Frequently Asked Questions

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

That depends on your individual condition and how well you respond to the treatment. With acute conditions you may start to feel the benefits after the first or second treatment and symptoms might start to clear up in a matter of a few weeks. Chronic and reoccurring conditions (like back pain or allergies) generally require more treatments/time and once your health has stabilized you may need top-up treatments every few months as a prevention. This is in keeping with one of the basic tenets of Chinese medicine that prevention is better than cure. 

SHOULD I STOP TAKING MY MEDICATION?

No, acupuncture and prescription medication can be used together. You can write down the list and dosage of medication your on while filling out your consultation form. The decision to prescribe medication is made by your GP and you should never change your medication regimen without consulting your GP and getting his/her agreement first. 

Many people seek acupuncture treatment because of dissatisfaction with medication, perhaps it doesn’t seem to be working or the side effects out way the benefits. You may begin to feel better after a few acupuncture treatments and feel less reliant on your medication, only then should you discuss with your GP about reducing dosages. Never discontinue prescribed medication without reviewing this with your GP.

IS IT SAFE AND DOES IT HURT?

Acupuncture needles aren’t much thicker than a human hair! You may experience a slight prick as the needle penetrates the skin, but this is a momentary experience. Most people would describe the feeling as virtually painless or no more painful than plucking out a hair. What happens after the needle is inserted is of much more importance and you must provide feedback on what you are feeling to your practitioner. Most people feel a dull ache, tingling or feeling of heaviness or numbness around the area where the needle is, occasionally a mild electrical pulsation radiating away from the site of the needle is felt. Reactions such as these to needling are of vital clinical importance to the Acupuncturist and signify that the body's qi, or vital energy, has been stimulated and the healing has begun. Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing and often fall into a deep sleep. 

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE AND AFTER MY TREATMENT?

Try not to have a large meal within an hour of your appointment as you may need to lie on your stomach and this could cause you some discomfort. You should also avoid alcohol and strong stimulants before and after a session. It is a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes so that the acupuncture points are easily accessible otherwise shorts/blankets are provided to cover you. You are likely to feel relaxed and calm after your treatment so try not to plan anything too strenuous directly after!

 WILL MY INSURANCE COVER MY TREATMENTS?

That depends upon your insurer. Acupuncture is on the rise with more private health companies willing to reimburse for treatments. If acupuncture is not listed under one of your benefits, I recommend enquiring with your health fund providers about how to gain coverage.  If your policy includes acupuncture, we will provide you with an insurance coded receipt that you may submit to your insurance company for full or part reimbursement. 

WHERE DO THE NEEDLES GO?

Needles are placed at specific acupuncture points on the body. Depending on the specific condition the needles are commonly placed at or below the elbows, and at or below the knees. Other common areas are on the back, abdomen and ears.

SHOULD I KEEP MY APPOINTMENT IF I'M SICK?

Yes. Acupuncture is highly effective for treating acute conditions, such as colds and flus, stomach viruses and headaches/migranes. Patients report immediate improvement in symptoms after acupuncture treatment and many patients call immediately to schedule a treatment when they first notice cold or flu symptoms to prevent it taking hold. So if you're sick, call your acupuncturist and make an appointment. If you have an appointment scheduled, keep it unless you don’t feel able to make the journey to the clinic.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY APPOINTMENT?

There is no problem and you won’t be charged if something comes up and you need to cancel your appointment. But if you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment time there is a late cancellation fee of €35 to cover costs.

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