Your Questions Answered

What is Acupuncture?

 

Acupuncture Treatment Point LI4

Acupuncture involves the insertion of a single-use, sterilised, fine stainless steel needle into a specific point along the body for the purposes of providing therapeutic effect.  The stimulation of these points with a needle, sets off a messaging system, along the neural pathways to the brain, triggering the release of the body's own pain-relievers (otherwise called endorphins or 'feel-good' chemicals).  It also encourages the free-flow of blood in the affected area, which helps reduce pain and encourage the body to heal itself.  Research indicates that acupuncture can help stimulate the body's immune system and effects the endocrine system.  Further information can be found on the Acupuncture

Council of Ireland's website: 

www.acupuncturecouncilofireland.com

 

What conditions can acupuncture treat?

 

Acupuncture to reduce stress

Acupuncture is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as being effective for a wide variety of conditions.  You can view the full list of these conditions on the Acupuncture Council of Ireland's website.  Common conditions that I treat in the clinic are:

  • Pain, including back pain, sciatica, arthritis, sports injuries, neck, shoulder & knee pain and fibromyalgia;

  • Fatigue, Stress, Irritability;

  • Digestive Disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Weight Loss Motivation;

  • Insomnia, Headaches, Migraine;

  • Gynecological Disorders, Menstrual Pain, Pre-Menstrual Tension and symptoms associated with Menopause;

  • Anxiety, Depression, Nervous Disorders;

  • Sinusitis, Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis;

  • Bells Palsy

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

 

LI 4 Acupuncture Treatment Point

This is something that concerns many people, understandably!  Acupuncture needs are very fine (the width of a hair) and discomfort on insertion is minimal.  I generally use extremely small needles in order to minimise any discomfort for my clients. That being said, however, as we are all different and client experiences can differ; some clients feel nothing at all, other clients can feel the needle insertion but any discomfort quickly dissipates and they very much enjoy the relaxing and therapeutic effects of acupuncture.

How many treatments will I need?

 

Acupuncture client consultation Naas

This all depends on what your condition is, how long it has been going on for and your response to treatment.  At a first appointment, I will take a full case history from you, in order to establish what is going on in your body and how best to treat you with acupuncture.  Generally speaking, clients see an improvement after 4-6 treatments, so do consider completing a course of treatment.

Is Acupuncture covered by health insurance?

Treatment with acupuncture

This all depends on what your individual health insurance policy covers and who you are insured with.  It is advisable to check your policy before coming for treatment.  Should your policy cover acupuncture, I will provide you with an appropriate receipt, in order to reclaim for your treatments.  As a member of the Acupuncture Council of Ireland, I am registered for health insurance cover, if your health insurance policy covers or partially covers acupuncture treatment.  Members of the Acupuncture Council of Ireland (of which I am a member) are approved by Aviva, VHI, Laya Healthcare and HSA for Out-Patient insurance purposes.

Do I have to have a particular condition to come for treatment?

Book weekly acupuncture appointment

No, many clients incorporate acupuncture as part of their wellness regime or come for treatment, when they feel like they need an energy boost.  Acupuncture can be a great way of understanding your body better and bringing awareness of when something in your body doesn't feel quite right and needs some attention.