Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions can Belfast Community Acupuncture staff treat?
Does it hurt? We use a gentle technique so please don't worry!
Many people are apprehensive about their first acupuncture experience, perhaps associating it with childhood injections. In fact the needles are very different. Acupuncture needles are very thin, sterile and designed for single use. During your first treatment we will demonstrate gentle, pain-free acupuncture and when we have your trust and consent we will gently achieve "deqi". This is the desirable sensation that the needle has been "grasped" and you may feel a gentle tugging, slight soreness or heaviness around the needle. The sensation may propagate along the acupuncture pathways. Most people find the treatment relaxes them and relieves symptoms.
What happens during a treatment? The start of a new journey...
For your first treatment you will need extra time to discuss your case in detail. You should allow up to an hour. Your practitioner will ask many questions, and will usually look at your tongue and assess the pulse. Typically there are many signs and symptoms providing a holistic picture. Your main complaint is considered within the context of this overall picture, or "pattern". There are then many acupuncture points, which can be chosen, over 300 are documented! But a good practitioner chooses an 'elegant' combination, achieving the maximum results with the fewest needles. In some acute injuries, the consultation will typically be shorter but there may be more time spent on a physical exam. Follow up treatments will typically involve about 20 minutes with your practitioner and 20 minutes relaxing into the treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
What is the difference between Community Acupuncture clinics and other clinics?
Most clinics offer a 1-2-1 treatment with prices varying from £30 to £100. The costs are designed to absorb business overheads depending on location, rent and so on. Community Acupuncture is a new arrival in the UK and Ireland. In a low cost Community Clinic, a number of beds are set up in one room, with privacy screens between each bed and after the private consultation the practitioner will move from bed to bed. If you wish to further discuss your treatment in a private room, please let us know. All information is confidential, between you and your practitioner. The idea is that if a number of people can be treated at the same time, the costs can be shared and the prices dropped. We offer this style of treatment because we are passionate about equality of access to healthcare services. We are very excited to be the first clinic of this kind in Northern Ireland.
How much does it cost?
What should I wear?
Please wear loose comfortable clothing. You may need to roll sleeves or legs up. If it is necessary to remove clothing, blankets will be provided.
Is there anything I should tell you?
We will try to cover everything in the consultation but it is a good idea to tell us about any significant medical history, if you have ever had a fit or are prone to fainting. If you can, bring a list of medication, inform us of any allergies and if you have a clotting disorder or are taking blood thinners such as warfarin. Please tell us if you have a pacemaker fitted.
Should I eat before or after my treatment?
You should eat something light before your appointment but not arrive full. Some people experience temporary light-headedness during or after treatment. Fainting is rare, but more common in individuals with pre-existing low blood pressure. Low blood pressure is exacerbated by dehydration, fatigue and a busy digestive system! It is also recommended to empty the bladder before treatment.
How does it work?
1. The Western view: There are some interesting studies about acupuncture and pain management. From a scientific point of view acupuncture may stimulate local microcirculation and assist tissue healing as well as stimulating a natural analgesic (pain relief) effect. A recent study also found measurable changes in a protein linked to anxiety. Tight bands of muscle tension may be identified and released by direct treatment (sometimes called dry needling). Acupuncture is used for many conditions and studies are being published all the time with varying conclusions. Ethical and evidence-based practice requires that we set realistic treatment goals based on the available evidence base. For more information, the British Acupuncture Council provides factsheets for many conditions. See here for more info about current scientific evidence.
2. The Chinese view: Traditionally, acupuncture is a therapeutic prescription applied following a detailed consultation. Signs and symptoms are analysed using Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) theories and points are chosen to relieve immediate symptoms and address the underlying "pattern". Stimulating the circulation of 'qi' and 'Blood' through insertion of acupuncture needles into traditional points as well as "ashi" (tender spots and trigger points) reduces pain, nourishes the local tissue, and regulates body functions. Some work involves 'meridians', conceptual pathways. This metaphorical language is part of a traditional medical model that makes sense of health and illness according to its functions and devise strategies for restoring balanced health. A treatment strategy is then applied through acupuncture, moxibustion (heat) or a TDP heat lamp, cupping (cups are applied to increase blood flow and gently lengthen muscle in a local area). Lifestyle and self-help may be discussed.
Do I need to visit my GP as well?
Qualified medical advice should always be sought if you have symptoms which cause you concern. There is no substitute for proper medical tests to rule out a potentially serious condition.
What is Chinese cupping?
Glass or bamboo cups are placed on the skin having removed some of the oxygen with a lit taper. The sensation is a pleasant warming and pulling sensation as the muscles are gently lengthened and local circulation is stimulated. Oil can be applied to the skin for sliding cupping which stimulates a wider area. It's generally used for chronic tension but we have also seen it used in China for respiratory disorders too, and as an alternative to electroacupuncture. We love this treatment!
What is moxibustion?
Moxa for short, the mugwort herb is heated and applied to specific acupuncture points or to sore joints and muscles to gently warm the local area. Some practitioners use a heat lamp instead. In a shared space we generally use smokeless moxa which provides gentle warming without filling the room with smoke. It's used for 'tonifying' ie to gently stimulate key areas of the body, for some pain syndromes and is commonly used by midwifes in breech presentations. Occasionally moxa may be given to take home and use between treatments.
Is it safe?
Ethical and evidence-based practice requires that we are aware of risks and that you are informed of these. In 2001 a large survey in the UK found no major adverse events and a small number (a rate of 1.3 per 1,000 treatments) of minor adverse events (nausea, fainting, aggravation of symptoms, local pain at the site of needling). The survey concluded that in professionally trained hands, acupuncture is a safe therapy with minimal side effects.
What side effects do Belfast Community Acupuncture clients experience?
Mary and Emma are fully trained and professionally registered with the Acupuncture Foundation of Ireland (AFI). We would agree with the findings of the above survey. Additionally, cupping is usually a popular, pleasant and painless experience but can cause a little bruising which can last at least a couple of days. Please bear this in mind if you have social plans! In our experience fainting is extremely rate and usually related to pre-existing low blood pressure, easily avoidable by notifying your practitioner if you start to feel light-headed. A number of people experience drowsiness after treatment. Please bear this in mind if you are driving yourself. Occasionally, symptoms worsen after treatment but don't worry, this usually resolves to a more favourable outcome quickly, and the 'dose' can be adjusted to suit on subsequent treatments . We strongly encourage feedback of all reactions to treatment to your practitioner as this is useful information for you both to work with.
I'm still not sure?
We understand, we used to feel the same until we became acupuncture enthusiasts. Come along for a mini-treatment, just a de-stress or see what it feels like. You can try it out and we won't coerce you into coming back if you think it is not for you. If you have read this far, thanks for your patience and interest and we look forward to talking to you.
I'm ready to try acupuncture!
Book an appointment today
Download our welcome letter which contains valuable information about your first acupuncture treatment!
Does it hurt? We use a gentle technique so please don't worry!
Many people are apprehensive about their first acupuncture experience, perhaps associating it with childhood injections. In fact the needles are very different. Acupuncture needles are very thin, sterile and designed for single use. During your first treatment we will demonstrate gentle, pain-free acupuncture and when we have your trust and consent we will gently achieve "deqi". This is the desirable sensation that the needle has been "grasped" and you may feel a gentle tugging, slight soreness or heaviness around the needle. The sensation may propagate along the acupuncture pathways. Most people find the treatment relaxes them and relieves symptoms.
What happens during a treatment? The start of a new journey...
For your first treatment you will need extra time to discuss your case in detail. You should allow up to an hour. Your practitioner will ask many questions, and will usually look at your tongue and assess the pulse. Typically there are many signs and symptoms providing a holistic picture. Your main complaint is considered within the context of this overall picture, or "pattern". There are then many acupuncture points, which can be chosen, over 300 are documented! But a good practitioner chooses an 'elegant' combination, achieving the maximum results with the fewest needles. In some acute injuries, the consultation will typically be shorter but there may be more time spent on a physical exam. Follow up treatments will typically involve about 20 minutes with your practitioner and 20 minutes relaxing into the treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
What is the difference between Community Acupuncture clinics and other clinics?
Most clinics offer a 1-2-1 treatment with prices varying from £30 to £100. The costs are designed to absorb business overheads depending on location, rent and so on. Community Acupuncture is a new arrival in the UK and Ireland. In a low cost Community Clinic, a number of beds are set up in one room, with privacy screens between each bed and after the private consultation the practitioner will move from bed to bed. If you wish to further discuss your treatment in a private room, please let us know. All information is confidential, between you and your practitioner. The idea is that if a number of people can be treated at the same time, the costs can be shared and the prices dropped. We offer this style of treatment because we are passionate about equality of access to healthcare services. We are very excited to be the first clinic of this kind in Northern Ireland.
How much does it cost?
What should I wear?
Please wear loose comfortable clothing. You may need to roll sleeves or legs up. If it is necessary to remove clothing, blankets will be provided.
Is there anything I should tell you?
We will try to cover everything in the consultation but it is a good idea to tell us about any significant medical history, if you have ever had a fit or are prone to fainting. If you can, bring a list of medication, inform us of any allergies and if you have a clotting disorder or are taking blood thinners such as warfarin. Please tell us if you have a pacemaker fitted.
Should I eat before or after my treatment?
You should eat something light before your appointment but not arrive full. Some people experience temporary light-headedness during or after treatment. Fainting is rare, but more common in individuals with pre-existing low blood pressure. Low blood pressure is exacerbated by dehydration, fatigue and a busy digestive system! It is also recommended to empty the bladder before treatment.
How does it work?
1. The Western view: There are some interesting studies about acupuncture and pain management. From a scientific point of view acupuncture may stimulate local microcirculation and assist tissue healing as well as stimulating a natural analgesic (pain relief) effect. A recent study also found measurable changes in a protein linked to anxiety. Tight bands of muscle tension may be identified and released by direct treatment (sometimes called dry needling). Acupuncture is used for many conditions and studies are being published all the time with varying conclusions. Ethical and evidence-based practice requires that we set realistic treatment goals based on the available evidence base. For more information, the British Acupuncture Council provides factsheets for many conditions. See here for more info about current scientific evidence.
2. The Chinese view: Traditionally, acupuncture is a therapeutic prescription applied following a detailed consultation. Signs and symptoms are analysed using Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) theories and points are chosen to relieve immediate symptoms and address the underlying "pattern". Stimulating the circulation of 'qi' and 'Blood' through insertion of acupuncture needles into traditional points as well as "ashi" (tender spots and trigger points) reduces pain, nourishes the local tissue, and regulates body functions. Some work involves 'meridians', conceptual pathways. This metaphorical language is part of a traditional medical model that makes sense of health and illness according to its functions and devise strategies for restoring balanced health. A treatment strategy is then applied through acupuncture, moxibustion (heat) or a TDP heat lamp, cupping (cups are applied to increase blood flow and gently lengthen muscle in a local area). Lifestyle and self-help may be discussed.
Do I need to visit my GP as well?
Qualified medical advice should always be sought if you have symptoms which cause you concern. There is no substitute for proper medical tests to rule out a potentially serious condition.
What is Chinese cupping?
Glass or bamboo cups are placed on the skin having removed some of the oxygen with a lit taper. The sensation is a pleasant warming and pulling sensation as the muscles are gently lengthened and local circulation is stimulated. Oil can be applied to the skin for sliding cupping which stimulates a wider area. It's generally used for chronic tension but we have also seen it used in China for respiratory disorders too, and as an alternative to electroacupuncture. We love this treatment!
What is moxibustion?
Moxa for short, the mugwort herb is heated and applied to specific acupuncture points or to sore joints and muscles to gently warm the local area. Some practitioners use a heat lamp instead. In a shared space we generally use smokeless moxa which provides gentle warming without filling the room with smoke. It's used for 'tonifying' ie to gently stimulate key areas of the body, for some pain syndromes and is commonly used by midwifes in breech presentations. Occasionally moxa may be given to take home and use between treatments.
Is it safe?
Ethical and evidence-based practice requires that we are aware of risks and that you are informed of these. In 2001 a large survey in the UK found no major adverse events and a small number (a rate of 1.3 per 1,000 treatments) of minor adverse events (nausea, fainting, aggravation of symptoms, local pain at the site of needling). The survey concluded that in professionally trained hands, acupuncture is a safe therapy with minimal side effects.
What side effects do Belfast Community Acupuncture clients experience?
Mary and Emma are fully trained and professionally registered with the Acupuncture Foundation of Ireland (AFI). We would agree with the findings of the above survey. Additionally, cupping is usually a popular, pleasant and painless experience but can cause a little bruising which can last at least a couple of days. Please bear this in mind if you have social plans! In our experience fainting is extremely rate and usually related to pre-existing low blood pressure, easily avoidable by notifying your practitioner if you start to feel light-headed. A number of people experience drowsiness after treatment. Please bear this in mind if you are driving yourself. Occasionally, symptoms worsen after treatment but don't worry, this usually resolves to a more favourable outcome quickly, and the 'dose' can be adjusted to suit on subsequent treatments . We strongly encourage feedback of all reactions to treatment to your practitioner as this is useful information for you both to work with.
I'm still not sure?
We understand, we used to feel the same until we became acupuncture enthusiasts. Come along for a mini-treatment, just a de-stress or see what it feels like. You can try it out and we won't coerce you into coming back if you think it is not for you. If you have read this far, thanks for your patience and interest and we look forward to talking to you.
I'm ready to try acupuncture!
Book an appointment today
Download our welcome letter which contains valuable information about your first acupuncture treatment!