Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing developed over thousands of years in China, Japan and other eastern countries. It has evolved into a system of medicine that restores energy balance and maintains health by the insertion of fine sterile needles inserted into acupuncture points just beneath the body surface.

There are 365 commonly used points on the body and over 2000 in total. These points are in very specific locations and lie on channels of energy.

In the west, acupuncture has often been misleadingly publicised as only being helpful for specific conditions, such as the relief of pain. In fact, it is extremely effective in a wide variety of conditions through its power to stimulate the mind and body’s own healing response.

Contrary to some people’s belief, acupuncture is not a painful treatment. We use modern sterile, disposable needles which are extremely fine gauge and achieve an energy sensation rather than discomfort. Treatment is performed conforming to the highest standards of sterile procedures approved by the Department of Health.

There are two forms of acupuncture in Ireland, Traditional Chinese Medical acupuncture and Medical acupuncture.  We provide acupuncture under the direction and understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The differences are important to understand.

Professional Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture

• A 3 year course of study and examination.
• It is a profession in it’s own right
• Treats most conditions, from digestive disorders to grief, from asthma to infertility, from worry to insomnia, from seemingly superficial conditions to very serious conditions.
• Works holistically; treats emotions and physical problems, treats the cause as well as the symptom.

Medical Acupuncture

• Can be learnt in a short time (80 hours)
• Supplements another therapy (medicine, physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic)
• Treats a narrow range of symptoms not causes (pain but not the root cause of the pain)
• Treats physical conditions (pain, nausea), but not the emotions that accompany them.
• Dry needling is not acupuncture and should never be confused as such.

Our TCM Practitioners

Alan Sheehy and Dolores Prendeville have had many years of clinical practice and are both fully qualified in TCM and acupuncture ensuring that your acupuncture treatment is authentic TCM.