Medicine: Jing. It’s an incredible building block and resource that we can definitely use for healing.
And last but not least, is important to come to the clinic with an open mind, to come because you decided to do it and because you are ready to receive the healing by being an active part on it. The acupuncture treatment is a moment of deep connection with our body, mind and our emotions. Is an opportunity to take a break from our busy lives, to have an intimate time with ourselves, to meditate, breathe, go within, feel and have more awareness. Where are we resisting? what can’t we let go? Whether in the mind or in the flesh, the resistance to the changes, situations and lessons that life is presenting day after day manifests as our ailments. Meeting that with humility and an open mind is the very beginning of the healing itself.
Would you like to gift yourself with that experience?
