Q I am a 60-year-old retiree. How often should I visit if I start Korean medicine treatment?
A During the initial intensive treatment period, visits 2 to 3 times a week are recommended. It is generally recommended to reduce this to once a week once pain stabilizes. For chronic PHN, the first 8 to 12 weeks are the most critical period for intensive treatment. The schedule can be adjusted to suit the individual's pain response and schedule.
Detailed Answer
The Korean medicine treatment schedule for PHN is designed based on pain intensity, duration of chronicity, and individual response. Generally, it consists of three stages: ① Intensive Phase (Weeks 1–4): 2–3 times a week, rapidly dissipating blood stasis and heat toxins using acupuncture and pharmacopuncture; ② Improvement Phase (Weeks 5–8): 1–2 times a week, reconstructing surrounding nerve tissue using thread embedding and needle insertion; ③ Maintenance Phase (Weeks 9 onwards): Reducing to once every 2 weeks or once a month, followed by check-ups to prevent recurrence. Medication prescriptions are initially evaluated every 4 weeks, and the prescription is switched to a maintenance plan once sleep and pain VAS scores improve. Since same-day appointments may be difficult, securing a regular day is beneficial for the continuity of treatment.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, upon your first visit, we assess the depth of blood stasis and damp-heat through pain mapping, tongue diagnosis, and pulse diagnosis, after which we guide you through a three-step schedule. Treatment intervals may vary slightly for the elderly or patients with concomitant diabetes or cardiovascular disease; additionally, parking and accessibility information are provided when you make an appointment to ensure convenience within the clinic.
Related FAQs
-
Q
I am a 52-year-old housewife who wants to stop taking Gabapentin because the side effects (dizziness and drowsiness) are severe. Can I manage the pain with only Korean traditional medicine treatment?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I am a 39-year-old delivery driver whose whole body aches, and I am unable to work because even the slightest touch of my collar causes pain. Will I be able to return to work after treatment?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I am a 59-year-old self-employed individual. Since my pain has been long-standing, I feel depressed and anxious, so I am also taking medication from a psychiatric clinic. Is it okay to combine this with traditional Korean medicine treatment?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
I am a 56-year-old housewife who cannot sleep at night due to pain. Are there any lifestyle management tips to improve my sleep?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
I am a 42-year-old delivery driver, and the pain gets much worse when exposed to wind or cold air. How should I manage this?
#Lifestyle Management