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.

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.

The first consultation will usually take from 40 minutes to an hour depending on your condition. Follow up visits are shorter. The practitioner will take a detailed case history (including your medical case history & GP contact details) and may ask you questions that appear irrelevant to your condition such as social habits, family history, diet, your emotional status etc. If you are uncomfortable with any question then ask the practitioner its relevance. Remember that the practitioner does not see you as somebody with a particular named condition, he/she sees you as a person who has this particular imbalance which requires a holistic approach, hence the need for probing questions which may not be of a medical nature at all. In fact, two patients with the same Western condition (e.g. migraine) may be treated differently by the practitioner as he/she is treating two completely different individuals who happen to have the same Western condition.

In fact, many people derive a therapeutic benefit from just being able to talk to somebody about their condition, remember however, an Acupuncturist is not a trained Mental Health Professional and should not be used as a substitute for counselling! If you feel that you require counselling for any aspect of your life it is probably better to talk it over with your GP first and he/she can then instigate the appropriate referral.

Having taken the detailed case history mentioned above, the practitioner may take your blood pressure, look at your tongue and spend time taking your pulses. Having arrived at a diagnosis and treatment protocol, the practitioner will try to outline this to you. If there is anything you do not understand then ask questions. The practitioner will outline where needles are to be inserted and for how long. He/she may also use moxibustion and cupping techniques. Dietary advice may also be offered.

The practitioner will then ask you to undress to the level necessary for the insertion of the needles, points on the limbs are most commonly used. If your condition is of a musculoskeletal nature (e.g. back pain, muscle strain, tendinitis etc.), the practitioner may use a small battery-powered TENS machine attached to the needles. If you are in any doubt at any time as to what is going on then ask the practitioner, there is a very good reason why needles are being inserted into your feet when your problem is a headache!

No GP referrals are necessary but please give us a copy of any medication that you are taking.

It variers person to person. In most cases we suggest a 6 treatments plan.

Ideally three times a week for two weeks.

After that, you might come weekly, fortnightly or monthly to stay on top of your condition.

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.

Approx. 20-25 minutes

For babies and children the needles stay in less time.

1 - 15 needles.

The amount of needles vary for the patient and their treatment plan.

Yes. Acupuncture is safe for babies , children, teen and adults.

Unfortunately acupuncture is not covered by the Medical Card Scheme.

Payment must be made after each consultation. We accept Cash or Card.

Try not to have a large meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse, and you may need to lie on your stomach.

You should also avoid alcohol and food or drink that colours your tongue such as coffee or strong tea.

It is a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes so that the acupuncture points, especially those on your lower limbs, are easily accessible.

There is no limitation in terms of age, sex or condition regarding acupuncture treatment.

If you are under 18 you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Yes , both female and male.