As 2019 comes to a close, our hearts are full of wonder for the many clients we have been able to help this past year. From sleep issues to weight gain to hormone shifts to pain management not to mention grief, trauma, and emotional challenges, our days were filled with stories of those looking for hope, relief, and healing.
And we are honored to have helped.
Throughout the year, we took note of a variety of questions that were commonly asked. Wrapping up 2019, we want to share our most popular questions of the year and answers from Dr. Graves.
We hope these answers provide insight into your own questions about naturopathic medicine. And for any additional ones you may have, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at (303) 688-6698!
GRAVES’: It definitely can! There are many, many conditions and issues that acupuncture can treat, but it’s important to first gather as much information as I can before providing a response to a certain issue.
Commonly, people contact us after seeing their primary care doctor or a specialist in which 1) they are told there is nothing wrong or 2) they aren’t thrilled about treatment options (particularly pharmaceuticals) and are looking for alternative medicine.
These are both great reasons to contact our office in addition to interest in naturopathic medicine.
After our phone consultation, I typically have enough information to be able to provide an answer. And most of the time, acupuncture can help!
GRAVES’: This is a really great question because it can be different than traditional western medicine. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs that can have a more immediate effect (but may not cure the issue), naturopathic medicine such as acupuncture and herbal supplements may not work as fast. However, the effects can last longer and work towards healing the root cause.
If you are doing acupuncture, I like to see results within 4-6 weeks (if weekly appointments are made).
If you choose herbal supplements and diet/lifestyle changes, I look for best results within 1-2 months.
I typically see improvement and relief within these time frames, however, if no progress is experienced I recommend a more comprehensive workup, changes to protocol, or an alternative provider who specializes in the issue.
GRAVES’: This depends.
How long a protocol lasts largely depends on a few things such as:
– how long the issue been going on
– how severe the issue is
– what self-care/lifestyle changes are made outside of the office
I like to treat issues aggressively over the first few months to get desired results as quickly as possible. After relief is experienced, I find it important to stay on the protocol for the next few months while you alter any lifestyle habits, work through emotional trauma, or just to give your body a reprieve.
The next step is to work with you in slowly weaning off supplements or lessen acupuncture appointments as needed, striving for a solid maintenance routine. The ultimate goal is to get you living as healthy as possible with as little support as necessary, however, this can be difficult in our fast paced western culture (thanks to stress!).
Some of my clients have found it takes a month to years to find complete healing and others still continue to follow their naturopathic medicine protocol to feel their best and/or to stay off as much pharmaceuticals as possible.
The good news is that you can stay on a maintenance protocol for as long as needed. Acupuncture and herbal supplements can be long term solutions that are safe and effective in achieving your optimal health.
Is 2020 the year you give naturopathic medicine a try or recommend it to someone you know who is struggling?
If so, let us be your sanctuary for good health.
For those in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Monument, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, or the Greater Denver Metro area that would like to discuss naturopathic options, please call us at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Graves.
Cheers to a new year…with your questions answered.
For more about how acupuncture works, what is acupuncture, how acupuncture helps chronic pain, or acupuncture for weight loss, please contact us for a free acupuncture consultation today.
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