Overview
Acupuncture is an integral part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine system which began over 3,000 years ago in China. It is an ancient holistic form of medicine that aims to re-balance to the body in order to restore well-being. Having evolved over such a long time, it is a robust and reliable system and the World Health Organisation has endorsed it's effectiveness in treating a wide variety of conditions.
Acupuncture is an integral part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine system which began over 3,000 years ago in China. It is an ancient holistic form of medicine that aims to re-balance to the body in order to restore well-being. Having evolved over such a long time, it is a robust and reliable system and the World Health Organisation has endorsed it's effectiveness in treating a wide variety of conditions.
How does it work?
TCM views balance of all aspects of a person as being important in achieving well-being including the mental, emotional & physical. The practitioner examines, observes and questions the patient to get a good overall picture of them. This enables them to identify a 'pattern' of disharmony which they can then treat using one or more of the methods of treatment outlined below. This is different to the Western Medical Model in that the aim is to restore balance to the individual as a whole, instead of focusing specifically on the symptoms of an illness.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the re-balancing of the body through insertion of tiny, hair like needles into specific 'points' on the body known as 'Acupoints'. These can be found either on energy channels known as 'Meridians' or in specific locations that have special functions. Activating these points unblocks any stagnation and stimulates the body's self-healing ability. As a result there are no side effects apart from a sensation of well being and relaxation.
Acupuncture is the re-balancing of the body through insertion of tiny, hair like needles into specific 'points' on the body known as 'Acupoints'. These can be found either on energy channels known as 'Meridians' or in specific locations that have special functions. Activating these points unblocks any stagnation and stimulates the body's self-healing ability. As a result there are no side effects apart from a sensation of well being and relaxation.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbs are prescribed in formula according to identifiable 'patterns' or specific to an individual's needs. Many of them are considered as food and intentionally incorporated into the diet to enhance well-being. For example, in winter people eat chicken soups with nourishing and warming ingredients which build the body's immunity and ward off cold and damp. Chinese herbs can be used as a stand alone treatment or more often, in conjunction with Acupuncture.
Chinese Herbs are prescribed in formula according to identifiable 'patterns' or specific to an individual's needs. Many of them are considered as food and intentionally incorporated into the diet to enhance well-being. For example, in winter people eat chicken soups with nourishing and warming ingredients which build the body's immunity and ward off cold and damp. Chinese herbs can be used as a stand alone treatment or more often, in conjunction with Acupuncture.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is used to treat a variety of patterns and is beneficial for the reproductive system, patterns of cold and damp, and also boosting energy and immunity among others.
A herb known as Ai Ye (Chinese) or Mugwort (English) is burned over specific points to warm and enliven the point. This is a very soothing and restorative treatment.
Moxibustion is used to treat a variety of patterns and is beneficial for the reproductive system, patterns of cold and damp, and also boosting energy and immunity among others.
A herb known as Ai Ye (Chinese) or Mugwort (English) is burned over specific points to warm and enliven the point. This is a very soothing and restorative treatment.
Cupping
Cupping is most commonly known for it's effectiveness in treating sporting injuries but it is also used to treat a variety of patterns which arise from living in a cold, damp climate such as ours here in Ireland.
Using a flame, a vacum is created inside the glass cup which is swiftly placed on to the skin where it sucks onto the skin. Cupping can mark the skin, but most people really enjoy this treatment.
Cupping is most commonly known for it's effectiveness in treating sporting injuries but it is also used to treat a variety of patterns which arise from living in a cold, damp climate such as ours here in Ireland.
Using a flame, a vacum is created inside the glass cup which is swiftly placed on to the skin where it sucks onto the skin. Cupping can mark the skin, but most people really enjoy this treatment.
