How Many Acupuncture Treatments Will I Need?
Transparency, trust, and clear communication are three (of many) things I prioritize establishing in the relationships I build with my patients. In this blog, I share everything you need to know about the logistical side to starting care and what goes into creating a treatment plan for the most successful outcomes.
By Dr. Lauren Dyer
| DAC, LAC, DIPL. AC - NCCAOM |
Transparency, trust, and clear communication are three (of many) things I prioritize establishing in the relationships I build with my patients.
Making sure they know what to expect before agreeing to a treatment plan is something I take seriously because I want each person I care for to not only feel confident about working together—but be clear about what that entails since Acupuncture works as a progressive process rather than a 1 or 2 visit fix.
In fact, understanding the number/frequency of visits realistically needed for the most successful outcomes is so important that I make it a point to disclose these aspects of care on our website’s FAQ page, in my Informed Consent paperwork, as well as in-person during your Initial Consult.
So if you are a new patient scheduled to meet with me soon, or are thinking about trying Acupuncture eventually, now you can gain even more insight into these logistics here too. I hope you find this explanation useful to consider if Acupuncture would be right for you.
So! Here’s the first thing to keep in mind…
HOW ACUPUNCTURE WORKS: IT’S NO SECRET
In order to answer “How many treatments will I need?” it’s essential to understand the intention of Acupuncture which is: to treat the underlying root causes to symptoms by restoring balance to the body’s organs and nervous system.
It does this by activating their healing responses, regulating the sympathetic stress response, plus mobilizing circulation.
Treating the root cause not only helps to keep your symptoms away, but preventatively strengthens your body so they are less likely to come back altogether or full-force in the future. This is how Acupuncture creates an elevated foundation for your health so you can experience lasting shifts to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
That is why, if there is one thing to keep in mind when considering whether you should “try” it or not, it’s this:
Acupuncture works cumulatively.
Cumulatively, as in, your treatments and their effects need to build on one another to become long-lasting shifts to your health.
Just like learning a new skill or working towards any goal, consistency is key.
Since Acupuncture, at it’s core, is changing the way your nervous system communicates with your body (by shifting it from a reactive - stressed - inflamed fight-or-flight state to one that is more inclined to calmly respond - rest - digest - and regulate itself ) treatments that are scheduled at a regular interval and more closely together at the beginning gives the nervous system the reliable messaging it needs to remind your body how to heal itself on its own.
The longer you have had __________(insert diagnosis/symptoms here) the more treatments it will take for this shift to happen.
This aspect of Acupuncture is no secret, it’s universal.
In my professional opinion, any seasoned clinician should explain this on your first visit, so whether you get Acupuncture with me or someone else, the same expectation applies.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
When creating a treatment plan, my intention is to help you get effective, lasting relief in the most efficient time frame possible.
To achieve this, it’s not just the number of treatments that matters, but the frequency that you come in to receive them.
Put it this way, would you rather get Acupuncture 2x/week for a month and be able to live your life with a major reduction (and potential resolution) in symptoms?
Or would you rather come in once a week for several months and prolong the relief you want?
I say this because the beginning of your care is the most important phase for accumulating progress.
The longer the time span between your initial visits, the less likely it is that your body will respond well to care, ie. adapt to the messaging Acupuncture is trying to provide it with. I know this from experience…
When I was just starting out in practice, I admit I was too nervous to tell patients what to expect. I wouldn’t ask them to come in to more frequent sessions because I figured they would find it too much of an inconvenience. My early-day efforts to “save” them time and resources by coming in just once a week ended up costing them in more in dissatisfaction because they did not get the results they were hoping for. Let’s just say I learned that lesson quickly! I learned to step into my role as a clinician which meant letting patients know what to expect so that I could confidently guide them through each phase of their healing process—like I do today.
Moral of that story: “Trying” Acupuncture by dabbling in occasional or erratically scheduled visits does not set you up for drastic results.
This is why I rarely ever work with people on a once-a-week basis any more. It’s the slow and drawn-out route where you can feel good for 1-3 days after your first session, but then by the time I see you the following week (5-7 days later) you & your symptoms are right back to square one.
There’s no momentum, just a see-saw of momentary relief reverting back to baseline imbalances.
That scenario ends up being a waste of your time and resources. You don’t want that & neither do I.
Instead, here is the treatment frequency that most Acupuncturists require (including me) to build sustainable progress:
2x/week for 2-3 weeks for chronic but straightforward conditions
2x/week for 3-4 weeks for chronic/complicated conditions
2x/week for 1-2 weeks for an acute issues
The first week is a jump-start. I imagine your internal dialogue being like, “Hmm, is this really worth getting into…let’s see.”
By the second week, most people (with a chronic condition, let’s say) are pleasantly surprised. This is when you’ll be thinking: “Is it just me, or is my ______ not as bad? I guess I’ll keep going.”
The third week, most patients can experience a significant improvement in their symptoms.
These sessions are to make sure your body can hold onto the progress we’ve accumulated before spacing things out.
That is why I encourage you to choose your adventure wisely.
Do you want the condensed/efficient route or the prolonged and potentially frustrating one?
My hope is you pick the former—the one that will set you up for success.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
If you are looking to “try” Acupuncture, as you read, it takes more than 1-2 treatments to start noticing lasting results.
You can notice short-term benefits even after the first or second session (reduced tension - improved sleep - smoother digestion - lighter mood being the most common) but again, in order for those changes to become more significant and long-term, the above frequency is needed.
As for how many treatments you’ll need, in *general* here is what you can anticipate:
For more acute conditions:
it takes about of 4-6 sessions to accumulate lasting progress before receiving treatments on a maintenance basis.
For more chronic and complicated conditions:
at least 8-10 treatments is when most patients start noticing long-term changes before transitioning to a maintenance basis.
For women’s health conditions related to regulating/improving your period:
it takes about 3 months (cycles) of care to effect lasting shifts, however some women still notice significant changes after 1 month.
MAINTENANCE: PASSING THE TORCH
Once the initial accumulation of treatments is done and you are at a place (what I call the “tipping point”) when your symptoms are much better than when you began (and they’re staying) we will start to taper/space treatments out. This marks the start of your maintenance phase.
Maintenance can look like 1x/week for 2-3 weeks then 1x/month, 1x/season, but it’s different for each person.
It’s when the torch is officially passed, putting more of the emphasis on you to “run with” (as I call it) the suggestions I offer to compliment your in-office treatments so your progress stays. By this point in their care, the majority of my patients are able to manage and prevent their symptoms.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As you read, Acupuncture is undeniably a commitment that requires trust in the process—and I don’t take either of those things lightly.
Here at Empower, I emphasize offering at-home care to compliment and expedite your healing process beyond our time together. Acupuncture is a potent blend of physical and energetic medicine but that doesn’t mean it should become a long-term crutch for what’s bothering you. In my opinion, I wouldn’t be doing my job very well if that was the case. My goal is to give you the most effective care in the most efficient time frame.
So if you are eager for personalized, holistic guidance to create a foundation for well-being that goes beyond band-aid symptom support, then I welcome the opportunity to work together.
For an insider view of what it’s like to collaborate, check out these patient testimonials below…
WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING
“Seeking acupuncture from Lauren is the best thing I have done for my physical and mental health in over a decade. I was someone who had tried everything - from so many appointments with medical practitioners all the way down to online diets/supplements I had read that would help me. I felt almost at the end of the road. If you’ve ever thought ‘My body is too stubborn/I’m skeptical if it will work for me’ I was that person and I’ve never been so glad to be proven wrong. Lauren quickly diagnosed my issues and set forth a plan of treatments, as well as nutrition guidance and many other resources that helped me so much, that were specifically tailored for what I was struggling with. Within only one treatment my sleep went from being very poor and broken up, to a full 8+ hours. Over the following treatments I felt my body come back to life, and I will forever be SO GLAD that I chose to seek help at Empower...Not only is the treatment itself the most calming and restorative hour you will experience, but the time spent talking to Lauren will leave you feeling full of knowledge to benefit your entire wellbeing. Her studio is an oasis of good energy and I cannot wait to go back for future treatments, just as a treat for myself.”
“I have had depression for many years and I also have had very low energy levels for the last year or so, despite trying different things. I was intrigued by her articles, so I made an acupuncture appointment with her. She has such a gentle presence about her. She wanted to help me find a solution for depression and low energy. During my first visit, Lauren did some research while I was getting my treatment. I was so grateful that she took the time to look deeper into a solution other than just the acupuncture. I followed her recommendations and after just the first visit I was already seeing a change. After ~7 treatments, my digestion was regulated, I was feeling great and had more energy than before. I am looking forward to seeing Dr. Lauren when my life gets a little more hectic to help with managing the stress.”
“I saw Dr Lauren Dyer for 11 total visits. She was thorough, informative, caring, personable, and dedicated to her work. I felt safe in her care. She was always warm and friendly and a good listener. She successfully helped me to move some energy in my body to bring me to a greater level of well-being. I highly recommend her for any need of acupuncture service.”
“Recently I have had sessions of acupuncture with Lauren, and it was beyond helpful. I originally went to see her for help with my anxiety and the initial consult took us further into a number of issues I had been having. After just two sessions so much had improved. It was like a fog had been lifted. And one of the biggest difference was she has started to treat my allergies and despite being in peak Pollen season; I DIDNT NEED TO TAKE ANY ALLERGY MEDICINE! Usually I would take take about 4 a day during this time. I went in for one thing and Lauren guided me through a treatment cycle that helped improve my daily life noticeably on many levels. ”
“I was recommended by a friend of mine to try acupuncture as I had been struggling with various complex stomach issues. I was not expecting such drastic and lasting results as I had been struggling with these issues for years. Lauren took the time to talk through my medical history not just from a scientific and medical approach, but how stress and emotional instability could be contributing to my overall issues. Her feedback, insight, and overall tone made me feel like she was assessing my issues from a comprehensive and connected approach rather than treating individual symptoms. The sessions to follow were not only physically helping my body, they were mentally therapeutic. I found myself so relaxed that I often fell asleep during the session. The results were (and are) lasting. I did 5-sessions and it was worth every penny. I will continue to go back every month or so for maintenance, but I know I have found my lifetime acupuncturist!”
“I cannot say enough about my 10 sessions with Dr. Lauren Dyer. Aside from genuinely looking forward to seeing her each week for her warm and compassionate energy, this woman knows her stuff! She listens intently for signs of imbalance so she can provide information and suggestions for an individual care plan. I came to Dr. Dyer on my path to healing after years of chronic stress, unprocessed trauma, and feelings of being disconnected/out of sync with my body’s processes. I was welcomed with so much care, felt safe and comfortable enough to share my past experiences that were manifesting as high anxiety, pelvic pain, and restlessness, and began seeing relief in sessions almost immediately. I fell asleep for the majority of my sessions and began to feel replenished and at peace. After 10 sessions Dr. Dyer helped to switch off my fight or flight survival mode from past trauma, identify where I was leaking energy, and suggested additional tools/resources outside of sessions that have now become habits for ongoing wellness. I did not know this feeling of peace was possible and am so grateful for Dr Dyer’s expertise and guidance to help me get back into my body. I cannot imagine seeing anyone else!”
Mood Swings and Blood Sugar Chaos: A Commonly Overlooked Connection
Did you know that behind a “bad case” of anxiety or depression, a blood sugar rollercoaster might be to blame? It’s true, yet this underlying cause is overlooked too often. Learn why it’s problematic, how it masquerades as psychiatric symptoms, plus how to take small steps to re-balance your blood sugar and reclaim your mental health.
It masquerades as a mood disorder but comes from your gut. Behind a “bad case” of anxiety or depression, a blood sugar rollercoaster might be to blame.
If you know that foggy “food coma” slump after a meal, you are probably familiar with the agitation and “hanger” that follows. If you haven’t felt these, chances are you have been on the receiving end of a family member or co-worker who really just needed to eat something. Am I right?
These are just some of the cues our body gives us when our blood sugar is too low.
BLOOD SUGAR CHAOS: WHAT IS IT?
Reactive hypoglycemia describes when your blood sugar crashes. It is more common in those who push through long hours without food, eat at irregular hours (like night shift work), are on a restrictive diet (all of them), have disordered eating cycles of starvation/binging, or whose diet is high in refined, processed carbs. Sound familiar? Given the nature of our food industry, this process affects Americans in epic proportions.
WHAT’S The BIG DEAL?
Although appetite signals wax and wane during the day, reactive hypoglycemia is not your average hunger pang. It is a more intense and often overlooked sign of chronically imbalanced blood sugar. When paired with prolonged insulin resistance (which develops as a result), it can lead to Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, and even increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease down the road since high-sugar diets have been found to damage the hippocampus, a small region of the brain which needs to makes new neurons for memory and learning.
However, it’s also the ongoing fluctuations leading-up to these conditions you want to pay attention to, especially if you consider yourself to be someone who struggles with their mental health. Here is why you want to be weary of making reactive hypoglycemia a habit:
Blood sugar chaos creates psychiatric-like symptoms including: mood swings, irritability, “hanger,” anxiety, depression, bipolar, and those associated with ADHD. It also masks itself as pain and cognitive symptoms like: headaches, chronic fatigue, brain fog, dizzy spells, and fainting.
“Blood sugar chaos creates psychiatric-like symptoms including:
mood swings, irritability, “hanger,” anxiety, depression, bipolar, and those associated with ADHD.”
This is why reactive hypoglycemia is more than just an annoying reminder to eat. Sugar crashes that become a pattern are problematic. They will puppeteer your mood, cravings, hormones, and behaviors in the background without you even realizing it. Understandably, you might become convinced that you have severe depression or anxiety when potentially, unchecked blood sugar might just be creating chaos for you.
“Sugar crashes that become a pattern are problematic.
They will puppeteer your mood, cravings, hormones, and behaviors in the background without you even realizing it.”
Because reactive hypoglycemia often goes under the radar as underlying cause and so many of its symptoms masquerade as mental health concerns, many people go on psychiatric medications without even considering how their diet or lifestyle contributed to their mood changes in the first place—or how changing them can make a world of difference chemical-free.
IF IMBALANCED BLOOD SUGAR IS AN ISSUE, you might have:
Major dips in energy during the day
Feel hungry all of the time
Need a steady stream of snacks to get through the day
Become shaky, lightheaded, or get headaches when you don’t eat
Problems falling asleep or waking in the middle of the night
Have health conditions linked to insulin resistance, like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
This is why when I work with patients coming in for the above symptoms (and more) I consider if imbalanced blood sugar needs to be ruled out.
But first, let’s look at how the body and brain responds to blood sugar crashes.
Here is a common scenario that sets the stage for reactive hypoglycemia:
Even in Chinese Medicine, the Spleen is the a key digestive organ who functions like the Pancreas. The Spleen is easily weakened by too many sweets, not eating enough, overeating, eating at irregular times—all factors in blood sugar chaos. It also rules the emotions of Thought and Worry, ie. anxiety. You see, the gut-brain connection is nothing new. It’s all connected.
No matter which medical lens you look through, moderating the highs and lows is key to regulating your body, brain, and mental health.
HOW TO STEP OFF THE ROLLER-COASTER
Here are some small tips I share with patients that can make a big impact:
Add more high-quality natural fats and proteins into each snack and meals, especially at breakfast.
Aim to add in more of these fat sources like avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, ghee, butter, nut butters, and coconut milk. If you are weary of fats, know that not all are created equal. Limit foods with inflammatory oils such as vegetable, canola, and safflower.
Eat more whole-food sources for carbs like rice, oats, grains, cruciferous and root vegetables, potatoes, etc.
If the bulk of your fuel during the day comes from processed foods made with refined (white) flours and sugar, try this: pick one meal to use a different whole-food fuel source from the list above. Find what works and if you feel called to, keep adding in more to other meals.
Tune into your hunger cues and aim to eat a little something every 2.5 to 3 hours.
What is your eating schedule like? Do you get hungry but push through long hours until you are starving? Do you have a low appetite to begin with so you don’t eat much? Do you struggle with disordered eating? Context is important which is why I ask a lot of questions when it comes to lifestyle, diet, and appetite to figure out how to best approach guiding patients on supporting their digestive + emotional health.
There you have it! If you made it to the end, thank you for reading. It is possible to start re-balancing your blood sugar while reclaiming your mood and sense of self. Just give yourself permission to start and ask for help if you need it.
Sources
This blog was inspired by Dr. Kelly Brogan, MD and information shared in her books:
…both of which I highly recommend!
Behind the Blog
SHARYN PEAVEY PHOTOGRAPHY
HI, I’M LAUREN DYER.
I am the Co-Founder and Doctor of Acupuncture here at Empower in New Gloucester, Maine.
I specialize in supporting those with Chronic Pain, Emotional + Mental Wellness, and GI health.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these are areas that not only relate to and reflect one another, but are also close to my heart. I consider myself lucky because I truly love Acupuncture and what I do. Getting to connect with others while empowering them to live with a renewed sense of relief, inner peace, and vitality are some of my greatest joys.
So if you are struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, the residual effects of trauma, a difficult transition, or other symptoms, I am here to help you navigate and own your healing process.
Please note, the information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace the diagnosis or treatment for ANY medical condition mentioned above. Please seek out appropriate care as needed.