Acupuncture
Acupuncture
Breeze Academy
09 November 2021
Updated: October 2025
Many people turn to acupuncture to help with pain, stress, or general wellbeing — but some also wonder whether it can “detox” the body. The idea of flushing out toxins after a session is a common belief, and it’s easy to see why given how relaxed and rebalanced people often feel afterwards.
Acupuncture can support the body’s natural detoxification process — but it doesn’t “flush toxins” out of the body in a literal sense. Instead, research suggests acupuncture helps regulate circulation, reduce inflammation, and support organs like the liver and kidneys, which play a key role in filtering waste. By restoring balance and reducing stress, acupuncture may help your body process and eliminate toxins more effectively.
In this article, we’ll explore what actually happens to the body during and after acupuncture, how it may aid natural detox, and what sensations or after-effects you might notice.
Some studies suggest that acupuncture may play a role in supporting the body’s detoxification process, particularly for those undergoing treatment for substance addiction. For example, one study found that people treated with acupuncture were less likely to be readmitted for detoxification within six months, suggesting it can be a useful tool alongside other detox treatments. Another study reported that acupuncture with electrical stimulation may help manage withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and depression. However, more research is needed to fully understand these effects.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture is believed to improve the function of the liver, kidneys, and digestive system — all vital for eliminating waste and toxins. By clearing blockages and restoring balance, acupuncture helps energy (Qi) flow more freely throughout the body, supporting overall wellbeing.
If you’re interested in how different treatments may play a role in detoxification, take a look at our related article on sports massage and toxins, including whether it can make clients feel unwell after treatment.
Acupuncture can support the body’s natural detox process, helping it to remove everyday toxins and waste more efficiently. However, the word “toxin” doesn’t necessarily mean something dangerous — it can refer to a wide range of substances that build up through daily life, such as:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the term toxin can also describe blockages of energy (Qi) that interrupt the body’s natural balance. These energetic blockages are believed to contribute to various physical and emotional symptoms, and acupuncture helps to clear them, restoring a smooth and healthy flow of Qi.
The detoxing effects of acupuncture can last for around three days. During this time, the body is working to process and remove toxins and waste build-up. Some people may feel slightly tired or experience mild discomfort, while others feel more energised and balanced.
To help the body recover and make the most of these benefits, it’s best to rest and take it easy for a few days after treatment. A warm bath or shower before bed can help ease any muscle tension or discomfort, and staying well-hydrated supports the body’s natural cleansing process.
If you’re wondering how to tell whether acupuncture is actually working for you, our guide on how to know if acupuncture is working explains what signs and sensations to look out for after treatment.
During an acupuncture treatment, the stimulation of the nervous system triggers the release of chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These natural substances help activate the body’s healing processes, promoting both physical and emotional wellbeing — especially when treatments are continued over time.
Research funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that, when performed correctly, acupuncture increases the release of nitric oxide at needle insertion points. This improves blood flow and encourages the body to release natural pain-relieving chemicals, often creating gentle warming or cooling sensations.
Other NIH studies have shown acupuncture to be effective in treating, or reducing the symptoms of:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed that illness occurs when the flow of energy (Qi) through the body is disrupted. Acupuncture helps to release these blockages, allowing Qi to flow freely along the meridians once again and restoring balance throughout the body.
Rather than “resetting” the body, acupuncture is believed to help restore balance — a key concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It promotes both physical and emotional wellbeing by encouraging the body’s natural systems to function at their best.
There are several ways acupuncture is thought to achieve this:
In TCM, acupuncture removes blockages that stop energy (Qi) from flowing freely through the body. When Qi moves smoothly, the body is thought to maintain better health and resilience.
Modern research suggests acupuncture stimulates nerves, prompting the brain to release natural chemicals that reduce pain, ease tension, and support healing. This response may also explain why many people feel relaxed and refreshed after treatment.
Some medical professionals believe acupuncture’s benefits may be partially related to the placebo effect. However, even if that plays a role, the sense of relaxation and relief many people experience is real — and contributes to the body’s ability to restore itself.
While acupuncture doesn’t directly remove toxins from the body, it can help support your natural detox systems by improving circulation, reducing stress, and restoring internal balance. The result is a body better equipped to process waste and maintain overall wellbeing.
Acupuncture & Dry Needling Training:
If you’re interested in learning more about how acupuncture supports recovery and balance — and how to integrate it into your current practice — explore our Acupuncture & Dry Needling Courses, open to professionals across healthcare, therapy, and wellness fields.