Some people only need a single treatment, while others need a series. You can expect an average of 4-8 sessions to achieve substantial pain relief. For people with chronic conditions, relief can last 3-12 months, after which you can repeat the series.
Individual Variations in Response to Acupuncture
For example, people suffering from pain or anxiety will typically notice a reduction in their symptoms after the first or second session. Treatment may take several months for chronic conditions such as skin issues, chronic pain, or infertility.
Acupuncture appears to have an effect on painful diabetic neuropathy, effectively improving nerve conduction and clinical symptoms. Acupuncture may reduce pain intensity, relieve anxiety and improve quality of life in patients with postherpetic neuralgia.
The findings of Electromyographic nerve conduction tests show up to 80 percent of patients respond positively to acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture significantly improves motor nerve conduction velocity and amplitude as well as repairs functional nerves.
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
First, it targets local points to treat the affected meridians and resulting symptoms. Second, it targets points for strengthening and building the body to augment Qi and blood flow. As a result, acupuncture can help mitigate the following symptoms: Burning, stabbing, and other types of nerve pain.
Some short-term effects may indicate that the acupuncture sessions are working. One sign is you notice slight improvements in your symptoms. Curiously, the other is a worsening of symptoms. “It's actually not a bad sign if you feel worse after acupuncture,” Sheinberg says.
Acupuncture is an effective pinched nerve treatment. Our highly experienced Therapists at Dr. Ma Acupuncture Centre are always ready to treat your pinched nerve by providing acupuncture therapy. They diagnose the root cause of the problem and try to give their best to eliminate the root cause.
Initially, the benefits of acupuncture can last a few days to a couple of weeks after each session. Over time acupuncture can provide longer-lasting, or even permanent, relief from pain, inflammation and other problems.
Stress and traumatic events are a big cause of nervous system dysregulation. Acupuncture can modulate the activity of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system and help restore the balance between the two.
Multimodal therapy (including medicines, physical therapy, psychological counseling and sometimes surgery) is usually required to treat neuropathic pain. Medicines commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain include anti-seizure drugs such as: Gabapentin (Neurontin®).
If you were in the acupuncture clinic for acute pain or sports injury, you may notice the pain relief almost instantly from the first treatment. For chronic pain, it may take up to 2 or 3 sessions to notice the pain subside.
An acupuncture session may take up to 60 minutes, although some appointments may be much shorter. A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one or two treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity.
Acupuncture is also great for long term emotional health, immune response, and longevity so we recommend a minimum of one treatment per month for optimal health and wellness.
The effect of this type of treatment is similar to that of a workout: muscles are slightly torn and must repair themselves, and delayed-onset muscle soreness is common for the next few days. Patients frequently report feeling much better after 1-2 days than they did before coming in for treatment.
Certain points like your hands and feet might be more sensitive. If you feel pain, tell your acupuncturist. They'll adjust the needles or choose other points.
The research revealed that approximately 90 per cent of the benefits of acupuncture were sustained at 12 months, suggesting that underlying changes are occurring with acupuncture that has long-term health benefits and, in this instance, lasting pain relief.
Avoid Strenuous Exercise
You may feel a boost of energy after your acupuncture treatment – this is one of its many benefits. However, be careful not to partake in strenuous activities after your treatment. If you perform intense exercises or heavy lifting, you may undo some of the benefits of treatment.
One well-researched effect of acupuncture is reducing inflammation throughout the body. Acupuncture stimulates chemicals that reduce swelling and quiet unwanted immune responses and allergic reactions.
Correcting the movement of qi and blood in the meridians brings balance back to the mind, body, and spirit. Most acupuncture points calm the nervous system, but here are a few favorites for reducing stress and easing anxiety: Du 20, Yin Tang, Ren 17, GB-21, Ht-7, Sp-6, and Lr-3.
This pain relief may only last a short time when you begin treatment, but repeated treatment (usually weekly for six or eight sessions) can bring long-term benefit, often for several months. If the pain returns, then more acupuncture may help for another few months.
Body parts where acupuncture needles get inserted can feel sore after needles are removed. Soreness from acupuncture typically dissipates within 24 hours. Although less common than soreness, bruising can occur at the needling site. These bruises usually don't hurt and last a few days after the treatment.