What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient medical treatment based on regulating the body's Qi (pronounced "chi"), or "life energy," which flows in the body along pathways called meridians. Hundreds of acupuncture points can be opened like gates to balance and harmonise the flow of Qi, relieving pain and many other symptoms of disease.

Does it hurt?

No. Most people enjoy treatment and find it very comfortable, restful, and relaxing.  Sometimes the needle insertion feels like a quick pinch that rapidly subsides.  Some people report a mild tingling, heaviness, warmth, or a dull ache at the acupuncture point, which is a sensation of Qi moving.  Generally sessions last about 40 minutes, in which the patient rests or naps.  After treatment, you can expect to feel less pain, more energy, and a heightened sense of well-being. 

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments required depends on the severity and duration of the symptoms to be addressed. For a cold or flu, one or two treatments can be very helpful. For chronic health conditions of years or even life-long duration, a longer course of treatment is normally required. Within the first 4-6 sessions, the effectiveness of the treatment is often evident and clear treatment goals should be established. 

 What is Cupping?

Cupping is another type of treatment. This is a method of stimulating acupuncture points by applying suction through a metal, wood or glass jar, in which a partial vacuum has been created. This technique produces blood congestion at the site, and therefore stimulates it. Cupping is used for low backache, sprains, soft tissue injuries, and helping relieve fluid from the lungs in chronic bronchitis.

What is ear acupuncture?

Ear acupuncture, also known as auricular therapy, is widely used for many conditions, including addiction treatment, mood disorders, obesity, pain, and other

conditions. The acupuncture points found on the ear help to regulate the body's internal organs, structures, and functions. Ear acupuncture is generally incorporated into a regular acupuncture treatment. In addition to using acupuncture points on the rest of the body, your acupuncturist may select a few ear acupuncture points that they feel will be helpful for your particular condition.

Does Insurance cover acupuncture?

Most insurance plans cover Acupuncture as a treatment.     VHI Healthcare, VIVAS Health, Quinn healthcare.

Training and Licensing of acupuncturists

Today acupuncturists are trained in accredited, 3 year, Diploma programs.

They are licensed by Acupuncture Colleges where they studied. After passing examinations, these acupuncturists receive a Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Certificate in Clinical Medicine.

 What happens during an acupuncture session?

If it is your first session, the acupuncturist will assess your general health to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment. They may enquire about your current symptoms, treatment you have received so far, medical history, your close family’s medical history, diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state.

The acupuncturist may then check your pulse and look at the structure, colour and coating of your tongue.

All these enquiries are made to identify which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve, and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.

The acupuncturist will then insert the needles - these are very fine and you should experience only a tingling or dull ache. The needles can be left in place for only a second or for up to 20 minutes, depending on the effect required.

During treatment, many patients feel heaviness in their limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation. Your acupuncturist may also use moxa, a smouldering herb that is used to warm acupuncture points to encourage the body's energy to flow smoothly.

What acupuncture can treat:

Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders – Sinusitis, Sore Throat, Hay Fever, Earache, Nerve Deafness, Ringing in the Ears, Dizziness, Eye problems

Circulatory Disorders - High Blood Pressure ,Anaemia

Dermatological Disorders – Acne, Psoriasis, itchy scalp, Alopecia

Gastrointestinal Disorders - Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Spastic colon, Colitis, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Food Allergies, Ulcers, Gastritis, Abdominal Bloating, Haemorrhoids

Gynaecological / Genitourinary Disorders - Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Irregular, Heavy or Painful Menstruation , Endometriosis, Menopause, Fibroids, Chronic Bladder Infection, Morning Sickness, Kidney Stones, Impotence, Infertility in Men and Women

Immune Disorders – Candida, Chronic Fatigue, HIV and AIDS, Epstein Barr Virus, Allergies, Lupus, MS, Hepatitis, Diabetes

Addiction - Smoking Cessation, Drugs, Alcohol

Emotional and Psychological Disorders – Anxiety, Insomnia, Depression, Stress

Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders – Arthritis, Neuralgia, Sciatica, Back Pain, Bursitis, Tendonitis, Stiff Neck, Bells Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Headaches and Migraines, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Polio, Sprains, Muscle Spasms, Shingles

Respiratory Disorders - Asthma , Emphysema, Bronchitis , Colds and Flu’s

Cosmetic Acupuncture on the face and neck–, Improved Skin and muscle tone, reduced lines, reduced bags / dark passages under eyes. Face lift without surgery

Acupuncture Also Treats - Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects, Weight Control

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