Is being dizzy after an acupuncture appointment normal?

Not everyone feels dizzy after an appointment, but is feeling dizzy when getting up from your acupuncture appointment a cause for concern? Probably not, but let’s talk about it.

Postural hypotension, or orthostatic hypotension is the usual cause of dizziness following an acupuncture appointment. It is a form of low blood pressure that happens when we are sitting, or lying down for long periods of time and then quickly get up.

Postural hypotension occurs because while we are in a seated or lying position, blood is able to flow without resistance that naturally happens when we are standing. When we stand up quickly, our blood pressure drops and our heart has to beat faster in order to move our blood towards the upper portion of our body. This quick change can cause dizziness, lightheadedness and possibly fainting.

While postural hypotension can be caused by dehydration, being hungry, being anxious or stressed, consuming alcohol, and being too hot, it can also be an underlying symptom of more serious issues such as heart problems, anemia, blood pressure disorders and more.

You can also feel lightheaded and dizzy following an appointment if you tend to hold your breath when you are being worked on. It is more than okay to be honest if the pressure being placed on a muscle is too much, I would much rather use less pressure than have you pass out when getting off the table.

With that in mind, it is always important to make sure you have eaten, drank water and have avoided alcohol before coming to your acupuncture appointment and it is also important to take your time getting off the acupuncture table, drink water, and eat following your appointment.

Please see your medical doctor if you experience dizziness when getting up on a regular basis.