AcupunctureVideo, 0:56
How Many Acupuncture Sessions Do You Need?
Short answer
It depends on the person. Mandy Tam, R.Ac, says the number of sessions depends on what is being treated, how long you have had it and how your body responds. Some people notice a change after the first treatment, others after a few sessions, and if something is not changing she reassesses.
From Mandy Tam, R.Ac, Registered Acupuncturist, Artemis Wellness Clinic, Richmond, BC.
In this video
- Why there is no fixed number for everyone
- Changes in sleep, tension or discomfort to discuss with your practitioner
- Why reassessment matters
About this video
Why there is no universal session count
Mandy Tam opens this video with a question she would love to answer with a simple number. Instead, she explains why acupuncture planning at Artemis Wellness Clinic in Richmond, BC, takes the individual into account. The concern being addressed, its history and the person's response all shape the conversation.
What to discuss at follow-up visits
The video includes examples of changes patients might report, such as sleep, tension or how manageable their discomfort feels. These are examples rather than a promised timeline. Mandy also explains why she reassesses when things are not changing, instead of continuing the same approach without reviewing it.
Learn more: Acupuncture & TCM at Artemis
Full transcript
What Mandy Tam, R.Ac says in the video, from its captions.
This is the question I wish I could answer with a very confident, "Three. See you next week." But the honest answer is: it depends on what we're treating and how long you've had it and how your body responds. Some people notice a change after their first treatment.
Maybe they sleep better, feel less tension, or notice their pain is a little bit easier to manage. For others, it takes a few sessions to really feel a difference. And sometimes the first thing you notice is not the symptom you came in for.
You might say, wait, I actually slept through the night. That is why I like to look at the bigger picture. We're not just chasing one symptom, we're looking at how your body is functioning as a whole.
And if something is not changing, we reassess, we don't just keep doing the same thing and hope for the best.
Questions about this video
Is there a fixed number of acupuncture sessions for everyone?
No. Mandy Tam, R.Ac, says it depends on what is being treated, how long you have had it and how your body responds.
What if I do not notice a change?
Mandy explains that reassessment is part of her approach when something is not changing. Discuss your experience with your practitioner.
More short videos from our practitioners: all videos · Artemis Wellness Clinic on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
Educational information only. Individual assessment and treatment advice are provided by your healthcare professional.
Book an appointment
Book an acupuncture assessment to discuss your goals and an individual plan with Mandy Tam in Richmond.