The initial response to treatment lasts from one to two hours, to one to two days, with an average time of approximately 12 hours. This period of relief increases in duration with successive treatments. Additionally, when symptoms return, they are less severe than before treatment. This progressive down-shift in the original base-line symptoms occurs in a step-wise fashion eventually leading to resolution of the condition.

Outcomes in acupuncture are influenced by the severity and duration of symptoms as well as by the individual’s sensitivity to acupuncture

The severity of symptoms determines both the immediate as well as the long-term outcome to acupuncture. The more intense or severe the problem, the more resistant it is to therapy and the longer it will take to resolve. This is also true in acute problems where very severe pain may not respond to acupuncture at all, even in very responsive people.

The duration of a problem determines its long-term outcome; the longer the duration, the longer it takes to resolve. With degenerative diseases, total resolution may never occur. Symptoms may however be kept at acceptable levels with intermittent therapy.