Regain your balance to life

Are you suffering with musculoskeletal pain or migraine? Is neck or knee pain from arthritis limiting you? Acupuncture and lifestyle medicine management can help in your treatment plan for pain relief.

Struggling with Women’s health issues ? Acupuncture and lifestyle medicine management can be used to alleviate symptoms.

Would you prefer a natural approach to reduce the effects of ageing skin? Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture can promote and maintain a reduction in the signs of ageing.

About me

Dr. Maria McMahon
Dip. Ac
MBBCh BAO DCH MRCGP (2003)

Background

I undertook my training in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Acupuncture Foundation Ireland graduating in 2009 with Diploma in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture.

I have added Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture to my skills after undertaking training at Acuregen with Amanda Shayle (Vice Chair, The Acupuncture Society, Senior Lecturer, The College of Chinese Medicine).

I am also a medically qualified Doctor, graduating in 1998 from University of Dublin, Trinity College. I trained as a GP in Scotland, gaining my MRCGP exam in 2003, more recently working in northern Ireland as a locum GP.

I am Registered with the GMC.

I am registered with the British Medical Acupuncture Society. I have indemnity insurance with Balens.

I am an Accredited Level 2 EFT Practitioner registered with The EFT and Mindfulness Centre with indemnity insurance from Balens.

I have trained in Nutrigenomics with Lifecode GX.

Background cont.

I was introduced to Traditional Chinese Medicine while I was studying Medicine in Dublin.

I personally experienced the benefits of this treatment when I suffered with eczema and for IVF treatments as adjunctive therapy. More recently, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, I utilised acupuncture , EFT and nutrition, with other integrative modalities, to support myself through al aspects of the diagnosis and treatment, physically, mentally and emotionally.

I have a passion for using and integrative approach to health and targeting root causes in addition to current symptoms

While training and working as a doctor I felt that I could offer more support to patients if I could incorporate Traditional Acupuncture an other integrative therapies with Western Medical treatments.

I have a passion for Acupuncture and love treating patients and seeing improvements in their overall health with this approach. As it is an holistic approach I also review lifestyle and diet and discuss evidence based changes to lifestyle that can enhance your overall health and wellbeing.

To allow more in-depth understanding of how nutrition can improve our health and be personalised, I have completed training in Nutrigenomics in 2024 and now offer analysis and support on the areas where nutrition changes with food, and supplements where necessary, can optimise gene function, following Lifecode GX nutrigenomic testing. This allows a personalised approach to regaining control of your health.

#I was introduced to EFT ( Emotional Freedom Technique at an integrative medicine conference and completed my Level 2 training in this in 2023. This is a valuable tool that anyone can use to help with day to day anxiety, stress and overwhelm. Working with a practitioner can help provide you with the tools to help day to day but also with more significant psychological issues e.g. phobias, anxiety, living with chronic illness.

These modalities allow me to offer an integrative approach to address the root causes of disease and help current symptoms and reduce risk factors for future health.

As a medical doctor I also value that the evidence based published research has grown in recent years to evidence how acupuncture works in the body. This growth in research has allowed acupuncture to be incorporated into western medical guidelines such as the NICE ( National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines for Migraine.

I have a particular interest in treating people with cancer, musculoskeletal pain, chronic pain, migraine, mood related disorders and women’s health problems including pre pregnancy fertility support, menopause and menstrual disorders. This is not an exhaustive list and acupuncture treatment is available for a variety of conditions.

I provide healthcare in a different way. Call me today to find out about my approach and to book a visit.

Get in Touch

Services

Providing an integrative approach to health. Therapies and services can be combined.

Acupuncture

Cosmetic Acupuncture

EFT- Emotional Freedon Technique

Nutrigenomics

"I can safely say without exaggeration that Maria has changed my life over the course of my acupuncture treatments with my. While continuing my sessions I have been able to reduce nearly all my strong pain medications, I have noticed a massive reduction in pain levels, have so much more energy and have been able to enjoy my outdoor sports again. She is so knowledgeable and the fact that she is a GP is also reassuring for anyone nervous about trying a new style of treatment. Maria is empathetic and caring and will make you feel at ease from the moment you arrive at her clinic. I cannot recommend acupuncture and The Holywood Clinic of Acupuncture highly enough."

"Treatments at Holywood clinic of acupuncture have changed by life! Initially went to help with severe anxiety, and after a couple of treatments felt like a different person. Headaches gone, sleeping better, stomach pains away, feeling happier, calmer, more positive, no more anxiety! I've also had some acupuncture treatments for back pain and amazed as to how the pain just disappeared! Maria is fantastic, so friendly and professional. I don't think there is anything that she couldn't help with!"

"Excellent visit to Holywood Clinic of Acupuncture today. Maria saw me at very short notice and was extremely personable, professional and helpful. My particularly painful Achilles Tendon injuries are so much better after just one visit. The added bonus is knowing you are in safe hands with a medical doctor who clearly knows what she is doing! Great job! Thanks so much Maria!"

Testimonials

"After just 2 sessions, my twisted knee is significantly better. As well as this, my son’s eczema has dramatically improved after following Maria's advice. I cannot recommend Maria enough!"

Evidence Based Acupuncture

The Evidence Supporting Acupuncture Treatment

In the last 50 years the amount of published scientific work on acupuncture has been growing to evidence the effect and impact of acupuncture on various body functions.

The mechanisms underlying how acupuncture relieves pain have been extensively researched and show many biochemical and signalling pathways have been identified as playing a direct role in how acupuncture achieves its clinical effects.

Acupuncture analgesia shown to involve several classes of naturally produced opiod neuropeptides eg endorphins, enkephalins and nocioceptin and non-opiod neuropeptides eg Substance P and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and calcitonin gene related peptide
Initiation of Purinergic signalling process, a primitive system in the body using adenosine and ATP for signalling and regulation in all tissues and systems.
Spinal reflex effects- stimulating muscle relaxation and changes in visceral organs
Central nervous system actions - decreasing activity in limbic structures associated with stress and illness while improving regulation of hypothalamus, pituitary adrenal axis, primary system responsible for regulating hormones and physiological stress response.
Modulates parasympathetic nervous system activity associated with relaxation, digestion and tissue healing

Further links to Evidence Based Research into acupuncture can be found at the link below

https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture

Acupuncture taught using Traditional Chinese medicine is a holistic approach and focuses on diagnosing and treating the root cause of the condition not just the individual symptoms. This means it is specific to each patient and if 2 people presented with the same symptom eg headache or joint pains, they would likely have different treatments/points used.

Traditional acupuncturists believe that the underlying principle of treatment is that illness and pain occur when the body's qi, or vital energy, cannot flow freely. There can be many reasons for this; emotional and physical stress, poor nutrition, infection or injury are among the most common. By inserting ultra-fine sterile needles into specific acupuncture points, a traditional acupuncturist seeks to re-establish the free flow of qi to restore balance and trigger the body's natural healing response.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine pre-sterilised single use needles to stimulate specific points on the body.

A treatment may also involve other therapies if indicated for that treatment prescription eg Moxibustion, Heat lamp or Cupping.

Moxibustion:
A herb called moxa used to warm region or acupuncture points to stimulate circulation and increase energy, especially good for chronic conditions

Cupping:
Warm suction to improve circulation, stimulate digestive system, help to activate lymphatic system and to release toxins

Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture

Aguregen
'Feel Loved. Look Loved'

The Acuregen Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture approach is the use of traditional Chinese medicine theory and techniques to enhance wellbeing and lifestyle, in order to promote and maintain a reduction in the signs of ageing.

A combination of facial, auricular (ear) and body acupuncture is used in each treatment to not only provide a cosmetic effect but also treat any underlying pathology from the TCM perspective.

Tightening of skin and replenishment of lost superficial collagen and elastin is achievable with cosmetic acupuncture and collagen enhancement treatments. With needling of the skin there is an electrical depolarisation in the tissue, activating acellular activity, known as a healing cascade, which produces collagen and elastin from the fibroblasts. Collagen and elastin are the structures of the skin that maintain both elasticity and firmness.

Benefits:

Reduces open pores and scar tissue
Reduces puffy eyes, face , throat and body
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Gives the complexion a fresher glow due to increased circulation
Lifts and tones sagging muscles and skin
Improved sleep. relaxation and many more health benefits

I provide healthcare in a different way. Call me today to find out about my approach and to book a visit.

Get in Touch

Common Queries

What Health problems can Acupuncture be useful for?

Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on collections of symptoms and treating the root cause. Chinese medicine is an entire healthcare system in its own right and possible uses are very wide.

NICE includes Acupuncture as a treatment for Migraine.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg150/chapter/Recommendations#management-2

A growing body of evidence-based clinical research is discovering how the body responds to acupuncture and its benefits for a wide range of common health conditions. A lot of people have acupuncture to relieve specific aches and pains, such as osteoarthritis of the knee, TMJ, headaches and low back pain,

or for common health problems like an overactive bladder. Other people choose acupuncture when they can feel their bodily functions are out of balance, but they have no obvious diagnosis. And many have regular treatments because they find it so beneficial and relaxing.

( British Acupuncture Council)

For an up to date information on what can be treated with chinese medicine please refer to the British Acupuncture Council website:

https://www.acupuncture.org.uk/category/a-to-z-of-conditions/a-to-z-of-conditions.html

What will my first session be like?

Initial treatments typically last for 90 minutes and follow up appointment 60 minutes.

The initial session involves us talking over your initial presenting problem in addition to asking questions about all areas of body function eg gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, skin and, for females, menstrual history. Also emotional and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise are reviewed.

As an acupuncturist I look at the tongue and take the pulse to form an overall picture of your health and individual pathology. I may also palpate for areas of muscular tension or pain. This full history and exam technique allows practitioners to undercover and treat the root cause of the presenting symptoms.

Due to the TCM approach, many commonly used acupuncture points are on the lower legs or arms and not only at the site of the symptom eg back or head. It is therefore helpful to wear loose fitting clothing when attending for acupuncture treatment.

You will typically lie with the needles in place for 30 minutes during which time most patients find they are very relaxed and some may sleep.

Following the treatment most patients can feel tireder than normal for the remainder of the day.

Can children have acupuncture?

Yes, children can benefit from acupuncture.
Needles may be inserted and either immediately removed or retained for up to a few minute depending on the condition being treated and the maturity of the child. Other therapies such as moxa or laser acupuncture can be used.

Special precautions for Acupuncture treatment?

Please tell me:

if you are pregnant. There are specific acupuncture points that we avoid in Pregnancy.
if you are taking blood thinner medications eg Warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel etc. You may experience more bleeding or bruising with treatment but you can still safely have acupuncture treatment.
if you have a pacemaker. We do not use electroacupuncture in patients with pacemakers.

Can I still have Cosmetic facial acupunture if I have had Botox or Fillers in the past?

Yes, you can however it recommended that you do not have acupuncture in the same area of treatment for 3-6 months.

Emotional Freedom Technique

EFT Tapping

What is EFT?

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as "tapping," is a form of psychological acupressure that involves tapping on specific points on the body while focusing on negative emotions, thoughts, or physical discomfort. It's a therapeutic method that combines elements of cognitive therapy and exposure therapy with acupressure, and it's often used to reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional distress.

What can EFT be used for?

• Fears or Phobias (flying, heights, water….)
• Addictions and cravings
• Stress/Anxiety/Trauma
• Relationship problems
• Physical pain (from headaches to cancer pain)
• Allergies & Sensitiveness
• Self Image/Confidence/Performance issues
• Disordered eating
• Chronic Illness (CFS, fibromyalgia, arthritis, etc)
• Other (tinnitus, phantom pain)
• Suitable for Adults and Children

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Nutrigenomics Overview

Nutrigenomics studies how food interacts with our genes, revealing how specific nutrients can activate or deactivate certain genes, influencing health and disease risk.

Each person's genetic makeup is unique, leading to different responses to the same foods.

Using nutrigenomics tests allows for a deeper understanding of disease root causes and helps create personalized health optimization plans tailored to individual biochemistry and genetics.

Lifecode Gx

Lifecode Gx® is a personal health company that utilises genomics to promote a preventative and personalized approach to health. Our unique genetic variations can significantly impact our well-being. Chronic diseases often arise from the interaction between multiple genetic variants (SNPs) and environmental factors.

Lifecode Gx® offers specialized nutrigenomics DNA test panels that help mitigate inherited health risks through tailored nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Results are presented alongside environmental factors like sleep, stress, and physical activity. The color-coded pathway diagrams provide clear visual summaries and detailed insights, enabling a holistic understanding of your results and effective lifestyle recommendations.

Applying Nutrigenomics to Your Diet and Lifestyle

To apply nutrigenomics to your diet and lifestyle it’s essential to understand your genetic profile and adjust your food choices accordingly.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Attend an online or in-person consultation with me to discuss your health concerns and medical history

2. Purchase a DNA package from Holywood Clinic of Acupuncture.

3. Receive your test kit at home.

4. Complete a non-invasive oral swab sample and return it to Lifecode Gx in the UK for analysis.

5. Results will be ready in 2-3 weeks.

6. I will analyze your Lifecode Gx report and schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss key findings and recommendations for supporting your genes with nutrition and lifestyle adjustments.

7. Holywood Clinic of Acupuncture will send you the full report of your DNA results with a written interpretation.

Please contact me for further details and prices.

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