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    Good Eats: Your Pre-Acupuncture Repast

    By | Healthy Living – Tue, Feb 7, 2012 11:42 AM EST

    By: StacyAtZeel

    Right before the New Year, we introduced you to the increasingly popular treatment known as acupuncture. At the guidance of acupuncture pro Bruce Mandelbaum, we touched upon eight tidbits for first-timers, one of which was "eat lightly."

    Still, many of you continued to wonder what this meant. Does that mean 10 minutes before? An hour before? Three hours before? A cracker? A cracker and cheese? A cracker and cheese with a sandwich? You asked, "Is it OK to eat before an acupuncture session?" Experts in the Zeel Network unanimously respond.
    Qi will flow better if you're properly nourished first
    Bruce Mandelbaum, New York, N.Y.

    "It is perfectly fine to eat before acupuncture, as long as it is at least an hour before the appointment and it's a very light meal," says Bruce. Furthermore, it's even more critical for a patient to consume some sort of sustenance if the session falls near lunch or dinner, allowing them to be "present" and receptive to the treatment by avoiding low blood sugar levels.

    Michael Julien, Solana Beach, Calif.

    Michael explains: "Yes, it's advisable to eat before an acupuncture appointment." He also suggests noshing on some sort of protein with your meal prior to acupuncture. As long as you're consuming good quality, wholesome ingredients, it's definitely OK to eat before-and after-your treatment. Alcohol and caffeine, on the other hand, should be avoided.

    Daniel Cook, Woodinville, Wash.

    According to Daniel, eating is usually encouraged before an acupuncture session. "An acupuncture treatment may cause a short-term drop in blood sugar," he explains. "Many patients report a feeling of dizziness as a result." To prevent that woozy feeling, be sure you have eaten within one or two hours prior to your appointment.

    Aram Akopyan, Glendale, Calif.

    Not only is it OK to eat before an acupuncture session, begins Aram, it's actually recommended. "Just don't overeat," he suggests. Aram encourages his patients to eat a small amount of food, preferably something nutritious like fruit, "since we work with your body's qi."