Why use Acupuncture?
- Simple, cost-effective and without adverse side effects.
- It enhances natural healing.
- Works well in conjunction with Western medicine.
- May provide relief for conditions not responsive to conventional therapies.
- Can reduce feelings of stress and produces a sense of calm and relaxation.
How does Acupuncture work?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, health is based on the balance or flow of energy or Qi (pronounced chee) in the body. This energy runs through the body along invisible lines called meridians. There are twelve main channels where energy flows in the body, each connected to an internal organ. When healthy, the body’s energy or Qi flows smoothly. When the energy is blocked or disrupted, illness, fatigue, and even disease can result. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine hair-like pre-sterilised disposable needles at specific points along these meridians, thus stimulating the release of energy or Qi and the body’s own healing ability. By releasing blocked energy, acupuncture effectively relieves pain, restores energy and improves individual health and wellbeing
What happens at my first Acupuncture session?
Acupuncture offers health care that is centred on you as an individual. During the initial visit, information is taken about your medical and physical history, life situation etc which is confidential. This is a time for your concerns to be heard and understood. Acupuncture does not separate the mind and body, and looks at everything about a person, including lifestyle and stresses as well as symptoms. This allows me to develop a treatment plan for your specific needs. During a treatment, the practitioner inserts the needles and then lets you relax for 20 minutes. Most people find the treatment very relaxing and may even fall asleep.
How long do I have to have treatment for?
The speed and rate of individual recovery depends on the length of time the individual has the injury or illness, its severity, and the individual’s constitutional strength. However, experience does indicate that chronic and acute problems benefit greatly from acupuncture. The benefits of Acupuncture treatment is cumulative. Some patients may notice some improvement after the first treatment which continues with further treatment. Further advice on this will be given during your initial consultation.
Will Acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid and hair-thin, unlike injection needles. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Once the needle has been inserted, the therapist will then stimulate the needle to activate the point, this affect can vary from, numbness, tingling, heaviness, radiating sensation. After the needles are inserted you will probably be unaware that they are there and most people find the treatment a very relaxing experience both physically and mentally
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist . The Acupuncture needles are factory Sterilised and come in sealed packs, for single use and disposed of in a sharps bin after been used.
What should I wear during treatment.
We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy adjustment for accessing necessary parts of your body during the treatment. E.g. Pants that are easy to pull up above your knees, and a top that is easy to get above your elbow. If coming from work you can bring change of clothes with you.
What should I do before and after treatment.
Try to ensure you have eaten something light within two hours before treatment and try to avoid drinking coffee or alcohol just before treatment. After treatment try to avoid any strenuous activity, drink some water and again eat something light within two hours after treatment.
Is Acupuncture approved by Health insurance or Tax relief?
Currently VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish life Health, HSF and Garda Medical insurance cover Acupuncture by registered Acupuncturists. I do however recommend that you check with your insurance company prior to starting treatment to confirm that your individual policy includes cover for Acupuncture. Patients can also claim tax relief on a Med 1 form to Revenue.
What about Food?
According to TCM, foods have qualities that can be used therapeutically to balance internal Yin and Yang and have been promoted as the basis for maintaining health. From a Chinese perspective, it’s best not to focus on a lack of nutrients, but rather on the types of food we consume too much or too little of, and which will impair or disturb the balance within our bodies. Food, with its therapeutic attributes, is also medicine, and an unbalanced diet can be the origin of disease.
