Discover the Benefits of Multibed Acupuncture Clinics for Affordable and Effective Health Care

Acupuncture has long been a staple of traditional Chinese medicine, offering a natural approach to healing various physical and mental ailments. With its roots deeply embedded in ancient practices, acupuncture has become an increasingly popular alternative to modern medicine. One innovative approach to making acupuncture more accessible and affordable is the multibed clinic format. This model, inspired by the healthcare system in China, allows for the delivery of intensive yet cost-effective treatment in a communal setting. If you’re considering acupuncture or looking for a more budget-friendly option, a multibed clinic might be the perfect solution for you.

The Origins of the Multibed Clinic

In China, acupuncture is integrated into the national healthcare system, where patients often receive treatment in hospital wards or rooms with multiple beds. Unlike the private one-on-one sessions commonly seen in countries like the UK, this model offers a more communal experience that prioritises affordability and accessibility. Treatment in China is typically intensive, with patients attending daily sessions for several weeks, which can lead to impressive health improvements.

For instance, menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and insomnia are often treated with courses of daily acupuncture sessions, with patients experiencing significant relief after just a couple of courses. Similarly, conditions like allergic rhinitis are treated with multiple daily sessions, often resulting in complete symptom relief. This frequency and intensity of treatment is made possible by the multibed clinic model, which encourages regular appointments at a fraction of the cost of private sessions.

While replicating China’s healthcare system exactly is not feasible in many countries, adopting a multibed format can help provide a similar level of care. By offering treatments in a shared space, practitioners can see more patients, making acupuncture more accessible and affordable.

What to Expect During a Multibed Acupuncture Appointment

When you book an appointment at a multibed acupuncture clinic, you’ll find a welcoming environment designed to maximise comfort and efficiency. At the ICOM Acupuncture Clinic in East Grinstead, for example, treatments are held in the Mulberry Room—a newly refurbished garden room featuring four beds separated by screens for privacy.

First Appointment

Your initial visit will begin with a private consultation in a separate room to discuss your medical history and specific needs. This one-on-one interaction ensures that your practitioner fully understands your health concerns before starting treatment. Once this is complete, you’ll move to the Mulberry Room for the acupuncture session itself, where the practitioner will stay with you throughout.

Subsequent Appointments

Follow-up appointments are held in the communal Mulberry Room, where your practitioner will ask for a brief update on your symptoms before administering the treatment. The needles are typically left in place for about 20 minutes while the practitioner attends to other patients in the room. Although the screens provide some privacy, it’s important to be aware that complete privacy cannot be guaranteed.

Most acupuncture points used in these sessions are located on the lower arms, legs, head, and ears, though points on the abdomen may also be used for certain conditions. Wearing loose clothing will help ensure you remain comfortable during treatment.

Who Can Benefit from Multibed Acupuncture?

Multibed acupuncture clinics are especially suitable for individuals with chronic or ongoing conditions that require frequent treatments. Some of the conditions that can be effectively managed with regular acupuncture sessions include:

• Digestive complaints
• Gynaecological issues, such as irregular periods
• Menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes
• Anxiety or insomnia
• Headaches
• Seasonal allergies
• Side effects of medical treatments, such as peripheral neuropathy or nausea
• Discomfort from arthritic joints

This clinic format might be less suitable for those who require intensive one-on-one care, such as extended massage or moxibustion sessions. However, for many patients, the communal setting and reduced cost make multibed acupuncture an attractive option.

Cost of Treatment

Affordability is one of the key advantages of multibed acupuncture clinics. At the ICOM Acupuncture Clinic, the cost for new patients is £45 for the first appointment, with follow-up sessions priced at £30. This pricing structure enables patients to access regular treatments without the financial burden typically associated with private acupuncture sessions.

Practitioners at the ICOM Multibed Clinic

The ICOM Community Acupuncture Project, established in 2010 by Elio Basagni, aims to provide affordable acupuncture treatments to a wider audience. The clinic is staffed by skilled practitioners like Gillian Hamann and Laima Kvedaravičienė, both trained at the International College of Oriental Medicine (ICOM).

Gillian Hamann

Gillian, a first-class licentiate graduate from ICOM, combines her work at ICOM with clinics at the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre and the MacMillan Centre. She views acupuncture as a complementary medicine that can work alongside conventional treatments to address conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and menopausal symptoms without the side effects often associated with medication.

Laima Kvedaravičienė

Laima holds a Professional Acupuncture Licentiate and is certified by the British Acupuncture Council. Her approach blends Traditional Chinese Medicine with Five Element and Classical Stems and Branches techniques to create tailored treatments for each patient. Laima is passionate about supporting women’s health and addressing conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress through acupuncture.

Both practitioners are available on Saturdays in the Community Multibed Acupuncture Clinic.

Why Choose a Multibed Clinic for Your Treatment Plan?

Opting for a multibed acupuncture clinic offers numerous benefits, including affordability, accessibility, and the opportunity for frequent treatment sessions. This model is particularly well-suited for managing chronic conditions and improving overall well-being. By embracing this approach, you can experience the healing power of acupuncture without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re seeking relief from specific symptoms or looking to enhance your overall health, booking an acupuncture session at a multibed clinic could be the perfect addition to your wellness routine. To schedule an appointment at the ICOM Acupuncture Clinic, call 01342 313106 or book online at Acupuncture East Grinstead.

Take the first step towards better health and well-being by exploring the benefits of multibed acupuncture today!