People unfamiliar with acupuncture often look at practitioners' websites for what to expect from treatment. Unfortunately, most practitioners meet these inquiries with Q & A's about whether it will hurt, how long it will take, and what they will feel. They almost never discuss what to expect in terms of results. There is a phrase in Chinese used to describe acupuncture as, "a pole that when raised in the sun immediately casts its shadow". This shadow represents the immediate effects that are apparent with skilled acupuncture. And this is a valid expectation of an acupuncture treatment: that you will feel better when the treatment is complete.
How profound these immediate results are can be subject to various conditions. Like snowfall, when conditions are right it does not take long to completely transform the landscape. As an acupuncturist, my treatments are focused on these types of transformations including the relief of pain or other physical distress, increase mental relaxation and clarity, and restoration of a sense of well-being. This is especially true of acute injuries such as sprains, strains, colds and flus, in which the immediate symptoms can be significantly alleviated and the length of illness reduced. Sometimes patients will tell me, "I didn't know if I should keep my appointment because I am sick" which is indicative to me that other practitioners either aren't communicating the potential for, or aren't delivering, strong immediate results. The purpose of acupuncture becomes extremely narrow if you can only utilize it for maintenance of your already existing healthy state.
As with snow, it may take a certain amount of time for an amount to accumulate. Such is also the case with acupuncture in which repeated treatments lead to a cumulative effect of improvement. For chronic conditions, this repetition of treatment may be necessary to acheive lasting results. While there may be periods of slower improvement or plateaus, the goal is always for continuous improvement toward greater health, reduced discomfort and overall increase in quality of life. Treatments should always reflect this expectation that they will bring improvement and strive to meet it with the greatest efficacy.
How profound these immediate results are can be subject to various conditions. Like snowfall, when conditions are right it does not take long to completely transform the landscape. As an acupuncturist, my treatments are focused on these types of transformations including the relief of pain or other physical distress, increase mental relaxation and clarity, and restoration of a sense of well-being. This is especially true of acute injuries such as sprains, strains, colds and flus, in which the immediate symptoms can be significantly alleviated and the length of illness reduced. Sometimes patients will tell me, "I didn't know if I should keep my appointment because I am sick" which is indicative to me that other practitioners either aren't communicating the potential for, or aren't delivering, strong immediate results. The purpose of acupuncture becomes extremely narrow if you can only utilize it for maintenance of your already existing healthy state.
As with snow, it may take a certain amount of time for an amount to accumulate. Such is also the case with acupuncture in which repeated treatments lead to a cumulative effect of improvement. For chronic conditions, this repetition of treatment may be necessary to acheive lasting results. While there may be periods of slower improvement or plateaus, the goal is always for continuous improvement toward greater health, reduced discomfort and overall increase in quality of life. Treatments should always reflect this expectation that they will bring improvement and strive to meet it with the greatest efficacy.
