How Long Does it Take to See Results from Acupuncture Treatment?

Acupuncture is a popular form of alternative medicine that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. But how long does it take to see results from an acupuncture treatment? The answer depends on the individual and the condition being treated. Generally, it takes at least three months before improvement can be noticed. Younger people may respond more quickly, but this varies from person to person.

The immediate pain relief that acupuncture provides is often a three steps forward, two steps back process. To maintain the effects of acupuncture for a longer period of time, consistency is key. For acute pain or injuries, daily acupuncture treatments are recommended for at least three days. For chronic pain, alternating sessions of two to three weeks will provide lasting relief.

The effects of acupuncture typically last for three to four days. It's important to note that you may not experience the full benefits of acupuncture in the first or second treatment. To get the most out of your acupuncture sessions, it's recommended to receive at least five treatments. Your acupuncturist will also provide useful instructions before and after each session to ensure the best results. Acupuncture has a calming effect, so it's advised that you be taken home after your appointments, especially the first one. At the initial visit, your acupuncturist will create a treatment plan that can range from weekly sessions for six weeks to daily treatments for four days.

Acupuncture needles are inserted into various points throughout the body in order to rebalance the qi energy. Once the needle has located and stimulated the trigger point, patients should take two to three breaths to help relieve muscle spasm and pain. For acute cases or during IVF stimulation, it's recommended to receive acupuncture twice a week. Auricular acupuncture, or ear acupuncture, is another type of acupuncture that involves stimulating specific areas of the ear. It's important to check with your acupuncturist and insurance company about coverage and the number of treatments your plan will cover. In China, a typical protocol for any chronic illness is acupuncture every other day for three months.

When you start to feel numbness or heaviness during an acupuncture session, this usually means that it's working. Acupuncture originated in East Asia while dry needling is a modern Western invention that uses different theories than traditional acupuncture.