The science of Acupuncture is deeply entwined with the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in the human body and this determines the frequency of treatment required for the best therapeutic outcome.
To keep things simple we will say that the sympathetic nervous system deals with “fight or flight” while the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for “rest and digest”. In an ideal situation we would see that the parasympathetic tries to align to the sympathetic giving us periods of challenge and rest equally however when a trauma (physical, emotional, mental) is introduced the effect can become altered.
Once trauma is introduced we see that the parasympathetic goes into overdrive to match the sympathetic however this response can cause a FREEZE effect which sees the parasympathetic stop then lower while the sympathetic remains hyperactive.
This becomes problematic as the body may not return to its original function without intervention and this can lead to further health issues developing beyond the original trauma experience.
However, research reveals that the introduction Acupuncture into the equation subdues the rise of the sympathetic nervous system for anywhere between 2 to 18 hours while also arousing the parasympathetic nervous system for 72 hours. This means that the use of Acupuncture to assist with the trauma may help the body realign back to the natural state that both the sympathetic and parasympathetic are meant to have.
This relates to treatment frequency as after the 72 hours the body may return to the original trauma state. Think of it as feeling good for a few days, as if the problem is resolving (minor symptoms present) but finding that the discomfort is slowly returning. Thankfully getting another Acupuncture session after about 72 hours can continue to maintain the lowering of the sympathetic and the arousing of the parasympathetic; this should be done until symptoms are completely gone.
Consecutive sessions of Acupuncture within a week may allow the body to heal as it has an accumulative effect. One session can make you feel better but twice a week for several weeks may resolve the issue completely. Many people try Acupuncture once, feel good but then never return for another session as the symptoms returned after a few days making them feel that the treatment only has short term effects – this is evident as there has been no accumulative effect; the same can be seen when taking medications, a single dose does very little but if you stay the course for 3-4 days you will notice a difference.
It is also important to remember that if you have been in an unwell state for an extended period then the treatment required will fall in line with the time frame of your dis-ease.
Thus it can be said that Acupuncture has a direct effect on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems within the body and this effect dictates the importance of treatment frequency.
Questions? Contact Us.
Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine – Chinese Health Institute 