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Frequently Asked Questions - Acupuncture and TCM
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a medical system that is comprised of many different therapies – the most commonly know is acupuncture. Less known, but also part of TCM is: Tuina medical massage, cupping, moxibustion, medical qigong, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, medical exercises, etc. All of the therapies are based on the same theory and have been used for thousands of years in China.
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How much does an appointment cost?
The cost of an appointment varies for the different therapies - between 40€ and 60€. When booking the appointment you should discuss this with your practitioner.
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Do I have to sign up for a course of treatments?
No, you do not have to sign up for a course of treatments. At the end of the initial consultation and treatment your practitioner will discuss the best options for you and a follow up appointment will be arranged (if necessary).
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How many times do I need to come for treatment?
After the initial diagnosis your practitioner will advise you on a treatment plan and this will be reviewed at the end of each treatment. There are no set amount of treatments for any condition.
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How often do I need to come?
Having discussed with your practitioner if there is the need for further appointments, these are usually on a weekly basis (but this may vary from patient to patient).
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Will I see the same practitioner each time I come to the clinic?
Yes, it is the same as going to see you Family GP.
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Does the private health insurance cover acupuncture treatments?
The main health insurance providers in Ireland do offer cover for your acupuncture treatments. You need to check your own plan and see what cover you have. At the end of your appointment ask your practitioner for a receipt.
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Will I get a treatment on my first consultation?
Yes. Your first consultation is divided into: case history, diagnosis and treatment.
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What kind of treatment will I get?
After the diagnosis your practitioner will discuss and advise you on the treatment options and it depends on the individual what suitable therapy he or she is more comfortable with.
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Will it cost more if there are combined treatments in one session (e.g. acupuncture and tui na massage, tui na massage and cupping, etc)?
All fees should be discussed and agreed with your practitioner prior to the treatment. This can vary from practitioner to practitioner but in our clinics we charge by appointment, not by therapy (or therapies) used. If you are prescribed herbal medicine or external lotions, then there is a separate cost for these.
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How many needles will I have?
It depends on your condition. The strength/efficacy of the treatment does not depend on the number on needles used. On average, an acupuncture treatment involves the use of 8 to 12 needles – bearing in mind that everyone is different.
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Where are the needles inserted in the body?
There are over 300 acupuncture points in your body. Your practitioner will choose the most effective ones suitable for you.
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How long are the needles left for?
The average length of time is 20 minutes. Again, this is decided by the practitioner as everyone is different. For example, babies – up to 1 minute; children – normally, the number of minutes corresponds to the age; teenagers and adults – normally 20 minutes.
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Do the needles hurt?
In general they do not hurt. The more relaxed (not tense) the patient is, the less will he or she feel from the insertion of the needle(s). Once the needles are in it is not unusual for the person to feel slight tingling sensation or numbness, heaviness in the limbs, deep relaxation/sleepiness, etc. If you experience some uncomfortable sensations you should tell your practitioner straight away.
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Do I have to take off any of my clothes for any of the therapies?
Only if needed and as appropriate – even the tuina massage is done over a cotton sheet with the person fully clothed.
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Is my child to young to get treatment?
No - no one is too young nor too old to get TCM treatment.
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Can I make an appointment for someone else?
Yes, you can but it is always better if the person takes responsibility for their own health and makes the appointment themselves with the practitioner.
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I have my condition for a long time - is it too late to get treatments now?
No, it is never too late – TCM treatments will always be of some benefit to the well-being of the individual, irrespective of how long has it been there for and how serious it is.
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Is Chinese Medicine used only to treat disease?
No. Even though in our clinics TCM is used mainly to “treat a disease”, it can be used as a preventative medicine in order to strengthen your body and strengthen your immune system and therefore improve your well-being.
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Do I need to tell my Doctor or GP that I am getting TCM treatments?
It is always advisable that you inform any health practitioners that you are attending that you are receiving other health care therapies and/or medication. When coming to the TCM clinic, please inform your practitioner about possible medication that you might be taking at that time (including prescribed medicine, vitamins, supplements, etc.)
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What is Chinese herbal medicine?
Chinese Herbal Medicine uses different types of herbs that have certain properties and medicinal actions. Once combined, these herbs form a “prescription” and that can be taken in the form of a decoction where the raw herbs are cooked together or in pill form where the herbs are prepared together in a certain dosage and that then is prescribed appropriately by the practitioner. There are certain herbs that combined form ointments, cream, spray and powder for external use only.
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Do the Chinese herbal prescriptions interfere with other medication?
No. When prescribed by a qualified practitioner of TCM a full diagnosis will be made and your other medication will also be taken into consideration. A Chinese Herbal Prescription is made only of Chinese natural herbs - there are no chemicals or other substances added.
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What is tui na massage?
Tui na (pronounced “twee na”) is the medical massage of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is sometimes referred to as referred to as "acupressure" because the tuina practitioner uses the hands to press on key points on the surface of the body (along the Jing Luo – acupuncture channels – and acupuncture points) to stimulate the body’s own natural healing process. When these points are stimulated they release tension and increase the body’s circulation of Qì, Xuè (blood) and nutrients to bring about the body’s own natural healing process.
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Does the tui na massage hurt?
The tuina massage is very firm and particular areas of tension in the body may feel more tender to the touch. The treatment strength is always adjusted to the individual presenting in the clinic and during a tui na treatment there's always constant feedback between patient and practitioner to assess how the patient is feeling.
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How is tui na massage different from other massage therapies?
Tui Na is a medical treatment and as with all TCM treatments (i.e. acupuncture, herbal medicine, etc.) a full diagnosis will be done prior to the treatment itself. It doesn’t follow a ‘routine’ or a ‘structure’ nor it is ‘gentle’, ‘relaxing’, etc. Also, tui na is done over a cotton sheet with the person fully clothed – the only area of the body that you might need to expose are joints (to apply cream or indeed massage techniques) and/or the trauma or injury area.
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What is cupping therapy used for?
Cupping has the function of warming and promoting the free flow of Qi and Xuè (blood) in the body, dispelling cold dampness and diminishing swellings and pains. Cupping brings ‘fresh blood’ to the area that is worked on, so it tends to improve circulation. Most commonly, it is used for various kinds of aches and pains as well as respiratory problems, cough, wheezing, etc.
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What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a form of heat treatment with a slow burning herb called mugwort. This form of therapy is normally used with acupuncture where a small moxa cone can be placed on the needle which will in turn send the heath from the burning herb downwards into the body or where a moxa stick (in the shape of a cigar) is used to send the heat through the skin in particular points of the body or more commonly – used in a box with a mesh that keeps the moxa safely away from the skin but close enough to send as much heat as possible into the body. This box can also be placed over needles, if necessary.
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