How Much Acupuncture Do I Need?

April 23, 2014 by Jennifer Alberti

So how many acupuncture treatments do you need to start getting results? The answer: it varies from person to person. Our friends over at Oakland Acupuncture Project in California wrote a wonderful blog post on this topic and we wanted to share their response to this question with you.

As an example, I (Jen) get an acupuncture treatment usually once per week (more if I’m dealing with an injury or something specific) and I also make sure I get in a chiropractic treatment once per month (and maybe a massage or some cranial osteopathy here and there). This strategy works for me and my body but everyone has different needs. We hope that you find this blog post helpful and please feel free to ask me or Jess if you have questions about treatment frequency.

From Oakland Acupuncture Project blog, 1/13/13:

Sometimes, acupuncture creates immediate, dramatic, and permanent results. Usually, though, it takes a series of treatments to get the relief you’re seeking. More frequent visits at the beginning of your course of treatment will help you to feel better faster. Treatments can be spaced further apart as you improve.

Most common response…
In the beginning many people notice small changes or no change at all. The change may last for just a day or two and then go back. This is all normal and the relief will improve and last longer as you progress through the treatment plan.

Quick changes…
Sometimes people have dramatic and lasting improvement with very few treatments. In this case the treatment plan is adjusted down. A quick change has more to do with what’s happening with the patient. But typically, most things require a course of treatments.

Any change is a good change…
In about 5-10% of cases the issue being treated acts up for 24 hours following the session, followed by great relief. This is a good sign. A general guideline is “Any change is a good change.” Please keep us informed about what you experience after treatment.

Slow changes…
Sometimes, results take longer than predicted. It is still possible that you will benefit from acupuncture. If your main complaint is not noticeably changing, look at other aspects of your life for signs of subtle improvement. You may feel more like yourself, sleep better, have more energy, or notice improvement with a different symptom. These are all positive signs that treatment is helping. We can increase the treatment plan to help speed things along.

More on changes…
Some symptoms change quickly and others take longer. This is normal. Progress does not happen at the same rate for everything. One symptom may even change quickly at first and then move at a much slower rate for further improvements.

Observe your body…
Pay attention to your body. Take note of any changes that you notice. If possible, when you first start treatment, avoid activities that make your symptoms worse. The best chance you have for acupuncture to work is to stick with the treatment plan.

Feeling better…
After you are feeling better, it is best to gradually space out treatments. Most people find regular maintenance treatments very helpful. It helps keep symptoms from returning or keeps the symptoms manageable. It also creates a feeling of wellness. The most profound shifts with acupuncture come with regular treatments over a long period of time. Depending on your unique situation, this can be as little as once a month.