The ICOM Community Acupuncture Project was set up by Elio Basagni in 2010 to enable patients to access more affordable Acupuncture treatments. In 2024 we are expanding this low-cost multibed clinic with an additional clinic running weekly on Saturdays by Gillian Hamann and Laima Kvedaravičienė, both of whom trained at ICOM. Booking is now open for appointments available from 6 July.
Many health issues ideally require a course of acupuncture treatments, but this can be prohibitively expensive, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis. The purpose of this new clinic is to enable more patients to access affordable treatment on a regular basis.
The origins of the multibed clinic
In China, acupuncture is integrated into the national healthcare system. A patient is typically asked to come for one or two courses of daily treatments. They are generally treated within hospital wards or in rooms with several couches, and do not expect the one-to-one care that is usually offered during an acupuncture appointment in the UK. Treatment is intensive, possibly less personal, but affordable.
The following examples provide an insight into treatment frequency in China:
For menopausal symptoms (menstrual irregularities, hot flushes, irritability and insomnia): “Treatment was administered once daily, with eight treatments comprising one course of therapy .Three days rest was allowed between courses….By the end of the second course, all of the symptoms had basically disappeared…”
For allergic rhinitis: “Treatment was administered once daily…Twelve treatments comprised one course of therapy…After an intermission of five days, a second course of treatment was administered with the same set of points. Complete relief was obtained…”
Taken from Chen Jirui and Nissi Wang (eds) 1988, Acupuncture Case Histories from China, Eastland Press
While we cannot replicate the healthcare system as it is experienced in China, the multi-bed format is a pragmatic attempt to make acupuncture treatment more economical, and to encourage the uptake of regular appointments – in the hope that this will improve clinical outcomes and widen access to acupuncture.
What can you expect during an appointment?
The appointments will take place in the Mulberry room – a newly refurbished garden room in the grounds of Van Buren House. There will be up to 4 beds in the room, separated by screens to allow for some privacy.
All appointments will take an hour.
First Appointment
The first appointment for new patients will include the taking of a case history in a room in the main building. This allows the practitioner to gather all relevant details, and for the patient to share any information without being overheard. The actual needling will always take place in the Mulberry room. The practitioner will stay with the patient for the duration of the first appointment.
Subsequent Appointments
Subsequent appointments will take place in the Mulberry room. The practitioner will ask for a quick update on symptoms and will quickly move on to administering the treatment. The practitioner will leave the needles in place for around 20 minutes. During that time the practitioner may be checking on and treating other patients.
Most of the acupuncture points will be on the lower arms and legs, head and ears. For some conditions, points on the abdomen will also be used. Patients should wear loose clothing to minimise any need to undress.
Patients should be aware that, while screens allow for a measure of privacy, other people in the room will be able to overhear conversation, and absolute privacy cannot be guaranteed.
Who is this kind of treatment suitable for?
This clinic format is particularly suited to conditions that are ongoing in nature and where frequency of treatment is key to symptom management. Examples include:
- Digestive complaints
- Gynaecological issues, such as irregular periods
- Menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes
- Anxiety or insomnia
- Headaches
- Seasonal allergies
- Side effects of medical treatment, such as peripheral neuropathy or nausea
- Discomfort associated with arthritic joints
It is less suitable for patients who need, or prefer, more intensive treatment including a period of massage or extensive moxibustion.
How much does it cost?
First appointments for new patients £45
Follow on appointments £30.
Multibed Clinic Practitioners
Gillian Hamann
Gillie sees acupuncture as complementary rather than alternative medicine and takes an active interest in conventional medical understandings of ill health.
Laima Kvedaravičienė
Laima has a particular interest in women’s health (menstruation issues, infertility, menopausal symptoms) as well as depression, anxiety and stress relief.