Medical acupuncture aftercare

For the rest of the day

• Rest for a few hours if you can, and avoid hard exercise.
• Drink plenty of water and eat light meals.
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours, and go easy on caffeine.
• Wear layers. Some people feel warmer or colder than usual afterwards.

What’s normal

• Small bruises or redness where the needles went in. These usually fade within a couple of days.
• A mild ache or tenderness, which usually eases within a few hours.
• Feeling tired, relaxed or a little emotional. This passes quickly.

When to get advice

Contact your GP, or NHS 24 on 111, if you have:

• severe pain at a needle site, or pain that keeps getting worse
• dizziness that doesn’t go away
• signs of infection, such as redness, warmth or swelling that spreads or gets worse

If you feel short of breath or have chest pain, call 999.

Please let me know too, so I can help.

Your next session

Most people have 3 to 5 sessions, as the effects build over time. Some conditions need more. We’ll agree a plan at your first appointment.

Any questions? Email me and I’ll get back to you.

Written by Dr Eoghan Colgan, GMC number 6030214. Last reviewed October 2026.