Acupuncture is a natural form of healthcare that treats illness and helps maintain health and wellbeing. It works by stimulating the body’s own Qi(energy) to balance and heal itself which makes it natural, safe and free of side effects. It is holistic, meaning that it treats the whole person on an emotional, physical, mental and spiritual level and not just the physical symptoms of a condition.
Acupuncture originated in China 5,000 years ago and is now practiced worldwide with all the private healthcare insurers in Ireland providing cover for it.
Very fine, sterile, hairlike, single use, disposable needles are inserted into specific points in the body called acupoints. This helps balance the body’s Qi, restoring health and wellbeing.
Acupuncture is one aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which also includes Chinese Herbal Medicine, Food Therapy, Tuina Massage and Qi Gong. It has been widely used in China and the Far East for thousands of years, in the West since the 1970s, and is now recognized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for its efficacy in the treatment of a wide range of clinical disorders.
Acupuncture is based on a 5,000-year-old Chinese medical tradition that recognises channels (meridians) in the body through which the Qi(energy) of the body flows, connecting deeply with the internal organs. Along the superficial pathways are acupuncture points. Good health and resistance to disease depends on the smooth, unrestricted flow of abundant Qi within the channels, which nourishes the whole body. Emotional problems, lack of sleep, imbalanced eating habits or exercise routines, and poor lifestyle choices unbalance the smooth flow of Qi causing poor health. Acupuncture can help to redress the imbalance and restore health.
An acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of extremely fine, pre-sterilized, disposable needles to acupuncture points on the body surface. This reduces, increases, moves, or unblocks the Qi as required for each individual person, allowing it to flow freely, stimulating the body’s own healing powers. People generally find it very relaxing and often sleep once the needles are inserted. Acupuncture stimulates the immune system, promotes blood flow and aids better circulation of lymph.
Moxibustion and cupping may be used in addition to acupuncture. Moxibustion, (more commonly referred to as “moxa”), involves burning the mugwort herb over a particular area or acupuncture point on the body of the patient. It has a warming, tonifying effect, which promotes relaxation and healing. Cupping involves the use of gently heated cups applied to the skin to stimulate the circulation and release of toxins from the tissues.
In the hands of a fully qualified professional practitioner, the use of acupuncture is entirely safe and free of any harmful side-effects. It can be very safely combined with other therapies and with orthodox medical treatment. Acupuncture can be used for pain relief, (such as neck, back, hip and knee pain, arthritis, injuries and fibromyalgia). It is also helpful for a wide range of other conditions including :
