Frequently Asked Questions

Setting Up an Appointment

To make an appointment simply call or text 085 734 9390 or email info@harmonydonegal.com

Before Acupuncture Treatment

Many commonly used acupuncture points are located on the lower arms and legs, so it is helpful to wear clothing that allows access to these areas. Try not to go for treatment on an empty stomach or after a heavy meal

Your First Treatment

During your first visit Elaine will gain a thorough understanding of your main complaint and general health. This involves asking questions about current symptoms and medical history. You might feel that some questions appear unrelated to your condition but it all helps to form a complete picture of your health and lifestyle. Elaine will take your pulse, examine your tongue and/or feel for areas of muscular tension or pain. As a quick note – it is important not to scrape or brush your tongue on the day of your treatment. Additionally, eating highly colored foods or drinking highly colored drinks (like orange soft drinks or coffee) will impede diagnosis.

The Treatment

Elaine will make a diagnosis and treatment plan then use very fine single-use pre-sterilised needles to stimulate specific acupuncture points on your body. Because energy meridians range across the whole body, the points used are not necessarily close to where you experience pain or discomfort. For example, if you suffer from headaches needles might be inserted in your foot or hand.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

No! Many people are put off having acupuncture because they think it will hurt. It doesn’t. The needles are tiny, incredibly fine – about the size of a few hairs on your head. Elaine uses the most high quality needles which are incredibly fine, smooth and painfree. The sensation is nothing like having an injection. It is a unique feeling often described as a dull ache which triggers feelings of calmness and tranquility. Most people find it very relaxing and drift off to sleep during treatment.

Techniques

As well as needling acupuncture points, other techniques may be used such as:

Cupping - Cupping is a popular treatment which uses glass cups applied to specific ares to offer relief, stimulate blood flow and ease tension.

Moxibustion - Heat is applied to an acupuncture point or meridian to warm muscles and Qi. It is also used to turn breeched babies.

Ear Acupuncture - Stimulation of ear points regulates the central nervous system.

Afterwards

Most people find acupuncture relaxing and feel calm after a treatment. You may feel a little tired so should ideally give yourself time to rest. Acupuncture has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting, such as bruising.

Elaine will probably discuss your future treatment options with you as well as providing you with lifestyle advice.

Frequency of treatments

Appointments are normally offered on a weekly basis, however, acute injuries/illnesses are more responsive the more often you are treated so Elaine may recommend more than 1 treatment per week. Patients are normally required to attend 1 course of treatments (1 course = 6 treatments, 1 treatment per week). After which, depending on the nature of the treatment, the frequency can be dropped to twice per month, or once per month. It is important to remember that each treatment builds on the previous one so consistency is key.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is based on ideas and theories formulated over thousands of years. Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into specific sites on the body chosen according to the guiding principles of Traditional Oriental Medicine. Needles may also be used with an application of moxibustion, an herbal heat source. Or sometimes, an electrical pulse is combined with the needles for increased stimulation. How and where the needles are inserted encourages the body to promote natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity, physical and emotional health and improves overall function and well-being. Acupuncture balances and maintains our health in a natural way.
As a system of medicine, acupuncture is over 2500 years old, and may have been practiced in China in a rudimentary form 5,000, even 7,000 years ago. The oldest continuously used medical textbook is the "Huang Di Nei Jing" ("Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic"). Still relevant today, this textbook remains a valuable reference on the theory, and on acupuncture techniques that practitioners still use today. The practice of acupuncture has evolved and changed in the last 2500 years - many new techniques have been developed, and continue to be developed today.

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

Absolutely not. There are numerous scientific studies conducted by the World Health Organisation confirming the efficacy of Acupuncture. Click http://www.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42414 for more

Cancelation Policy

24 hours notice is required when canceling appointments.