By Emily Herman, M.Ac., L.Ac.

During the very first acupuncture treatment you receive, your acupuncturist will discuss with you a recommended course of treatment based on your condition and goals. This varies per the individual, but usually the recommendation will be something like 6-12 weekly treatments, within which period of time you will see gradual improvement in your condition, and after which point you may be able to space treatment out to once every two weeks, to eventually once a month for maintenance and preventative care. Initially, during the first few treatments, you may feel marked improvement in your condition immediately following treatment, and sometimes find it may “return” a few days later. This is normal, and actually a sign that acupuncture is working! Acupuncture treats the acute discomfort of your condition, and also the underlying imbalances that led to your condition. This takes time, especially with chronic and complicated conditions. You didn’t get these symptoms all at once, and healing them is a process. But if you stick (pun intended) with your recommended treatment plan, you are sure to to see marked, and over time lasting improvement as well as other benefits you may not have even been aware of when you started treatment.

Once your condition is optimally healed, you will want to come in about once a month for maintenance. Not only will this keep your XY or Z condition from returning, it can help stave of further illness or injury.

Acupuncture works in a multitude of ways, but one simple explanation is that it stimulates the central nervous system to release the body’s natural pain-reducing, anti-inflammatory chemicals, endorphins and enkephalins.

Regular benefits of acupuncture, to name a few, include:

–    Improved sleep

–    Better response to stress

–    Improved mood

–    Improved relationships (yes really!)

–    Fewer colds

–    More energy/better stamina

Not to mention, getting the acupuncture treatment itself is a calming, wonderful respite from the hustle and bustle of every day life.

This is a busy time of year. We know you have work deadlines, and family in town, this that and the other thing, and we also want to take care of you and help you get better from whatever ailment had you walk through our door. We encourage you to stick to the plan so you can get all the wonderful benefits of acupuncture, and so it can really work for you!

Emily sees patients in our Timonium location on:

Wednesdays… 4pm – 8pm

Saturdays …. 2:30pm – 6pm

Emily is in network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna and Aetna plans.

Read more about Emily at https://cloud9acuclinic.com/emily-herman-acupuncturist/