Before investing in a series of Acupuncture treatments, it is natural to be curious, 'How many Acupuncture treatments will I need?' As an Acupuncturist, I would love to be able to give you a definitive, clear answer. Let me tell you why that is not always possible, and what factors can influence the number of treatments necessary.
In this BLOG, we will discuss the key factors that determine how many acupuncture sessions you may need and help set realistic expectations for your healing journey.
How long have you been dealing with your symptoms?
Does your lifestyle support or hinder your healing?
How is your overall health?
What is your goal and what do you hope to achieve through treatment?
Are you willing to commit to a treatment plan?
How long have you been dealing with your symptoms?
When the body is experiencing a symptom, there is a pattern set in the body creating the symptom. Acupuncture helps shift patterns and reminds the body how to function well.
Patients are encouraged to come in weekly for treatments. These regular treatments help change the pattern and bring lasting relief.
For those dealing with long-term chronic issues, such as endometriosis, arthritis, digestive disorders, or chronic pain, on-going treatment may be most effective in managing symptoms.
Symptoms can be categorized into ACUTE or CHRONIC, based on how long they've been going on. Typically an acute symptom can come on suddenly and is present for less than 6 months. While a chronic symptom will linger and last more than 6 months, often for years.
Why is this important??
ACUTE symptoms -
Usually, acute symptoms tend to respond more quickly to treatments. For these situations, fewer treatments will most likely be necessary to resolve symptoms. A sprained ankle, for instance, will probably heal more quickly, and the patient can expect to come in for treatments twice a week for three weeks. This can vary depending on severity of sprain and the general health of the individual.
CHRONIC symptoms -
On the other hand, chronic symptoms that have been going on longer than 6 months, tend to respond more slowly and require more treatments to restore balance and bring relief. Oftentimes, weekly treatments for at least twelve visits are necessary to shift the pattern set in the body. Once the pattern has shifted and the patient experiences sustained symptom relief, I recommend gradually spacing out treatments. We collaborate to find a maintenance schedule that works for the patient and manages the chronic symptoms.
The longer you've been dealing with an issue, the farther your body has strayed from a harmonious state of homeostasis. The longer you've had the issue, the more treatments necessary, typically.
Does your lifestyle support or hinder your healing?
Our bodies are wise. They know how to heal and function efficiently. We need to provide resources to our bodies to allow them to do their job. Your car can't run on empty. Your body can't either.
A few questions to ask yourself...
Am I eating nourishing foods throughout my day?
The foods and drinks we consume provide us with the nutrients our bodies use to rebuild,
repair, and heal. Our body extracts nutrients and uses them as building blocks for our cells and tissues. It is important to make sure we are getting enough protein, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to support a healthy functioning body.
Am I getting enough sleep and do I feel rested when I wake?
The body has a self-detoxification system that runs while we are sleeping. It flushes out the toxins in the body and the brain. When we are sleeping poorly for extended periods of time, the body is not able to clear out the waste build up. This can result in inflammation, feeling more foggy, and can slow down the body’s ability to heal. Good quality sleep is essential for healing and repairing the body.
Am I drinking enough water throughout my day?
Hydration is essential, especially during healing, as it supports the body's natural recovery
processes. With approximately 50%-60% of the body composed of water, proper hydration ensures optimal cellular function, supports nutrient transport for tissue repair, and efficiently flushes out toxins to reduce inflammation.
Am I getting regular exercise?
Regular exercise improves circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients essential for healing, while enhancing lymphatic drainage and reducing inflammation. It also helps maintain mobility and supports overall recovery. A 20-30 minute daily walk in nature can promote healing and improve mental health.
Am I taking breaks to replenish?
East Asian Medicine is all about balance. Setting aside time to rest and refresh is equally as important as doing and being active. It’s not being lazy. It is necessary.
When I take a break from work, I enjoy sitting on my back porch with my dog and reading a good book.
What fills you up and helps you feel resourced?
How is your overall health?
A person’s overall health—including immune function, circulation, and healing ability—plays a crucial role in their response to acupuncture and the number of treatments required. Those in excellent health may experience quicker relief, while individuals with chronic conditions or weakened systems may need more sessions to achieve a desired outcome. Factors such as sleep quality, stress levels, and diet also influence progress. With patients who manage stress effectively and prioritize self-care, we often see faster results. I consider these factors when creating individualized treatment plans to support each patient’s unique healing journey.
What is your goal and what do you hope to achieve through treatment?
Some patients are looking for relief from a symptom that is interfering with their quality of life. Others are looking for preventative care and want to support overall wellness.
For symptom relief, you can expect to come in for weekly treatments until symptoms start to subside. Then, typically, we begin scheduling sessions a bit farther apart. When symptom relief holds steady, we can move to a maintenance schedule. For maintenance and to support wellness ongoing, I recommend patients come in once a month for a tune up.
For preventative care and to support overall wellness, I recommend patients come in once or twice a month, depending on their current state of health. This allows us to rebalance the body and provide ongoing support to help the body function optimally.
Are you willing to commit to a treatment plan?
Based on the factors we discussed in this blog, I develop individualized treatment plans for each patient. I typically recommend weekly sessions until we achieve two weeks of sustained symptom relief. At that point, we discuss spacing out treatments every other week. If symptom relief lasts, we can move to a maintenance plan of monthly sessions or as needed if symptoms reappear. The total number of treatments vary for each patient, based on their unique needs and progress.
When patients are not able to commit to a treatment plan of weekly sessions to get the ball rolling in the beginning, it can take longer to reach a desired outcome.
Healing is a journey. Acupuncture is designed to support your body in finding balance and harmony.
If you’re ready to start your acupuncture journey or have more questions, I’d love to connect and learn more.
Schedule your free consultation or your Initial Assessment & Acupuncture Treatment!
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