Occasionally I run into someone  who tells me they have visited an  acupuncturist for a particular problem but were disappointed because it "didn't work."  When I ask some of these folks how many treatments they got, many of them tell me "one."

While it is true that acupuncture doesn't work all the time for everyone, (although certainly it can improve many things that may not be what a person comes in for), and that for some small issues one treatment IS enough, the effects of acupuncture are cumulative, and for most issues commonly seen, a series of treatments, along with Chinese herbs, are appropriate.

And ideally, especially for longer term and chronic problems, three steps of care are recommended. These are the Acute Care phase, the Maintenance phase, and the Prevention phase. 

The first phase is the Acute Care phase and is what usually brings people in the door.  Pain or other symptoms are acute and troublesome. Treatments are more frequent here, maybe once or twice a week. Of course herbal medicine is ideally part of all these phases.

In the Maintenance phase acute symptoms are gone or greatly reduced, and more treatment and herbs serve to continue to correct the underlying imbalances and weaknesses that have gave rise to the acute symptoms. Acupuncture is less frequent but still performed at regular intervals.

The Prevention phase helps preserve progress made. This phase of treatment serves to troubleshoot small issues, reduce stress, and to keep one balanced and healthy.  Treatments can be less often still, and are ideally a part of a regular wellness program.

And of course even without chronic issues, the use of Chinese Medicine for prevention is a wise and valuable practice and is greatly useful. 

Since the Sung Dynasty (960-1270 AD), or so the story goes, Chinese Medicine has been employed to help reduce the signs of aging.  According to the story, the Empresses, and the Emperors' concubines were the original recipients of this type of treatment. And yes, these treatments work!  Surgery they are not, but acupuncture facial rejuvenation treatments provide a safe, effective, and natural way to reduce the signs of aging.  They tone and perk up the muscles of the face, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, increase skin elasticity,  and address underlying imbalances that contribute to puffiness under the eyes, and skin issues among others. They even encourage that inner radiance that is the source of true beauty! They are uplifting generally and good for one's overall health too. I have been giving these treatments for ten years now and am always impressed with how well they work.  If you are interested in learning more click here and/or call or send me an email.

I have written about the military's use of acupuncture in past newsletters.  My Mother made me aware of this particular application when she sent me an article out of the Sacramento Bee.  Regardless of how you feel about the battlefield context in which it is used, this is  great acu-info nonetheless.  When I see words come out of a medical doctor's mouth regarding acupuncture like, "I'm seeing some pretty incredible results," and "in my heart I think this will, down the road, become one of the standards of care," I smile big. Of course any acupuncturist already knows this, but any good word is quite welcome!  I do want to correct one assertion of the article though. Contrary to what is printed, western science has indeed proven the effectiveness of acupuncture. To see the article, click here.