Is it bad to have acupuncture on a full stomach? An empty stomach?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we learn not to perform acupuncture on anyone in any kind of an “extreme” state…

So if you’ve just eaten and are over-full, your treatment should be delayed until you’ve had time to digest.

Conversely, if you’re really hungry you should have a balanced snack about 30 min. before treatment. (This is particularly important because acupuncture can cause a rapid drop in blood glucose, so if you’re hungry before treatment you’re likely to be hypoglycemic afterward – dizzy, lightheaded, shaky, etc.)

It applies to more than dietary things… You shouldn’t have acupuncture right after (or right before) a workout. Even a brisk jog for a few blocks (as may happen if you’re running late for an appointment and parked a few blocks away) can be enough for your TCM doc to have you wait and rest a bit before treatment.

“Sexual exhaustion” is another factor that will dramatically affect TCM treatment. Your doc may/should mention that it’s best not to engage in intercourse on the day(s) you’re receiving treatment.