The number of treatments you will need depends on the nature, severity, and duration of your condition. The longer you have had the condition, the more treatments you may require. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect and generally requires a minimum of 4 to 6 treatments to initiate and begin to stabilize a change in symptoms. Complex chronic conditions may take longer to treat and may require booster treatments every few weeks or months to maintain optimum function and prevent any worsening symptoms. Treatment frequency usually involves one or two visits a week initially, with a gradual reduction in frequency as symptoms improve. There are typically three phases of treatment.
1. The first phase of treatment is relief care and typically involves frequent treatment once or twice a week to promote quick recovery from pain, discomfort, or other symptoms. Each visit builds on the previous treatment, and when you reach a point where your initial complaints have improved and stabilized, we move to the corrective phase.
2. The corrective care phase involves less frequent treatments aimed at sustaining the positive changes you have achieved. This is also a time when other underlying problems can be addressed and we can continue to strengthen, build and support your body to prevent a relapse of the same problems in the future.
3. The last phase is maintenance care, which helps to maintain the progress you have made. Visits may be monthly, bi-monthly, or on an as-needed basis, and are aimed at helping you maintain your strength and health and address any little problems before they become major concerns.
Does Acupuncture hurt? What does it feel like?
The simple answer is "no" it does not hurt. Most first time patients are surprised and pleased to find that acupuncture treatment is a relaxing and pleasant experience. Some people may experience a very slight pinch when the needle passes through the skin, although most often there is no uncomfortable sensation due to the extreme fineness of the needles. Acupuncture is meant to elicit a dull, achy, warm or heavy sensation at the site of needle insertion. Sometimes other sensations, such as numbness or twitching, can be felt along the acupuncture channel being stimulated. Acupuncture needles are designed not to damage the tissue or create pain and discomfort like bigger hypodermic needles used by Medical Doctors.
How much education and training do acupuncturist receive?
Acupuncturists receive four years of extensive graduate training at nationally certified and accredited colleges. They must pass national board exams for Acupuncture and Herbal medicine as well as state licensing exams. Acupuncturists are also required to complete continuing education classes every year in order to maintain licensure.
Please contact us with any other questions and for inquiries about pricing for Acupuncture and Massage.
