What to Expect When Visiting an Acupuncturist

Many people are wondering just how many treatments they need in order for acupuncture to take effect. Some are really worried about the treatment’s use of several needles. Does acupuncture hurt and is it truly effective? Knowing more about the methods and application may help you know what to expect in order to feel more at ease about the treatment.

Frequency of Treatment

On your initial visit, your acupuncturist will assess you regarding your current condition through the use of traditional or modern methods. The traditional methods rely on one-of-a-kind traditional Chinese medicine procedures such as tongue and pulse diagnosis. Your acupuncturist may also need to review your past medical history in order to confirm diagnosis. Modern methods will depend on clinical diagnostic and laboratory results as well as medical background and physical assessment.

The duration, frequency and number of acupuncture treatments vary among patients. This is based on the patient’s response to the treatment, the person’s age, tolerance to treatment, the condition or conditions to be treated, and the symptoms presented. There are patients who may see results after a session or two while some have to let their body adapt to the stimulation gradually making the treatment last for months. Easier and faster to treat, acute conditions will require minimal frequency and time. Mild sprains, for example, can be addressed within just two sessions; chronic fatigue, on the other hand, may take 12 or more sessions.

After evaluation or diagnosis, you can be treated ASAP although most patients are advised to come back the next day or a few days more in order to prepare them for treatment. Usually though, acupuncture treatments are conducted for a total of 12 sessions, one to three sessions each week. One session may last from 20 minutes to an hour. Modern approaches can be as short as five to ten minutes and use a scientific approach to the treatment. Acupuncture treatments will be less and less needed as patients improve.

How Quick Can Results Be Seen?

A majority of patients say that significant results can be seen between the 1st and 4th treatment. Infertile women and women with menstrual issues may be required to wait until after three cycles of menstruation. As patients begin responding to treatment, farther and farther apart will their appointments be scheduled.

In certain cases, acupuncture may not be a treatment that works more so if after three to five sessions patients still do not experience any positive results. Other forms of alternative treatment may then be provided instead. Chronic issues may require time to heal while acute problems are usually resolved immediately.

Christina Prieto, AP
1617 Hillcrest St
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: 407-234-6454
www.harmonywellnesscenter.com