Acupuncture, a medical practice of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a holistic therapy which involves the inserting of very fine needles into specific acupuncture points on the body as a means of adjusting the body’s life energy (known as Chi or Qi). Traditional Chinese Medicine has been around for thousands of years. Although the first recorded history of TCM dates back over two thousand years, it is believed that the origins of TCM go back more than five thousand years. Acupuncture treats the ‘whole’ person and there is no separation seen between body, mind, emotions and spirit. Acupuncture helps to prevent and heal illness, enhances the immune system and improves overall wellbeing.
Qi and Yin & Yang are the two of main concepts of TCM and acupuncture.
Qi
Qi also known as lifeforce is the flow of energy along the meridians (pathways) connecting the acupuncture points on the body. The meridians also connect to all the internal organs in the body. Acupuncture needles inserted into various points along the body can improve a person’s life force and relieve the symptoms of a variety of medical conditions, including chronic pain, digestive issues, respiratory problems and more. Acupuncture points are physical places on the body where Qi energy can be accessed and manipulated. Acupuncture treatment helps the body’s natural healing process and serves a preventive function. Energy imbalances or congested energy flow can create or accentuate pain or impede the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Promoting the unobstructed flow of Qi improves health and well-being. Depending on how sensitive a patient is, they may feel the Qi as it travels along the meridians during a treatment, others may feel pressure at the acupuncture point, and some may feel nothing at all.
Yin & Yang
The concept of Yin and Yang refers to two complementary and interconnected opposites that are constantly changing between each other. With the concept of Yin and Yang, the ancient Chinese could explain every phenomenon happening on Earth, as well as the workings of the human body.
The body and mind are working in harmony with each other when we are in good health. Yin and Yang are balanced, and the Qi can move freely in the body. When the body is diseased, there is imbalance between Yin and Yang and the Qi is either depleted or it cannot flow freely. In this case, the acupuncturist aims to re-establish equilibrium between Yin and Yang and stimulate the body’s Qi by inserting acupuncture needles into acupuncture points which lie along the body’s meridians.
TCM and acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of illnesses and concentrates on the individual aspects of each patient. The World Health Organization lists over 100 conditions on its website where acupuncture can have a beneficial effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a session?
Sessions are generally 25 minutes to 1 hour long. The first session will include a consultation and will take longer
How many sessions will I need and how frequent will they be?
Treatment is tailored to each individual, so the frequency and number of sessions will vary from person to person depending on your condition. In general, at least one or two sessions are required per week for the treatment to be beneficial. Some conditions may require more frequent visits while other conditions may only need one or two.
How safe is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is very safe when carried out by a qualified acupuncturist.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles used for acupuncture today are ultra-fine and should not hurt when they are inserted into the skin. In general, patients can feel the needle being inserted but without pain.
How can I book an appointment?
To book an appointment please call Deirdre on 00353 87 2244123. Many people use acupuncture in tandem with other treatments as part of a health regimen that addresses the whole person — mind, body and spirit.
