Reset Your Clock: How Acupuncture Can Help With Jet Lag
By the Acuworx Team
Travel is often part of our routine—whether for business, family, or a much-needed getaway. But as exciting as travel can be, crossing time zones often brings the unwelcome companion of jet lag.
You may already be familiar with the common advice: Stay hydrated, get sunlight, avoid caffeine late in the day. But what most people don’t realize is that acupuncture and acupressure offer powerful support for managing the effects of jet lag - naturally and effectively.
What Happens To the Body During Jet Lag
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body operates on an internal 24-hour energetic cycle called the Body Clock or Organ Clock. This clock determines peak activity of different organs and meridians, or energy flow. Jet lag occurs when your internal timing system is out of sync with a new time zone.
One of the key organs is the Liver channel. In TCM, the Liver system governs the smooth flow of energy (Qi) and blood throughout the body. It’s also deeply connected to your circadian rhythm—the internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles and hormonal rhythms. When you travel across time zones, the Liver's natural flow can become disrupted, leading to symptoms like:
Insomnia
Muscle tension
Digestive upset
Headaches
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
How Acupuncture Helps
Acupuncture works to restore balance and promote the smooth flow of Qi. Getting treatment before and after What is the benefit of getting it before the flight and after the flight, specifically for the Liver? What happens to the body clock before and after acupuncture? your flight can help your body adapt more quickly, easing symptoms and reducing the recovery time from jet lag. Many of our patients report better sleep, less stiffness, and a general sense of clarity when they receive acupuncture during long-distance travel.
✈️ Traveling soon? Book a pre-travel acupuncture session here.
Try Acupressure On-the-Go
You can even support your system in the air. One of the most effective acupressure points for jet lag is Liver 3 (Tai Chong)—located on the top of the foot, in the webbing between the big toe and second toe. Applying gentle circular pressure to this point for a few minutes on each foot can help encourage the Liver’s natural flow and reduce stress while flying.
Plan Ahead for Smooth Landings
Jet lag doesn't have to be the cost of travel. With acupuncture and simple at-home tools like acupressure, you can arrive refreshed and ready—whether you're heading to a meeting or a hammock.
Ready to travel well? Explore our treatments for stress, sleep, and jet lag.