How many acupuncture treatments will I need?

There’s a common perception that acupuncture is a one-off fix — you come for a single session, feel better, and never need to come again. While that would be lovely, the reality is a little different. True, lasting change happens through consistency, showing up for yourself, making lifestyle changes, and giving your body the support and time it needs to shift. 

Nobody expects to visit a doctor, receive a prescription, and only take one pill from the bottle. It’s the same with Chinese medicine — healing is a process, not a quick fix. The effects of each treatment builds on the previous one.

The nature of acupuncture and Chinese medicine is to remind the body of what it already knows — how to move toward balance. We’re gently coaxing it where it inherently wants to go, helping it let go of patterns shaped by stress, pain, grief, or years of habit. After treatment, many people feel relief — but sometimes the body reverts, simply because it’s used to doing things a certain way. Regular treatment reinforces the message we’re sending, while reassuring the body that it’s safe to do things in a new way — it’s safe to change, to soften, and to heal.

As humans, we’re wired to avoid pain. We build physical or emotional barriers to protect ourselves from it happening again. But over time, these can become blocks to healing. Acupuncture works gently, steadily, to release those blocks. 

In the early stages of treatment, the effects may last anywhere from a day to a week. That’s why I often recommend weekly sessions for 4–6 weeks — or, in acute cases, a follow-up within a few days. These early sessions help build momentum and prevent symptoms from slipping back to where they started. 

Evidence-based research supports this approach too: most clinical trials showing positive outcomes involve patients receiving at least 6 to 10 sessions, with treatments occurring weekly or more often. 

As your body begins to hold the changes for longer, we can start to space treatments out. Ideally, we reach that lovely stage where I see you monthly for rebalancing. Some people choose to come more often because they find acupuncture incredibly relaxing — a quiet pause in a busy week. 

Curious how acupuncture might support you?
I’d love to chat. Whether you're dealing with something acute or just looking to feel more balanced, you’re welcome to reach out or book an initial consultation.