Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
446896 tn?1237802742

First acupuncture session...anxiety now worse!

So, since I have never been able to get any real help from conventional medicine, I decided to try acupuncture.  It is actually the first alternative treatment that I have on my list to try...next is Reiki, hypnosis, and massage. I should also probably go ahead and note to all the naysayers who read this, that yes, I can also be very scientific and skeptical, so I'm approaching these treatments with a critical mind.  I'm aware that some of what I may feel may be mind over matter, yada yada...
Anyway, yesterday I had my first acupuncture session ever.  During the process, I did feel relaxed, although not completely, but I did notice a difference.  After I got up, I was kind of spacey for a while, so much so that it kind of made me nervous.  Ha---I spend so much time being anxious that my body gets alarmed when it is relaxed! Before I left the acupuncturist's office, she told me that some people actually feel bad after their session; however, this is a part of the healing process and that I shouldn't be alarmed by it.  It is like your body is starting to flood itself with all the bad and get rid of it, then rebalance.  I sort of took that with a grain fo salt.  Let me tell you, though, since then, I have felt just awful!  I am so anxious and emotional about everything, and I've been headachey, kind of nauseated, just all around yucky!  It's like I feel worse than I did before the procedure.  

Anyway, has anyone else had a response like this after an alternative treatment?  I have noticed that almost every time i get a massage, I cry or get sick afterwards too.  Perhaps there really is something to the whole flushing the toxins out theory.  I don't know...but I definitely feel something different...and I really didn't think that I would!  

Any stories?  Please share!
19 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
OMG. You reacted just like I did. I have had 2 acupuncture sessions and I am still feeling very crappy! Dizzy, nauseated, spacey. I'm told this will go away as my body "balances". But I may have a nervous breakdown before that happens. After the first session my blood pressure shot way up, now after the second session my blood pressure has shot way down. Of course all of this makes me go into panic/anxiety attacks - which is what we are trying to alleviate!! Good Luck with your treatments.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Hi there. I know it's been years since your post but hope you can see this. I had acupuncture for a neck problem 2 days ago and had a wave of panic during the session. I have had awful panic attacks since and haven't slept properly for 2 nights. Whilst I do suffer with general anxiety I don't get panic attacks that often or at least not as severe or as long as this.

Did these feelings go away for you and if so, how long before you got back to normal. I feel as though I'm going to be like this forever!
Helpful - 1
1 Comments
I know my comment is 7 years late, but I had this same exact experience! I went for neck problems (tightness, difficulty breathing) and he did a few points on my neck. After the first session, I went from sleeping well to averaging 5 hours a night. After the second session 4 days later, I didn't sleep a wink. I had tremors all throughout my body and brain chattering all night long, and was afraid the acupuncture damaged my nerves. I was assured that it was most likely nervous tension that would subside. I managed to get 8 hours of sleep the next night with the help of valerian root, magnesium, and lots of prayer. It's been a 4 days since the second session and my tremors are gone, I'm sleeping a little better, but I have been waking in the night with night sweats and my throat problems are still there.
I, too, suffer from general anxiety but usually suppress it. I wonder if the acupuncture released all my built up nervous tension. To anyone else experiencing this, it gets better! Try to relax and get plenty of rest.
Avatar universal
Dear Autumnx,
I began acupuncture 6 weeks ago for sciatica and knee issues. That seems to be slowly healing. I also tend to have slight anxiety in the mornings and have read that an elevated level of the hormone Cortisol may cause this. Apparently this is not uncommon. 4 weeks ago I began receiving acupuncture treatment for this and I feel more anxious and depressed. I do feel relaxed during and after the treatment but slowly I feel worse as days pass. I too am not sure about herbal remedies. I have tried the herb Rhodiola but this has not been effective.
I was hoping to deal with the morning anxiety naturally but now I am not sure. I wish you the best
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Hi, did anyone end up feeling better, if so how long did it take i;m experiencing a similar reaction?
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Hi , Im also wondering the same thing.  For anyone who seemingly experienced negative reactions, how long did it take to normalize?    

Thanks!
Avatar universal
Hey,
Pls see attached link … it may gain your confident level again…. cheers

............. http://www.who.int/topics/traditional_medicine/en/index.html


Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I did hypnotherapy with a psychologist for a long time.  It felt great, but never helped with my particular problem, which was panic attacks.  But I sure loved it while I was hypnotized.  Unfortunately, the therapist died of a rare blood disorder before he was able to try all his tricks.  

I managed health food stores for a long time, and therefore met a lot of people into "alternative" therapies (the quote marks are there because these therapies have actually been around thousands of years longer than allopathic medicine, which is the new babe on the block).  It's pretty universal among all practitioners I ever met that you get worse before you get better, that you often go back through the stages you went through to get where you are to come out the other side.  Whether there's any truth to that or not, who knows?  My few acupuncture sessions felt interesting, but I didn't have enough to know if it was going to help -- I did it with a network chiropractor, who was cool and it felt good but, you know, it didn't work.  But then, neither has allopathic medicine, and at least I never got any side effects from the natural stuff.

Personally, I would listen to Birdie on the herbal teas.  See a chiropractor for chiropractic, an acupuncturist for acupuncture, but for herbal medicine, see a naturopath or herbalist.  This isn't because all these people are unwise in what isn't their specialty, it's just exercising proper prudence.  See people who've put a lot of study into what they do for a living.  Chinese herbs are the best studied in the world, because they've been written about the longest, but manufacturers of Chinese herbs aren't all equal.  Some are formulated by well-known herbalists, while most are formulated by charlatans who wouldn't know one herb from another, and can be contaminated with toxic ingredients.  I know which manufacturers are trustworthy, but the acupuncturist probably buys from someone who formulates for professionals, and these are often some of the least reliable companies for quality and for lack of harmful additives.  So be careful out there!  (On the other hand, I'm not so concerned with the so-called double blind studies.  Paxil was approved after being studied in only a couple thousand people, many of whom dropped out and half of whom were on placebo, and they lied about side effects and withdrawal problems.  Lexapro only studied only a few more than a thousand people.  And these studies were very short term.  My opinion, which should be taken with the same grain of salt as anyone's, is that we know shinola about both herbs and medication, but herbs have at least been used for a very long time and are basically food, whereas our bodies have never seen medication before and don't know what to do with it yet.  But as I say, grain of salt for all of us, including, or especially, psychiatrists and pharmaceutical companies and purveyors of herbs).
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I went to a hipnotherapist once. First worrying sign was when I saw something that said she healed dogs and cats. I didn't know which way she wanted me to be on the couch. All fours or out flat. It was amusing though. He slow gentle voice. There was me sitting there wondering when it was about to begin. Then she asked me to give her an age from my life. She asked again. And again. Then I copped I was meant to answer her. I was no way out of it at all. Just like a routine I had to endure for 45 minutes. Couldn't end quick enough. Her asking questions and me laughing on the inside. Just saying what she wanted to hear. She said she'd send me some Reiki. I'm still waiting. LOL. She wasn't all she was cracked up to be.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey--apologies for not fuly recognizing ur name...we meet on Thyroid Board sometime back! Anyrate---did u follow up your nodule? Make sure you tell your acupuncturist about it.  Nods to chinese are 'phleghm' accumulation, and generally relate to kidney yang deficiency; fear is a main emotional driver of this problem via the yin organ buddy to the kidney.  

You'll need treatment to clear phlegm and heat the blood, move the chi; herbs central to this.  Ask acupuncturist which chanel they are treating? Very important to understand if they know what they are doing and there are ways to double check their dx.

There are a lot of fakers in the business..checking palms?  OMG --no no no---- take 3 pulses from both sides!!  Run if someone only checks your palms!!  Did your acupuncturist take your pulse? What colour is the back of your tongue?

Check out ----http://www.itmonline.org/arts/thyroid.htm.  

Your nodule worries me; could be hot? Inconclusive is not entirely safe (esp follicular neoplasms) and a single large size needs attention.  Have an 'ultrasounded' guided FNA -- do not use previous one. Did you have your blood checked for autoimmune markers----Graves (hyper but causes anxiety) or indeed Hashi's (hypo but goes with nods and you can swing back and forth); stress and anxiety set off autoimmune.

I only just got a late dx for Hashis---I had to beg for the test!!!  I've journalled more what I am doing re- full lifestyle programme which must happen for alternatives to be effective. PM if I can help in more detail.

Big hugs to you for your upcoming seperation from hub----a fear driver for sure!!  : )  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Homeopathy is also a good alternative
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, I'm a nutritionist.  Due to a chronic and complicated health problem, I have tried every holistic therapy that there is and every esoteric therapy that is known to man.  I have seen several different accupuncurists.  You never said, what exactly are you trying to cure?  Anxiety?  And have you ever tried taking a perscription antidepressant?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had a good experience with my accupuncture.  But the therapist told me that some people will have a crying fit too getting their meridians balance.  Many of them get a revelation at the time what is causing the problem.  Like they will experience a very bad thought and able to release the bad emotion.  Then you know what more to work on.  I would keep the session up and take the supplements.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
my first acupuncture experience was relaxing.  at first i didn't really feel a change, but i started to feel a bit more relaxed.  they did the normal stuff such as checking palms and tongue.  sticking in the needles.  lighting up these glass bulbs and applying on my back to release toxins and muscle tension.  then a body massage and acupuncture point massage.  and i was given an herbal powder tea to take.  after my 2nd session, i noticed i was improving more and more.  so my overall experience have been well.

i'm still currently on my prescribed medication while doing this because i haven't seen my primary doctor in a while so i can stop the medication.  but i do notice that after acupuncture, i've been much better than just taking prescribed medication alone.
Helpful - 0
446896 tn?1237802742
Thanks to everyone who has responded :)  I am actually feeling a little better this morning, although I did just have one of those classic morning fast heart rate episodes that's got me all worked up :(  I seem to be having more of those since finding out my hubby is deploying to Afghanistan much sooner than we thought.  It's been 4 years since his last deployment to Iraq.  Guess I'm outta practice. Oh well...

I am going to try more acupuncture next week, and if I get a similar reaction, then I will know what's going on.  I also want to try some other things like hypnosis and reiki.  I just really have to get a handle on this before my hubby leaves.  Having him over there will be worrisome enough, without having regular anxiety!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh so very sorry to hear that you did not a good acup session!! I am into my 3rd month of an intensive acupuncture and herbal programme (not taking any pharma stuff so as to not counteract!!) to sort thyroid issues and to date, compared to how I felt a year ago....I can report it has been a HUGE success!!  I believe it comes down to practioners, as I have had to change before; they vary enormously!! There is acu-massage---a more gentle approach that might suit you better or indeed chi gong----a movement therapy totally in your control to help strengthen chi. Some people are better suited without others involved.

I had never heard this stuff about 'getting worse to get better', but will ask my Pin Lady Guru who has practiced a long time here in London, and teaches at the university.

Your symptoms could have genuine unwellness basis, not at all associated with acupuncture; do check things like your blood profiles (thyroid, vitamin deficiency etc) firstly to feel 'safe' before any further treatment, because think most would agree, complimentary are best used as that..'complimenting' hard medical issues. Come over to the Complimentary Board too; laura1967 is the leader who is very helpful.  : )
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Be very leary of all herbal remedies.
None have been studied in large blind tests like prescription drugs, nor do they have to pass any purity or standardization tests when packaged in pills, so you don't know how much of the active ingredient is present in the pill. Some are outright dangerous when combined with meds.
If LeftCoastChick's inbox was working (for some reason it has been out of order for a few days) I would get her to write a longer description of why to avoid them.

How long did you try meds? People have different effects from the same drug, so you might have to try a lot in order to find the right one. I suffered for 6 months but was able to get over it on my second med "experiment", so they do work for many people.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
you can try a detox bath and then you'll know if its the same sensation. Pick a day that you already kinda feel crappy, and put some epsom salts, baking soda, and ginger in a bath, and soak as long as you can 30 min. perferably. and drink a ton of water when ur in the bath, then when you get out, warp urself in a towel or robe and take a nap. (if you can relax!), it will release all the toxins in your body. they say sometimes that it makes you feel ill afterwards because all the toxins are being realeased, but i would give it a try and see if you get the same results because you might have a little more faith in the acupuncture if you know u'll feel crappy after lol. Best of luck!!!
Helpful - 0
144586 tn?1284666164
You should try medical massage. There are many different types. Find a professional medical massage parlor, preferably with saunas. Many of these are Korean.  The "foot massage" is very helpful. Massage will absolutely help.

It is very difficult to find a good acupuncturist. The entire field has not been properly studied. If you look at a persons hands there is a different pattern of veins. Similarly, there are different points of accupuncture and the ones in a genetically homogeneous population, such as in China, are not necessarily the same as those of a U.S. citizen of mixed ancestry.
Helpful - 0
446896 tn?1237802742
Thanks for your response :)  My acupuncturist did offer me some Chinese herbs, but I was leary of taking them because I have read of dangers associated with those sorts of preparations (chalk that up to my good ole anxiety).  Tell me...how did you feel after your first session?  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i'm sorry that your acupuncture session made you feel worse.  perhaps your acupuncturist wasn't a really experienced one?  always look at how many years of expereince they have had, what school, any awards, etc.  did your acupuncturist also provide daily herbal tea or herbal pills to take after your acupuncture session?  because those are supposed to help you out cope with your anxiety. another reason why perhaps you might have these problems is maybe your acupuncturist kept the needles in too long.

try a few more sessions, and perhaps it should work because it is true that sometimes some people feel worse or better because your body is still getting trying to rebalance.  if you don't like your results after the 2nd or 3rd session, try finding a better and different acupuncturist.  i usually look up on yelp, or on their website for testimonies.  hope this helps for you.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community

Top Anxiety Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?