You may be asked to schedule visits one, two or even three times a week for a few weeks until your response to therapy can be evaluated. Generally, the longer the problem has existed and the more severe your symptoms, the more intensive a course of treatment will be. Depending upon your acupuncturist's training and scope of practice, you may also be given Chinese herbs to take, or certain dietary changes may be recommended. Acupressure or moxibustion may also be applied to acupuncture points in addition to, or sometimes instead of, needles. Be sure all your active providers are in communication with each other, so that if treatment appears ineffective, or you experience any new or acute symptoms, a good decision can be made about whether to continue treatment or seek another opinion.
Adverse events are rare with well-trained acupuncturists, but they can happen.
It is critical to understand that acupuncturists deal with the body's entire energy system and can cause serious harm if they are undereducated about the ancient holistic medical philosophy and theories behind the practice of this technique. As with any health care treatment, each of us must exercise good judgment on our own behalf. Educational Options in Oriental Medicine. In the Footsteps of the Yellow Emperor. Cypress Book Co., 1996.