Why do I feel weak all over after acupuncture?

In general, feeling weak or fatigued after acupuncture may be caused by factors such as mental tension, excessively long acupuncture sessions, or physical weakness. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Mental Tension

This may occur if the patient experiences excessive mental stress during acupuncture, causing muscles to tense up or spasm, resulting in generalized weakness. Symptoms usually gradually improve with proper rest.

2. Excessively Long Acupuncture Sessions

If the acupuncture session lasts too long, it may cause significant stimulation to the skin and consume considerable energy, leading to overall fatigue. It's recommended to eat before undergoing acupuncture and to receive treatment in a well-nourished state.

3. Physical Weakness

Patients with inherently weak constitutions may experience increased bodily circulation and excessive energy consumption due to acupuncture stimulation, which could produce adverse reactions. In such cases, medications such as Ren Shen Gui Pi Wan, Shi Quan Da Bu Wan, or Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan may be used according to medical advice.

In addition, these symptoms could also result from needle fainting (vasovagal reaction). It is advisable to identify the specific cause and take appropriate measures accordingly.