Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a major part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which also includes Herbal Medicine, Moxibustion (treatment by application of heat), Exercise and Massage. Use of Acupuncture can be traced back to over 4000 years.
Chinese Medicine seeks to treat the whole person. The life force or vital energy is called Qi or Chi and if flows in certain pathways throughout the body. These pathways are called meridians and it is upon the surface meridians that the acupuncture points are located. The activation of certain points effects changes in the body function. Much research shows that acupuncture causes a release of endorphins, the body’s naturally produced painkillers. Research also indicates that acupuncture causes beneficial effects to the body’s immune and endocrine systems. An Acupuncturist uses extremely fine sterilised disposable surgical steel needles, heat or massage to activate the acupuncture points.
What can Acupuncture treat?
For a list of areas where acupuncture is used, please click here.
What are the benefits of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a major part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which also includes Herbal Medicine, Moxibustion (treatment by application of heat), Exercise and Massage. Use of Acupuncture can be traced back to over 4000 years.
Chinese Medicine seeks to treat the whole person. The life force or vital energy is called Qi or Chi and if flows in certain pathways throughout the body. These pathways are called meridians and it is upon the surface meridians that the acupuncture points are located. The activation of certain points effects changes in the body function. Much research shows that acupuncture causes a release of endorphins, the body’s naturally produced painkillers. Research also indicates that acupuncture causes beneficial effects to the body’s immune and endocrine systems. An Acupuncturist uses extremely fine sterilised disposable surgical steel needles, heat or massage to activate the acupuncture points.
What can Acupuncture treat?
For a list of areas where acupuncture is used, please click here.
What are the benefits of Acupuncture?
- A healing response
- Corrects the natural balance between the physical, emotional and spiritual
- Clears inflammation and congestion
- Stops pain
- Improves circulation
What can I Expect?
On your first visit, the acupuncturist will need to take a detailed case history which takes into account the patient’s life-style, diet, emotional state, medical history as well as their presenting symptoms. Formulating a diagnosis is based on questioning, observation and an examination of the pulse and tongue which are highly diagnostic developed techniques in Acupuncture.
The practitioner will design a treatment plan to meet the needs of the individual. Most patients find acupuncture painless. They describe the treatment itself as calming and relaxing. Many people find when they begin a course of acupuncture treatment they experience positive changes in their overall state of health. They may for instance find that they sleep better, feel more relaxed and have a more positive outlook. These positive signs are an indication of improved energy balance.
Is Acupuncture safe?
Member’s of the Association of Irish Acupuncturist’s are bound by a strict code of Clinical Practice. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment when performed by a well trained, conscientious practitioner who uses single use, sterile, disposable needles.
During pregnancy certain acupuncture points need to be avoided therefore please advise your acupuncturist if you are or maybe pregnant.
Research has shown that acupuncture is very safe and effective in the treatment of morning sickness etc.
On your first visit, the acupuncturist will need to take a detailed case history which takes into account the patient’s life-style, diet, emotional state, medical history as well as their presenting symptoms. Formulating a diagnosis is based on questioning, observation and an examination of the pulse and tongue which are highly diagnostic developed techniques in Acupuncture.
The practitioner will design a treatment plan to meet the needs of the individual. Most patients find acupuncture painless. They describe the treatment itself as calming and relaxing. Many people find when they begin a course of acupuncture treatment they experience positive changes in their overall state of health. They may for instance find that they sleep better, feel more relaxed and have a more positive outlook. These positive signs are an indication of improved energy balance.
Is Acupuncture safe?
Member’s of the Association of Irish Acupuncturist’s are bound by a strict code of Clinical Practice. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment when performed by a well trained, conscientious practitioner who uses single use, sterile, disposable needles.
During pregnancy certain acupuncture points need to be avoided therefore please advise your acupuncturist if you are or maybe pregnant.
Research has shown that acupuncture is very safe and effective in the treatment of morning sickness etc.
How will I feel after my Acupuncture treatment?
Most people would describe the treatment itself as relaxing and calming. Sometimes 24 to 48 hours after treatment some people will experience slight mood changes as well as physiological changes such as changes in bowel and bladder function. In some cases a person’s symptoms may become temporarily worse and this usually indicates to the acupuncturist that the body is responding to treatment. If you have any concerns please bring these to the attention of your practitioner. While you may begin to feel better after several acupuncture treatments and feel that you are less reliant on your medication, never discontinue prescribed medication without reviewing this with your G.P.
Have There Been Any Modern Developments?
The research output from North America is prolific and some excellent work has been done much of which re-emphasizes that acupuncture is an effective form of therapy for many conditions especially pain. Over the last twenty years the West has developed a great deal of technological hardware which is now being applied to the field of acupuncture such as laser and electro-acupuncture.
Please contact me if you have any further questions using the details below.
Most people would describe the treatment itself as relaxing and calming. Sometimes 24 to 48 hours after treatment some people will experience slight mood changes as well as physiological changes such as changes in bowel and bladder function. In some cases a person’s symptoms may become temporarily worse and this usually indicates to the acupuncturist that the body is responding to treatment. If you have any concerns please bring these to the attention of your practitioner. While you may begin to feel better after several acupuncture treatments and feel that you are less reliant on your medication, never discontinue prescribed medication without reviewing this with your G.P.
Have There Been Any Modern Developments?
The research output from North America is prolific and some excellent work has been done much of which re-emphasizes that acupuncture is an effective form of therapy for many conditions especially pain. Over the last twenty years the West has developed a great deal of technological hardware which is now being applied to the field of acupuncture such as laser and electro-acupuncture.
Please contact me if you have any further questions using the details below.
