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!”
The 5 Spirits: Supporting The Soul in Chinese Medicine
The Spirit in TCM is made up of five “spirit-minds” that are stored in each of the five Yin organs. You can think of them like facets to your personality: they each have unique roles and characteristics that assert themselves when content or afflicted. Discover how the Five Spirits influence your health and ability to pursue your potential.
WRITTEN BY ACUPUCTURISTS: LAUREN DYER & HANNAH GUYON
WHAT’S IN A SPIRIT
Along with Qi (energy), Blood, and Essence (like genetics), our Spirit or Shen is considered a vital substance in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as it completes the fabric of our physiological makeup and human life. Rather than being linked to religion or used to convey how “spiritual” a person is (or isn’t), in this medicine, Spirit takes on a secular meaning.
Fundamentally, Spirit is the unique animation humans possess which allows a person to: express their authenticity, dedicate themselves to a hobby or vocation, feel connected to mundane everyday wonders, and to be the conscious co-creator of their destiny. It is that intangible yet empirical inner spark that activates our imagination, ambition, intention, and awe.
Together with our psyche and body, Spirit is what orients us within our reality and experience of the world around us. Its health and vibrancy is essential for developing relationships as well as the virtues unique to the human condition (compassion, accountability, wisdom, morality, courage, etc.)
Put simply, Spirit determines how we show up in the world, connect with others, and navigate all the experiences that life has to offer.
A unique feature of Acupuncture and TCM is how discussions of health integrate how one’s physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual health mirror one another. Just like how each of the body’s organ systems has its own Acupuncture meridian (the Lung channel, The Large Intestine channel, for example) there are associations between the organs and specific emotions, as well as the organs and the spirit.
These connections reveal how, in TCM, energy is considered on a spectrum from the material to the ethereal.
On the Material end you have the most tangible and visible of substances: the body, blood, fluids etc would land here. Towards the middle of the spectrum is energy whose presence is apparent in how the body functions even if it cannot be measured or fully grasped, aka Qi. A person’s Qi can be sensed in their pulse or heartbeat and heard in the voice. Can you think of a time that you walked into a room full of people and could tell whether the energy was tense or cheerful? That’s Qi - which also makes itself known through emotional states.
On the far end of this spectrum, you get Spirit.
The Spirit is the most ethereal expression of energy and an extension of an organ’s Qi-aspect. It can be seen in something as simple as whether someone’s eyes sparkle or light up when they talk to you about something they’re passionate about, versus if they have a dull gaze, and perhaps appear depressed.
You still with us? Good, because deeper down the rabbit hole we go...
THE FIVE “FACETS”
If you have thought of your spirit or soul as being stored in your heart, that’s actually not far off! In TCM, there are five types of “spirit-minds” that branch-off from someone’s central Spirit. Each is stored within one of the 5 Yin organs:
The Heart beholds The Shen
The Lungs contain The Po
The Liver commands The Hun
The Spleen grounds The Yi
The Kidneys are keepers of The Zhi
Each embodies your capacity to show up in the world as the best version of yourself. You can think of them like five facets to your personality: they each have unique roles and characteristics that assert themselves when content or disturbed.
When we sit and listen to our patients, we tune into the presence of these characteristics too. Assessing the state of their Spirit is always included in our observation & diagnostic process since the spirit is vital to one’s overall well-being.
Usually when we see spirit disharmonies they are paired with physical symptoms. Other times they aren’t, but patients will share behaviors - deep seated emotions - and mental tendencies they know are holding them back from the things they want in life—or the way they want to feel. This is because when one spirit is affected it can impact the others, leading you to feel “off,” “stuck,” “lost,” or not yourself anymore. Sometimes it can even feel as if you are not in your body.
Our guess is that you’ll likely be able to relate to at least one or some of the following spirit-mind tendencies. However as you read along, please keep in mind: the expressions of these spirit-minds is a dynamic dance within us. Like our bodies and state of health, they are not stuck in a state of imbalance unless something changes—and sometimes that change starts within...
Here’s what we will be sharing :
What each spirit is + its paired organ
Each spirit’s responsibilities
Qualities of that spirit when it is tethered and balanced
Shadow tendencies that manifest when the spirit is disconnected and imbalanced
So, here they are…
THE FIVE SPIRITS
THE SHEN ~ THE MIND
The Shen is the spirit of “The Mind” and represents our consciousness. It is the basis for our humanity and source from which all other spirits emerge from. The Shen is in charge of our identity and capacity for self-awareness, but also, how we view and interact with others: how we orient ourselves in the world around us. The Shen is essential for integrating our psychic and emotional life since it governs perception, insight, ideas, the ability to extend beyond the Self (form relationships), determine our values, morality, and wisdom. The Mind is what bridges our intuition and inspiration: it allows one to recognize their truth and callings so they can show up in the world as their most authentic self.
In the body, the Shen is ruled by the Heart which, in Chinese Medicine, is the “the origin of mental life,” and therefore the “monarch” of all other organs: the only one capable of recognizing, assessing, and truly feeling the spectrum of one’s emotional experiences. Although different emotions (anger, joy, sadness, fear, guilt, etc.) will affect the body’s organs in unique ways, those organs do not “feel” the emotion and, instead, reflect the impact of that emotion as perceived by the Heart in the form of physical symptoms. In that sense, the Shen is referred to as the Heart-Mind, giving the old adage the heart has a mind of its own, a ring of truth.
Given the Shen’s role in processing interactions with others and external stimuli, all senses (eyesight, hearing, smell, taste, touch) depend on it for meaning just like how the brain is relied on in Western Medicine.
For this reason, the Shen is said to be the “most visible” of all the spirits, evident in how one carries themselves both in public and in conversation: the sparkle (or dullness) in one’s eyes, the capacity to maintain eye contact, as well as the use of clear/logical speech (since the Heart is the root of the tongue in TCM). It is the Shen that calculates appropriate behavior in order to “click” with others and foster mutual understanding: a Heart (Shen) to Heart (Shen).
When the Shen is vibrant, there is:
Clear thinking & consciousness, sharp insight, good intellect, self-awareness, a strong sense-of self, sound sleep (since the Shen retreats back into the Heart to be housed at night), a balanced emotional reality, good judgement expressed through wise action, flowing ideas, inspiration, alertness in the eyes, eye contact during conversation, clear speech + confident self-expression, compassion, and empathy.
When the Shen is disturbed and the Heart is affected, a person will have:
Cloudy consciousness, poor insight, inappropriate/erratic behavior or speech tendencies, socially awkward interactions, low self-esteem, difficulty expressing one’s self, hypervigilance and paranoia, poor self-awareness, a hard time relating to others (including little-to-no eye contact in conversation), little capacity for compassion/empathy, irrational thoughts and phobias, an imbalanced emotional reality (fixated on one emotion), panic, disturbed sleep etc.
THE PO ~ THE CORPOREAL OR ANIMAL SOUL
The po is the spirit-mind stored by the Lungs. It integrates with us at our first breath, and disintegrates at the end of life when breathing ceases.
When you think of the Po, consider your moment-to-moment experiences - your instincts, impulses, and knee-jerk reactions.
When balanced, the Po supports our ability to stay connected to the present moment through our breath. When strong, it is associated with assertiveness and fairness. We would expect someone with a well balanced Po to speak with a clear strong voice, to breathe well, and to act with the virtue of justice.
When there is weakness of the Po, we might see lingering or unresolved grief, lifeless voice, lethargy, depression, or constant feelings of loss or incompleteness. In this case, a person might be stuck in a moment that is far in the past, keeping them from being present or moving forward. We might also notice the presence of chronic respiratory issues like frequent colds, long standing cough, or asthma associated with this aura of sorrow.
When the Po is supported and reintegrated with the present moment, we see the ability to process grief in a healthy way. Impulsive reactivity is exchanged for responsiveness and trustworthy instincts. We see the shroud of sadness and heaviness lift, giving way to the ability to appreciate the beauty and fullness of the present moment, to experience awe and wonderment, and to grasp a flash of inspiration.
THE YI ~ THOUGHT
The Yi is the spirit-mind stored by the Spleen. It has to do with thought, intellect, and comprehension, as well as intention and creativity.
The Spleen organ in TCM is a major organ of digestion, separating and transforming useful nutrients from waste products. On a physical level, a weak Spleen can result in poor digestion of food. On a spirit level, a weak Spleen, and a weak Yi as a result, can cause poor digestion of thoughts. This means there may be trouble effectively deliberating, and instead a person may find themselves overthinking or ruminating on their worries. They may lack clear intention, and therefore they may feel “foggy brained,” or bored and unmotivated.
There is a saying, “the Yi guides the Li which guides the Qi” - meaning your intention guides the ritual which guides your energy. Have you ever noticed the difference between having a vague desire to achieve a broad goal such as “get in shape one day” or “learn a new language” doesn’t tend to pan out unless you set up a structure (or ritual) for yourself? My mother gave me the sage advice that “a dream without tangible goals is just a wish.” Having a strong and clear intention (Yi) helps us to create smart, structured plans and goals, which takes our energy there (aka manifests that reality!).
A strong Yi also promotes the virtues of faithfulness and loyalty. If the Yi is suffering, these virtues can become skewed to the point of “‘stifling’ loyalty, exaggerated sympathy, and even self-destructive generosity” (Kaptchuk, 60).
Supporting the spleen and its spirit-mind the Yi, can help you to cultivate clear intention, insight, creativity, motivation, and appropriate faithfulness (to your goals and to other people).
THE HUN ~ THE ETHEREAL SOUL
Of all the spirits in Chinese Medicine, the Hun or Ethereal Soul broadly shares the most similarities with the Western concept of the soul: it is tethered at birth, has a will of its own, yet at death it survives the body, preserving its physical appearance to wander the earth, the spirit realm, or return to the source of all life. This wandering quality is essential to understanding the Hun’s purpose and nature.
To start, the Hun is its own level of consciousness whose vitality depends on its ability to connect and disengage with the Mind—to “come and go” as it pleases. Whereas the Mind is more rational and in charge of processing/integrating information perceived from the external world, the Ethereal Soul is in charge of bringing one’s inner world and dreams into awareness and fruition. It alerts the Shen to our intuition, ideas, life goals, creativity, and artistic inspiration so they can be pursued rather than merely reflected on. Inherently Yang in nature, the Ethereal Soul provides the psyche with movement in several ways:
out-of-body during sleep and dreaming
beyond one’s everyday life/circumstances through the pursuit of life goals
through the planning of projects and paths needed to accomplish them
beyond the self towards others in fostering/maintaining relationships
Knowing the Hun requires movement to engage and detach from the Mind, it is no coincidence that it resides in the Liver: the organ responsible for ensuring smooth circulation throughout the body. Physically, the free flow of Liver Qi and Blood is the medium by which the Ethereal Soul “comes and goes.” In TCM, the Liver acts as the chief delegator to the monarch (The Heart). In that sense, the healthy personality of the Liver—and balanced animation of the Ethereal Soul—can be seen in those who excel at self-leadership, management, structure, and routine.
When the Liver is healthy, the Liver Blood is abundant, and circulation of Liver Qi is smooth, the Hun is content—it can come and go freely: there will be a healthy flow of ideas and creativity for the Mind to receive and integrate. A person will be connected to their intuition, able to envision a goal, and feel like they have a direction for their life. They can plan the steps necessary to actualize their dreams. In essence, a rooted Hun provides the courage to pursue one’s potential and regulate emotional ups/downs. With a balanced Hun, roadblocks can be faced with flexibility and frustrations met with resolve.
When the Hun’s movement becomes stifled due to a weakened Liver (such as Liver Qi stagnation or a Liver Blood/Yin deficiency) the Mind will lack stimulation, making a person apathetic and depressed. They will feel a lack of direction or purpose. They can lose touch with their emotions or internalize to the point of endlessly stewing causing resentment. Because of the Liver’s connection to the eyes and physic “sight,” there can be a lack of vision for life-dreams, dream-disturbed sleep, and a disconnection from one’s intuition. This can cause discouragement and a lack of desire to move beyond one’s “stuckness” and circumstances in life. If the Mind is overly-controlling or not receptive to the Ethereal Soul’s input/desires, they might be fully aware of what changes they need to make to pursue their potential, but unable to “get the ball rolling” in the direction they seek.
If the Liver is overburdened due to an excess pathogen (usually Liver-Heat Rising or Liver-Fire) the Hun will travel excessively and inundate the Mind. For example, someone can be full of ideas and inspiration, but because the Hun is so flighty, a person will not be able to bring them to fruition. With this kind of Hun-disturbance, there will be agitation, anger, rage, an inability to regulate one’s emotional overwhelm, and manic tendencies.
Overall, a disembodied Hun is implicated in involuntary dissociation (such as in PTSD), conscious escapism (excessive daydreaming, procrastination, substance use, etc.) and nightmares.
THE ZHI ~ THE WILL
The Zhi is our willpower. This spirit-mind is stored in the Kidneys, which, in TCM, are associated with our deepest “essence,” our inherited traits, our reproductive potential, and our deepest stores of energy. The Kidneys are said to house the “life gate fire” which is yang in nature, yet they are also associated with the water element which is yin. This duality is mirrored in how there is a yin and yang aspect to the Zhi.
The emotion of the Kidneys is fear, while the virtue of their spirit-mind is wisdom. When you look back on your life - do you recall experiences where fear of the unknown transformed into experience-based wisdom? It’s something that develops over a lifetime. The Yin Will is related to our destiny or fate - our relationship with and journey into the unknown of the future - it involves trust and faith. The Yang Will is more immediate than that - it has to do with the conscious efforts and fundamental decisions that allow your will for certain desires and outcomes to come to fruition.
An imbalance between the Zhi may look like restlessness, a desire to run away from your life, a vague or existential fear; patients might share a desire for things to be different than where they are regarding their life cycle, like a fear of aging, for example. When the Kidney Qi is weakened, there can be a lack of willpower and drive which is an important aspect of chronic depression. On the other hand, the Zhi can also become destructive, resulting in recklessness and excessive risk-taking. These symptoms can coincide with premature aging (looking older than you are), low back/knee pain, bladder issues, burnout, chronic exhaustion, recurrent or lingering illness, ear ringing, thyroid imbalances, memory loss, edema.
Have you ever wanted something, set out on the path to complete it, and come to find that after enough time, conviction in your ability to achieve it, and consistent effort—you have it? A job (or career change)...a degree...to become skillful at a hobby...to birth a passion project?
You can think of the Will like The Wizard of Oz...it works tirelessly behind the curtain—the scenes of your conscious awareness—until you reach your destination. Once you arrive, it comes out to greet and congratulate you on the journey as if to say: “Well, look who it is...you did it! I knew you could make it here. Welcome to (your “dream” aka manifested reality), you are right on time.”
In that sense, the Yang Will gives you the perseverance to set out on the journey whereas the Yin Zhi is that part of you that becomes apparent once the goal is reached. A healthy Zhi invites us to faithfully wade into the unknown, take the reins of destiny, and realize you’ve had the power to be the co-creator of your life all along. It’s like that saying, choose your hard. Healing and embarking on the journey to change your life is hard. Yet, staying in the same place and living with regret is hard. The Zhi asks:
What will it be…will you stay or will you go?
YOUR SPIRITS AWAIT…
Oftentimes people think of seeking out Acupuncture for a physical ailment or, just as commonly, to support their mental health in cases of anxiety, depression, and trauma-recovery. However treating the spirit can be just as helpful to encourage someone’s healing.
In many cases, it’s actually the key.
As you just read, cultivating clear and intact spirit-minds helps us to adopt and express the virtues of wisdom, justice, loyalty/faithfulness, propriety, and human kindness, rather than be consumed by fear, anger, reactivity/impulsiveness, complacency/boredom, or disconnectedness. They allow us to have authority over our thoughts, actions, and life path. Together, they guide us to hone our individuality but also foster connections that make life meaningful.
While offering acupuncture, we are intentionally selecting points that, yes, mobilize your body’s natural healing process—but also points that nourish these spirits to tether them to their associated organ systems so you feel more grounded, clear, safe, and fully integrated in your body. That is how Acupuncture, as a blend of physical and energy medicine, clears the blockages while creating the space for you to fully inhabit and express most vibrant and authentic self. If that is something you seek for yourself, we would be grateful to support you.
Your spirits await…
BEHIND THE BLOG
Hannah Guyon a Licensed Acupuncturist who has owned and operated her own private practice Thrive Acupuncture + Herbal Medicine for three years. Hannah specializes in working with patients for: Women’s Health, Mental/Emotional health, and Internal Medicine (via her National Board Certification in Chinese Herbal Medicine). In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, and reading. To learn more about Hannah and her approach to care, check out her practice through: ThriveAcuHerbal.com
Lauren Dyer is the co-owner and Licensed Acupuncturist at Empower Chiropractic & Acupuncture in New Gloucester, Maine. She has been in private practice for three years and specializes in providing Acupuncture + TCM therapies for Mental/Emotional Health and Pain Management. For her, the ways a person’s psychology and physiology become reflected in their health is an ongoing area of focus in her care. To learn more about Lauren and her offerings, you can check out more blog articles and connect with her right here at Empowerchiroacu.com
SOURCES:
Kaptchuk, Ted (2008). The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Maciocia, Giovanni (2009). The Psyche in Chinese Medicine: Treatment of Emotional and Mental Disharmonies with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.