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Research suggests that acupuncture:
Causes a release of endorphins, the body’s naturally produced painkillers;
Has beneficial effects on the body’s immune and endocrine systems;
Regulates the autonomic nervous system to interfere with the way the brain processes pain;
Has profound neurophysiological effects.
Acupuncture may therefore help:
regulate the nervous system;
increase circulation (blood flow) to the muscles, connective tissue and organs;
reduce cortisol, the body’s stress hormone;
balance hormones;
improve the way the brain responds to pain;
reduce inflammation.
The ancient theory behind acupuncture, developed over several thousands of years, is that the body’s vital energy (Qi) travels around the body in a network of pathways called meridians or channels. Perfect health reflects a free flow of Qi.
But for many reasons, not least the physical and mental stresses of life, disharmonies can form in the body. These disharmonies cause an internal imbalance disrupting the movement of Qi along the channels leading to impaired wellness and, over time, ill health.
Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points along the body’s channels to clear blockages and encourage the normal flow of Qi. Acupuncture points may also be stimulated using other methods, such as heat (moxibustion, heat lamps), cupping, electro-stimulation and massage.
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Your first visit will be about 60 to 90 minutes long depending on your symptoms and your own treatment goals. We will have an in-depth consultation where we will discuss your specific health concerns and any other wellbeing issues you might be experiencing. You will be asked a number of questions both in a consultation form and in person. We might also look at your tongue and take your pulse.
Then, using a methodical TCM diagnostic process looking at your body as a whole, we will formulate a bespoke treatment plan for you using strategic acupuncture points. Depending on your condition and diagnosis, we may also use other TCM tools such as cupping, heat therapy, ear seeds, acupressure and electro-stimulation as part of your overall treatment.
Follow-up visits focus on continuing your treatment plan and adjusting as needed based on your progress and goals. They usually last between 50-60 mins.
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When you hear the word ‘needle’ - most people think of needles used to give injections or take blood. Acupuncture needles are different from these hypodermic syringes in that they are much, much thinner (about the width of a human hair). They are also solid rather than hollow so they are designed to part the skin without cutting the tissues. Most people would describe the feeling as virtually painless or more like an energy sensation than discomfort. Some people feel a slight pinch, dull ache, tingling or feeling of heaviness or numbness around the area where the needle is inserted. Some occasionally feel a mild electrical pulsation radiating away from the area. However, any such sensation should ease within seconds and, in our experience, most people tend to fall asleep for the remainder of the treatment!
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This is a common question. And interestingly, many of our regular patients are uncomfortable at the thought of needles and yet they still come for acupuncture. Once we know this we can take it into account as part of your treatment plan. There are plenty of ways to treat without the use of needles (including acupressure, heat therapy, cupping, ear seeds) or with the use of a smaller number of needles in a way that makes you feel more comfortable. Always feel free to chat to us beforehand and see what might work for you as we do our best to accommodate everyone.
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Acupuncture works with your body. It doesn't force anything. So the number of treatments required will be different for everyone. It will depend on so many variables such as the nature of your condition, your overall health, how long you have had this particular condition and your response to acupuncture treatment. For conditions that have existed for a long time, more treatments may be necessary. The results of acupuncture are cumulative - like building blocks, each treatment builds on the progress of the acupuncture sessions before it. Acupuncture is rarely a once-off miracle cure and so we always recommend committing yourself to a course of treatment. Think of it like going to the gym or exercising - you might feel great after one session but if you want long-term effects it is best to commit some time to it. Rest assured, our goal will always be to get you results as soon as possible.
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Acupuncture is a safe, gentle, non-invasive treatment and so there are rarely any negative side effects provided you are being treated by a qualified acupuncturist who has undergone the necessary training. Occasionally treatment may result in some minor local bruising.
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Wear (or bring along) loose, comfortable clothes. Depending on your condition and treatment plan, we may need to access your elbows, knees, abdomen and back. And remember - don’t even think about shaving those legs or worrying about that pedicure you’ve been meaning to get for months! We are far too busy focusing on your treatment!
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As a registered member of the Acupuncture Council of Ireland (ACI), I am approved by all major health insurance companies including VHI, Laya Healthcare, HSF Health Plan, Irish Life, Aviva, etc. Check your health insurance policy for the terms of your acupuncture cover - most people are surprised to learn how much they can claim back!
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Yes - gift vouchers and various treatment packages can be purchased on our website. They are particularly popular as birthday, Christmas and mother’s day gifts!.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you suffer from uncontrolled or unmanaged high blood pressure, epilepsy, severe migraines, or blood clotting disorders, cosmetic acupuncture may not be for you. Cosmetic acupuncture is not recommended in pregnancy. Feel free to reach out if you have any concerns or questions about cosmetic acupuncture and whether it is suitable for you.
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The treatment itself involves the insertion of very fine facial acupuncture needles into specific points on the head and face, with body points added to address your individual needs. The needles are left in place for about 25 minutes or so. During this time you can relax on the treatment bed and many people take the opportunity for a little nap! Once the needles have been removed, your face and neck will be treated with facial cupping, using soft, silicone facial cups and prickly pear seed oil. Expect to be with us for about 80-90 minutes.
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Yes, you can have cosmetic acupuncture if you’ve had anti-wrinkles injections, like botox, or fillers. It is best to wait 2 weeks after your most recent anti-wrinkle/botox injections and 4 weeks after fillers before getting cosmetic acupuncture.
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We recommend completing your last treatment at least four weeks before an important event or photo shoot, to give extra time to ensure any bruises have faded. It is not uncommon to get a small bruise or two on the face during cosmetic acupuncture treatments.
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We recommend arriving make-up free. If that’s not convenient, we recommend bringing your own preferred make-up remover or cleanser and you can remove your make-up in our clinic just before the treatment. As with general acupuncture, wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows us to easily access your elbows and knees.
Frequently Asked Questions- Cosmetic Acupuncture
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Yes! It is safe to get acupuncture at every stage of pregnancy, but it is very important that you let us know so we can tailor your treatment.
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If your baby is in a breech position, we recommend coming to see us from week 33 onwards for acupuncture and moxibustion.
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Birth preparation treatment should start from around week 36 onwards with induction acupuncture closer to your due date. We recommend booking in with us as early as possible so that we can get to know you and put together a treatment plan as you near the birth of your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions - Pregnancy Acupuncture
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Treatment is ideally started at least 3 months before planned conception but you can get acupuncture at any stage during your fertility journey, whether through natural or assisted means.
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Before your first consultation for fertility acupuncture, we usually send you some forms to complete in advance. When we meet we will go through these forms and your medical history. We may ask some additional questions, some may be of an intimate nature, that might not seem relevant to fertility and conception. But this information will be important for us in order to form the correct TCM diagnosis and treatment plan. We recommend you bring along any additional information you feel is relevant, including any BBT charts (if using) and the results of any recent blood tests or investigations.
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Yes, of course. We also offer treatment pre and post IVF transfer outside of our clinic hours by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Fertility Acupuncture
