Foundations of Acupuncture Treatment- the difference between acute and chronic treatment plans

Most Americans aren't familiar with acupuncture and acupuncture treatment. And those that are, still don't understand some of the basic fundamentals of how and why an acupuncturist determines their treatment plan. The first question you and your acupuncturist need to answer before treatment- is your complaint acute or chronic?

The answer to this question determines the length, frequency and potential outcome of your treatment plan.

An acute complaint is something new, that has no possibility of being related to anything in your health history- physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. For example, a new injury, accident, a brand new health complaint... If your complaint is acute, your acupuncturist will see you anywhere from every day for a week or 2 weeks, to 2-3 times a week for 2-4 weeks until your complaint is completely resolved.

A chronic complaint is something that's lasted for at least 3 months and perhaps lifelong. These are complaints from any of the 4 Areas of Health- physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. If your complaint is chronic, your acupuncturist will typically want to see you 2 times a week for 6-8 weeks initially, and then will back off slowly into a maintenance treatment plan that will be from 1/wk to 1/month.

It is very important for you, as a patient, to understand the difference between an acute and chronic problem. So you know how to get the best out of your treatment and so you also know what to expect from acupuncture.

Acute problems can be quickly managed. Chronic problems need regular and consistent management, often lifelong.

Acupuncture isn't magic... It is a method of using your body's own natural resources to heal itself and maintain health- like eating well, exercising and stretching regularly. And when acupuncture is used wisely, it can be a healing tool you can utilize regularly for the rest of you life.

Have questions? Please contact me or make an appointment.