Showering immediately after an acupuncture session is generally not recommended for several reasons. First, acupuncture often involves the use of essential oils or balms that are applied to the skin to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness. Showering could wash these away, reducing the ongoing benefits of the session. Second, acupuncture aims to balance the body’s Qi (energy flow), and a shower, especially a hot one, could disrupt this newly achieved balance. Lastly, acupuncture often opens up the pores and stimulates blood flow; showering could potentially change these physiological effects too quickly, diminishing the treatment’s benefits. Therefore, it’s advisable to wait a few hours before showering to maximize the benefits of your acupuncture session.