+ What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture belongs to a system of medicine called Traditional Chinese medicine that originated 2000 years ago. It promotes the body, mind and spirit to re-balance and self-heal. This is achieved by inserting tiny needles and sometimes applying heat, suction or an electrical stimulation at precise acupuncture points.

+ What are the principles of Integrative Medicine?

• Patient and practitioner are partners in the healing process.
• All factors that influence health, wellness, and disease are taken into consideration, including mind, spirit, and community, as well as the body.
• Appropriate use of both conventional and alternative methods facilitates the body's innate healing response.
• Effective interventions that are natural and less invasive should be used whenever possible.
• Integrative medicine neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative therapies uncritically.
• Good medicine is based in good science. It is inquiry-driven and open to new paradigms.
• Alongside the concept of treatment, the broader concepts of health promotion and the prevention of illness are paramount.
• Practitioners of integrative medicine should exemplify its principles and commit themselves to self-exploration and self-development.

+ What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture is a system of medicine that can help in, preventing illness and promoting health and well-being. Acupuncture can successfully treat conditions ranging from back pain, neck pain, nausea, migraine headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility.

+ How Does Acupuncture Work?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy are mapped all over the body. These channels are called meridians and they have governance over our bodily functions and thoughts. The meridians are filled with ‘Qi ‘which is a vital life-force. ‘Qi’ can be measured as a minute electrical voltage. We are full of vitality when ‘Qi’ is balanced and reaching all parts of our bodies and minds. When ‘Qi’ is deficient, we experience symptoms such as tiredness and sadness. When ‘Qi’ is in excess, we can experience symptoms such as pain and anger. Scientists have proven that the insertion of needles causes the body to release Nitric Oxide into the bloodstream which has pain relieving and inflammation reducing qualities. Acupuncture is holistic which means your registered acupuncturist looks at you as a whole, examining all the factors in your life that contribute or detract from a healthy lifestyle.

+ Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is extremely safe especially when it is practiced by a properly qualified practitioner. All needles are sterile and only used once. I am registered with the acupuncture council of Ireland and fully insured for your peace of mind.

+ Does it Hurt?

Acupuncture needles are much finer than those used for injections and are relatively painless when piercing the skin. Some people experience tingling sensations when the needle hits the precise acupuncture point which is a positive sign.

+ How Do I Know Where You Will Put The Needles?

Depending on your presenting complaint, some needles will be located near your injury and others further from the injury. Arms and legs are common areas for needles. I will do a complete assessment prior to any insertions. Expect some unusual questions about your habits and lifestyle and be prepared to stick out your tongue. Tongue diagnosis and pulse taking are a fundamental part of diagnosis in Traditional Chinese medicine.

+ How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Long standing conditions or injuries might take longer to heal than a recent headache. The body needs time to assimilate each treatment. Each treatment builds on the next treatment. The space between each treatment affects healing time also. Usually noticeable improvement is observed after 3-4 treatments.

+ How Should I Prepare For A Treatment?

Wear some loose comfortable clothing and/or bring some shorts to change into. Bring some warm clothing as well as your body might feel cooler afterwards. Be adequately fed and hydrated and have taken all your mediations for that period. Avoid having alcohol/illegal substances in your system and being overly caffeinated. Don’t brush the coating of your tongue with your toothbrush. Best to have an easy schedule the day of your first treatment especially if the treatment is for mental/emotional balancing.

+ How Will I Feel After Each Treatment?

This all depends on your state of being coming in for the treatment! If you come in stressed, you will leave less stressed and if you come in with no energy, you should leave feeling more energised. The progress of chronic conditions is more subtle and you might not feel any difference straight away. Treatments can often get you in touch with repressed emotions. The healing is in the feeling of these emotions.

+ Am I Covered By My Health Insurer?

Yes. As a registered acupuncturist with the acupuncture council of Ireland, my receipts are valid with most private health insurers. It is your responsibility to check whether you are adequately covered for acupuncture. Contact your provider.

+ What Happens If I Miss My Appointment?

It is our intention to care for our clients in every way that we can. However, we must also take care of ourselves. It is your responsibility to be on time for your appointment. Being late may shorten your session. Please give as much notice as possible if you need to change your appointment and at least 24 hours notice.

You will be charged the full amount if you miss your appointment or if you give less than 24 hours notice without a valid explanation. You will receive an invoice if this is the case and prompt payment is expected.