What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a medical system discovered over 4000 years ago that is used to diagnose and treat illness, to prevent disease, to alleviate and eliminate pain and to improve our total well-being.

Chinese medicine discovered that by inserting very fine needles in special points along specific energy pathways (called meridians) in the body, it is possible to release blockages or stagnation in this vital energy system, thereby restoring maximum health throughout the entire person – body, mind and spirit.

Acupuncture can be safely used alone or in combination with Western medicine or other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The number of treatments required is unique to the individual and chronic conditions will naturally take longer than acute conditions.

What Medical Conditions can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. It is believed that when needles are applied to the relevant acupuncture points this makes the body release endorphins that promote healing and well-being.

It can help GREATLY with many problems including, for example:

• Digestion,  IBS
• Sinusitis, asthma, hay-fever,
• Painful joints: knees; elbows; back, neck, shoulder, MS, ME etc.
• Emotional problems, depression, anxiety
• Headaches, migraine
• Fertility problems – male and female
  • Menstrual and menopausal problems
  • Stress and tension
  • Libido problems
  • Etc.

What Happens During an Acupuncture Session?

On your first visit to an acupuncturist you will be examined to evaluate your general level of health and to determine the appropriate therapy to be applied. The acupuncturist will ask about any symptoms or difficulties that you are experiencing, your medical background, dietary habits, sleeping habits and any other treatments that you have undergone. It is likely that your acupuncturist will take your pulse and examine your tongue for colour and any coating that might exist.

These preliminary inquiries and examinations permit the acupuncturist to determine which meridians, or energy pathways, should be focussed upon and addressed. The therapist will then insert the acupuncture needles into the appropriate – depending on your condition – acupoints. The needles are very fine and patients should not experience any significant discomfort.

What other therapies can be used with Acupuncture?

An acupuncture treatment may include other TCM therapies, such as, Moxibustion, Cupping,  Ear Acupuncture,

Moxibustion (known as “Moxa”, for short): is a heat therapy that has been combined for centuries with acupuncture. Mugwort plant leaves are used to conduct heat into the muscles and areas of pain or discomfort in the body. This induces the smooth flow of Qi (“vital energy”) and Blood.

Cupping: Cups which create a vacuum can be applied to the skin to draw new blood and Qi (“vital energy”) into the affected area, thereby improving the condition and the person’s circulation. Cupping is often used with acupuncture.

Auricular Acupuncture:  is also known as Ear Acupuncture. The outer ear has over 200 acupuncture points which can treat conditions all over the body, especially pain and cigarette addiction. Small needles can be inserted into a number of these points during a normal acupuncture treatment and ‘tack’ needles may be retained to prolong the treatment.

Acupuncture can also be combined with :

(a) Shiatsu

(b) Reiki

(c) Massage

If the treatment is combined with Reiki this will be during the needle time or if with massage, the client generally receives this at the end of the acupuncture treatment.

(d) Dietary & Lifestyle Advice:

Recommendations regarding a change or improvement in a person’s diet or lifestyle can affect a person’s health in a positive way. Knowing what is best to eat and how making even the most subtle of changes to one’s lifestyle can often result in a significant improvement to a person’s health and quality of life.

For more information, to arrange a personal assessment or to make an appointment at my Dun Laoghaire or Fairview clinics, please feel free to contact me.