The hardest question to answer and to most realistically prepare our patients is about recovery time.
Modern research shows that most treatment of diseases is 2-3 times per week for 2-6 weeks depending on the progress and syndrome of the disease. Modern research also shows that the effectiveness of acupuncture lasts about 24-48 hours depending on the person. However, since acupuncture corrects the flow of Qi in the body, frequent acupuncture in the beginning of any onset of illness/diseases/pain would act as an initiator and send the body right back on track. To maintain and improve the illness/pain would definitely require lifestyle changes. Generally, 2-3 weeks to 1 month to act as the initiator. Monthly or biweekly treatment would be recommended as followups.