I describe acupuncture healing as a 3-step process:

Step 1 – This is from the first treatment until we see the first signs of improvement, even if it’s minor improvement. Usually this is in the first few treatments.

Step 2 – Building on the initial improvement.  I work to get as much progress as possible and you should continue to see more improvements.  This middle stage is usually reached within about 5-6 treatments for a more acute condition, or 7-9 treatments for a condition that is years in the making.  If there has been little progress after 5 treatments then we need to consider if I have done everything I can for you or not and decide what the next plan will be.

Step 3 – This involves stabilizing your progress so that your are not back-sliding.  Once stability has been achieved then you will not need to come in as often or at all for the original complaint unless something new comes up.

If there are other factors going on in your life that are hindering your healing, it may require a maintenance program, perhaps bi-weekly or once a month treatments.