Why do I feel weak all over after acupuncture?

Generally, feeling weak or fatigued all over after acupuncture may be caused by factors such as mental tension, excessively long acupuncture sessions, physical weakness, needle fainting (vasovagal reaction), or deficiency of qi and blood. It is recommended to visit a hospital for evaluation to identify the specific cause and receive appropriate treatment. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Mental Tension

Excessive mental stress during acupuncture may cause muscles to become tense or spasm, leading to generalized weakness. Symptoms usually gradually improve with adequate rest.

2. Prolonged Acupuncture Duration

If the acupuncture session is too long, it may cause significant stimulation to the skin and consume excessive energy, resulting in bodily fatigue. It is advisable to eat before undergoing acupuncture to avoid doing it on an empty stomach.

3. Physical Weakness

Patients who are inherently physically weak may experience adverse reactions when acupuncture stimulates the body and accelerates circulation, leading to excessive energy consumption. It is recommended that such patients improve their nutritional intake by consuming appropriate foods such as eggs and pork ribs.

4. Needle Fainting (Vasovagal Reaction)

Some patients may experience needle fainting during acupuncture, manifesting as generalized weakness or fatigue afterward. This condition typically does not require special treatment. Patients are advised to lie flat and rest; symptoms usually subside after a period of time.

5. Deficiency of Qi and Blood

Deficiency of qi and blood may also lead to post-acupuncture fatigue and weakness. Common symptoms in such patients include cold intolerance, cold limbs, spontaneous sweating, dizziness, tinnitus, low spirits, and persistent tiredness. For qi and blood deficiency, patients may take medications such as Bazhen Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill), Shiquan Dabu Wan (Decoction for Complete Tonification), or Buqi Hexue Capsules under medical guidance.

After acupuncture, patients should keep the treated skin areas clean and dry to prevent infection. They should also avoid raw, cold, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods in daily diet.