The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes.

Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem, and the quality and quantity of your overall blood flow and lymphatic flow. An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups”. 

Acupuncture generally works by stimulating the body’s innate healing responses.  The number of treatment’s for you depends on how much support the healing process needs.  Most people will progress over a few common stages of treatment.

In the RELIEF STAGE, we will primarily focus on reducing your symptoms to get you out of destress.  During this time, treatment will be close together, usually 2-4 visits per week until you start to feel better.

In the HEALING STAGE, we will begin correcting the underlying causes of your symptoms with a series of regular treatment, generally 1-2 visits per week.

Finally in the MAINTENANCE STAGE, we will keep you tuned up, take care of smaller problems before they grow, and generally provide you with support for the everyday stresses of Life.   This may be 2-4 visits per month, or just as needed.

Yes. In some instances children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or tuina.

Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. Dr. Milhan may suggest starting with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer.

The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturist will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue.

Sometimes an acupuncturist will feel for pulses.  This is especially true of the main complaint involves internal stress and individual organs.

There are twelve pulse positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ. Your acupuncturist will be looking for twenty-seven individual qualities that reflect overall health.

If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse.