Are We There Yet?

One of the top questions I am asked by prospective clients & one of things I always address at the end of the first treatment, is how many treatments will they need? This is also a loaded question. There is no simple answer. The answer depends on several factors, none of which I know the answers to when I am inevitably asked this all-important question. 


Here are some things that come into play in determining how many treatments a client may need in order to get the desired results: 

• chronic vs. acute condition: have you had the complaint for 3 months? 6 months? years? or did this just come up last week? today?
• healthy vs. multiple complaints: is it just one thing that you're coming in with or are there several? Are you generally a healthy person or has there been a lot going on?
• your health history: closet full or skeletons or cobwebs?
• your family health history: riddled with issues or clean as a whistle?
• complacency: if it's recommended you come in 2 times/week for the next 3 weeks are you going to do it? if it's recommended that you make dietary or lifestyle changes are you going to?
• consistency: are you going to make an effort to be on time every time & come to every appointment? 
• how your body responds to the treatment
  Acupuncture works cumulatively. The more consistent the treatments & the more compliant the client, the faster, easier, & better the results. In general: the longer the issue has been going on, the more there are, & the more extensive the health history, the longer it may take & vice versa. Again, this is in general. By no means is this factual. I always give a guideline of a treatment course & a treatment number by which to reevaluate. eg: "I'd like to see you twice a week for four weeks. We will reevaluate our treatment course at the end of the fourth treatment". It may take more treatments, it may take less than the prescribed number. 

Be open to what your acupuncturist is telling you. Just like the point prescription isn't pulled out of thin air, neither is the treatment course. 

Make it complementary!

Is Traditional Chinese Medicine, & all that that encompasses, alternative medicine or complimentary medicine? Let's digress & go over the differentiating words: alternative vs. complementary. 


If something is the alternative to another thing, it's either, or. Not both. If you choose the chicken at a wedding, & the alternative was beef - you get one or the other, not both. (unless you're sneaky & conniving, but let's say in this case you're an upstanding citizen) You've had to make a choice. It's very black & white. 


If, on the other hand, something is complementary it goes along with whatever the other choice is. Say...like a fine wine complements a certain dish. Having that wine with that particular meal enhances the taste & the experience of eating it. It makes it better. Who wouldn't want to make whatever they're doing - whether it be eating a meal or working on a certain health condition better? 


In my mind, Traditional Chinese Medicine is very much a complementary medicine. It complements Western Medicine, Chiropractic care, Homeopathy, & on, & on, & on. Working with other care givers I can enhance the healing process. Making the time needed to heal, less & increasing the benefits. Who wouldn't want that?! 


SO let's stop calling Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, etc. alternative. It is very much complementary. 

HIGHLIGHT: COCONUT OIL

So many uses, & not just in the kitchen! This is seriously one of my favorite products & it's inexpensive & lasts forever to boot! (ok, not forever, but a long time considering you can eat it...the same can not be said for most foods) How do I use thee, let me count the ways:

- High-temp cooking. Think stir-frying & such. & it doesn't taste like coconut - a big plus for me seeing as coconut & I are pretty much arch-nemesis.


- Internal benefits: shiny hair & smoother/glowing skin. Just from using it in cooking!


- Skin moisturizing. Use it like a lotion & revel in the benefits. It also has a wonderful tropical scent without the additives found in expensive store-bought lotions. 


- Hair conditioning. Slather on your hair & let sit for several minutes before shampooing like normal.


- Athlete's foot. Ok, this is the one I don't have PERSONAL experience with, but having suggested it to client's & knowing people who have used it, the results are pretty amazing. 


- Diaper rash. To protect & treat those precious little bums. A lifesaver when conventional treatments don't do a thing. 




So, if you haven't already, get yourself a jar of virgin coconut oil & let it take over your home. I put some in small reusable jars, so that I can keep the big jar in the kitchen. You'll need a small jar for the bathroom, babies room, gym bag.....

Come One Come All...

I love seeing Acupuncture in the news. It puts a spotlight on Traditional Chinese Medicine & gets people thinking about their health. Recently, WGW in Portland, Oregon did a piece on Women Finding Relief with Acupuncture. Although not the most descriptive piece, it does get a person thinking about 'alternative' medicine & ways one can take control of their health care. Everyone should know their options & know that there are other types of medicine than the typical Western Medical Doctor. Whether it be an acupuncturist, chiropractor, or homeopath.
If you would like to broaden your health care horizons, but have yet to do so: What's holding you back? What kind of questions do you have?
If you have already experienced one or more of the 'alternative' health care options available: What was your experience like?




 "Health is the greatest of all possessions"


Serenity

Well, the adventures of entrepreneurship have led me to create a blog for Serenity Acupuncture. Looking forward to keeping our readers in-the-know with the latest news regarding acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine. Along with useful tips, tidbits, & recipes to further provide guidance towards reaching your full health potential. Looking forward to embarking on this journey with you!