Sometimes, your clients’ lives can be pretty hectic, and you’ll find that they schedule treatments one after the other, just because they have the time. But does one treatment have an effect on the other, and is it okay to schedule them so closely together? In this article, we discuss how yoga may impact the benefits of acupuncture, and if it’s okay to do yoga after acupuncture treatment.
So, is it ok to do yoga after acupuncture? Some types of yoga, such as Ashtanga or Vinyasa can be quite strenuous and, as such, are not recommended after acupuncture. However, more gentle yoga practice should be safe, and even beneficial, after acupuncture in normal circumstances.
Read on to learn more about how yoga and exercise in general can impact the benefits of acupuncture
Can You Do Yoga After an Acupuncture Appointment?
It can be ok to do yoga after acupuncture in some circumstances, however this is entirely dependent on both your client’s health, the kind of yoga they intend to practice, and how they feel when they leave their acupuncture session - if your client feels dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous post-treatment, they should not proceed with yoga.
Some types of yoga, such as Ashtanga and Vinyasa are more advanced and strenuous than others and, as such, are not appropriate for practice after acupuncture. However, it is thought that more gentle types of yoga, when practiced alongside acupuncture, can maximize received benefits. In fact, some places even offer dual therapy sessions where acupuncture and yoga are combined.
Some claim that yoga and traditional Chinese medicine work similarly to help ensure a smooth flow of energy around the body (Qi/Prana). They share a common goal of releasing stagnation of energy, and both support general health and wellbeing via physical, mental, and spiritual health, as well as restoring balance. What’s more, it is thought that yoga, when practiced alongside acupuncture, can help to accelerate the healing process, increase body awareness, and boost energy.
That said, there is little scientific evidence on the subject, although there is a call for research into the effectiveness of combined therapies.
Can You Do Yoga Before Acupuncture?
Mixing the two interventions (in whichever order) can be a great holistic option for clients where acupuncture may not be having as large of an impact as desired, or vice versa. Similarly, it may be beneficial for those wishing to reduce their reliance on Western medication, or for those who are simply looking to increase their general wellbeing.
As previously stated, yoga can be mixed with acupuncture, but it is only advised in some circumstances. For example, more strenuous yoga classes, or more strenuous exercise in general has the potential to ‘undo’ the effects of acupuncture.
On the other hand, more gentle yoga is thought to create a sort of symbiosis, which has the potential to heighten clients’ received benefits. In fact, other gentle exercises, such as walking and swimming may have similar benefits.
What’s more, athletes and professionals within the sports industry claim that they have seen results from exercising lightly before acupuncture, noting that exercise increases blood flow, enhancing the effects of acupuncture. Acupuncture may also work to relax the body after exercise, helping to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
Is it Ok to Exercise After Acupuncture Treatment?
Some experts will advise against strenuous exercise after acupuncture, for the same reasons as not performing more strenuous types of yoga. However, in our experience, as long as the client feels fit and healthy after a session, there is no reason that they shouldn’t exercise to their own ability afterward. In fact, many elite athletes regularly use acupuncture alongside exercise.
In some cases, more gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga, may be advisable, especially for those unused to strenuous exercise, as vigorous exercise has the potential to undo the effects of acupuncture. However, this should be considered on a case-by-case basis as no two clients are the same.
Can You Do Cardio After Acupuncture?
Some experts claim that more strenuous exercise, such as cardio, can undo the effects of acupuncture. However, there is preliminary support that acupuncture can benefit exercise and performance, specifically post-exercise recovery. Used regularly in conjunction, there may be no ‘undoing’ of the benefits of acupuncture. However, your client must listen to their body and act accordingly. Similarly, healthcare professionals should provide advice on a case-by-case basis on this topic.
Can You Exercise Before Acupuncture?
Some industry professionals have seen results from exercising lightly before acupuncture, noting that exercise increases blood flow, which can enhance the effects of acupuncture. Acupuncture may also work to relax the body after exercise, helping to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
Acupuncture Courses and Yoga Teacher Training Courses at Breeze Academy
Breeze Academy is one of the UK’s leading CPD providers for healthcare professionals, offering a range of courses including Acupuncture, and Clinical Yoga Teacher Training. With Breeze Academy, you can learn the basics of acupuncture in our foundation level acupuncture course, or if you’ve got the basics down, choose to study something more specific, such as Acupuncture in Women’s Health.
Alternatively, we now also offer Clinical Yoga Teacher Training courses for healthcare professions that wish to expand their current practice offerings in a more holistic way. Learn more online now, or get in touch with our expert team for more information about any of our courses.