Diarrhea After Acupuncture? What You Need to Know

Diarrhea after acupuncture might seem like an unusual reaction, but it’s not entirely uncommon and can often be a sign of the body’s natural detoxification process. Acupuncture works to restore balance within the body by stimulating energy flow, and in doing so, it can trigger the release of built-up toxins or stressors, sometimes leading to gastrointestinal responses like diarrhea. 

While this reaction can be uncomfortable, it is generally temporary and considered part of the healing journey for some individuals. Staying hydrated and avoiding heavy or processed foods after your session can help ease these symptoms. In this blog, we will discuss the possible causes of diarrhea after acupuncture, what it means for your health, and how to manage it effectively.

Understanding Acupuncture and Its Effects on the Body

Acupuncture is deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, which focus on the flow of Qi through pathways in the body called meridians. These pathways connect different organs and systems, helping to balance and maintain health. Below are some key points about how acupuncture works:

1. TCM Perspective:
   • Qi flows through meridians, and disruptions in this flow can lead to imbalances or illness.
   • Acupuncture restores balance by targeting specific points along the meridians, helping to unblock energy and harmonize yin and yang.
2. Scientific Perspective:
   • Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system by activating sensory nerves in the skin and muscles.
   • This activation promotes the release of natural chemicals like endorphins and serotonin, which can reduce pain, improve mood, and encourage healing.
3. Health Benefits:
   • The combined effects of balancing Qi and stimulating the nervous system make acupuncture effective for addressing a range of conditions, from chronic pain to stress and fatigue.

Post-acupuncture reactions are common and often reflect the body’s natural adjustment and healing processes. Below are some typical reactions and the reasons they occur:

Common Reactions Post Acupuncture Reactions:

• Fatigue: Feeling tired after acupuncture is normal as the body shifts energy to focus on healing and rebalancing.
• Lightheadedness: Some individuals may feel slightly dizzy or lightheaded, especially if they haven’t eaten or hydrated adequately before their session.
• Localized Soreness: Mild soreness or sensitivity at the needle insertion sites is a common reaction as the body responds to the stimulation.

Why These Occur:

• These effects are part of the body’s natural healing response, as acupuncture activates energy flow, encourages circulation, and stimulates the nervous system.
• The body may temporarily redirect energy or resources to address imbalances, leading to sensations of fatigue or mild discomfort.

These post-treatment effects are typically short-lived and serve as signs that your body is responding to the therapy.

A 2021 review of 21 studies found that minor adverse events (AEs) from acupuncture, like bleeding or pain at the needle site, occur in about 9% of patients and 8% of treatments, often as intended therapeutic effects. Serious adverse events (SAEs) are extremely rare, with about 1 per 10,000 patients and 8 per 1 million treatments. While AEs requiring medical care are uncommon, the study highlights the importance of medical expertise to ensure safety, emphasizing acupuncture’s strong safety profile compared to other treatments.

Similarly, a 2003 review found that while mild, temporary side effects like nausea or fainting are more common with acupuncture, rare but serious events, such as septicemia or hepatitis C, can occur and may be life-threatening. As acupuncture becomes more widely used, it’s essential for clinicians to be aware of these rare complications to ensure patient safety.

Why Might You Experience Diarrhea After Acupuncture?

1. The Body’s Detoxification Process:
   • Acupuncture stimulates energy flow and circulation, helping the body release toxins.
   • This detoxification process can temporarily affect digestion, leading to reactions like diarrhea as the body clears waste and restores balance.
2. The Gut-Brain Connection:
   • The gut-brain axis, a communication network between the nervous system and the digestive system, plays a role in how your body responds to acupuncture.
   • Acupuncture activates the nervous system, which may temporarily impact gut activity, triggering symptoms like diarrhea.

These effects are generally short-lived and indicate your body is adjusting to the treatment, working to restore overall health and balance.

A 2022 study reviewed ten randomized controlled trials on acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). The results showed that acupuncture helps improve IBS-D symptoms and quality of life by regulating brain-gut peptides, brain activity, neuroendocrine functions, psychological health, and intestinal inflammation and sensitivity.

The Spleen and Stomach’s Role in Digestion

The spleen and stomach are central to the digestive process, responsible for transforming food into energy and distributing nutrients throughout the body. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points that can either enhance or temporarily disrupt the functioning of these organs. 

By encouraging the flow of Qi and blood, acupuncture can help strengthen the digestive system, but in some cases, it may cause a temporary imbalance as the body adjusts, leading to symptoms like mild discomfort or digestive disturbances. These effects are usually short-term as the body works toward restoring balance and improving overall digestive health.

A 2020 study reviewed 31 randomized controlled trials with 3,234 patients to assess acupuncture’s effectiveness for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) and functional diarrhea (FD). The results showed that acupuncture was more effective than several medications, including loperamide and dicetel, in improving symptoms, quality of life, and recurrence rates. While mild side effects like subdermal bleeding occurred, acupuncture was generally safe. The study suggests acupuncture is an effective treatment for IBS-D and FD, though more high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings.

Read More: Stomach Chi 101 – Dr. Alexander Heyne

Stress and Emotional Release

Acupuncture’s calming effects can play a significant role in relieving stress, which is often a trigger for digestive issues like diarrhea. Stress-related diarrhea can occur when emotional tension or pent-up feelings manifest physically, disrupting normal digestion. 

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points in the body that help regulate the nervous system, promoting relaxation and releasing emotional blockages. This release can alleviate stress, allowing the body to return to a state of balance and reducing symptoms like diarrhea that may arise from emotional stress.

When Is Diarrhea a Cause for Concern?

Normal vs. Abnormal Reactions

• Normal Reactions:
  • Mild and short-lived diarrhea following acupuncture can be a typical response as the body adjusts to the treatment and detoxifies.
  • It usually resolves on its own within a day or two without the need for medical intervention.
• Signs of Concern:
  • Prolonged Diarrhea: If symptoms last longer than 48 hours, it may indicate a more serious issue.
  • Severe Dehydration: Symptoms like dizziness, dry mouth, or excessive thirst can signal dehydration.
  • Other Symptoms: If diarrhea is accompanied by fever, intense pain, or blood in the stool, these are signs that you should seek medical attention immediately.

Pre-Existing Conditions or Medications

• Individuals with pre-existing gut conditions such as IBS or Crohn’s disease may experience stronger digestive reactions after acupuncture, as their systems are more sensitive.
• Medications that affect the digestive system, like laxatives or antibiotics, might also amplify these effects.

If you’re unsure about whether your symptoms are normal or concerning, it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider to ensure your health and safety.

A 2018 study compared acupuncture, sham acupuncture, and medications for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) across 29 trials with 9,369 participants. The results showed that acupuncture was the most effective and had the fewest side effects compared to drugs like rifaximin, alosetron, and pinaverium bromide. Sham acupuncture also showed a positive effect beyond placebo. Common acupuncture points used included ST25, ST36, ST37, SP6, GV20, and EX-HN3.

What to Do If You Experience Diarrhea After Acupuncture

If you experience diarrhea after acupuncture, the first step is to take care of your body. 

1. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or electrolyte-rich drinks to replace fluids lost. 
2. Opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods like rice, bananas, and toast, which can help soothe your digestive system. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or spicy foods, as these can irritate your digestive tract and worsen symptoms.
3. Communicate with your acupuncturist if you experience unusual or severe reactions. Reporting your symptoms helps the acupuncturist assess whether adjustments to your treatment plan are needed. They may target specific meridians or modify the approach to better support your body’s response and restore balance. Open communication ensures that your treatment remains effective while minimizing discomfort.

Preventing Digestive Discomfort Post-Treatment

To minimize the risk of digestive discomfort after acupuncture, it’s important to prepare your body before the session. Eat a light, balanced meal beforehand to stabilize your digestion, and avoid heavy or greasy foods that could upset your stomach. These small steps help ensure that your digestive system is in a more balanced state going into the treatment.

After your session, lifestyle adjustments are key to promoting recovery:

• Rest and avoid stress, as both can impact your body’s ability to heal and process changes. 
• Stay hydrated by drinking water or electrolyte-rich beverages, and listen to your body’s needs. 

Giving yourself time to rest and relax helps your body adjust to the effects of acupuncture and enhances overall well-being.

Read More: 7 Herbs for Cramps

Diarrhea After Acupuncture: What You Should Know

Diarrhea after acupuncture is typically not a cause for alarm and can actually be a sign that the body is undergoing a healing process. It often indicates that the body is releasing toxins and restoring balance. However, it’s important to maintain open communication with your acupuncturist if you experience this or any other unusual symptoms. They can help adjust your treatment plan if needed to ensure the best results.

Along with discussing your symptoms, practicing self-care is essential to support your body’s recovery. Drink plenty of fluids, eat bland foods, and rest as needed. If you have concerns or want personalized advice, consider scheduling a consultation with a licensed acupuncturist to address your specific needs and ensure the treatment is right for you.

Read More: Acupressure for Stomach Aches