All About Acupuncture
Below, you'll find answers to some of your questions about acupuncture, how it works and it's wonderful healing capabilities. Although acupuncture has been practiced in China for thousands of years it only came to prominence in the western world when political channels between USA and China began to thaw around 1971.
Thousands of years prior to 1971, Chinese physicians discovered that there was an energy network working just below the skin's surface which communicates from the internal organs out to the skin at over 1,000 points called "Acupoints". This energy works together with the body's circulation, nervous system, digestive and muscular system. When this vital energy becomes blocked or weakened, an effect in a body system or anatomic location becomes evident. Stimulation of one or a combination of key "Acupoints" on the body can restore harmony to the affected area.
Is Treatment Painful?
It's easy to understand how you could assume that being treated with acupuncture needles could be sore since we all have had experiences with Dentists or GPs where an injection was painful. However, four Acupuncture needles can be inserted into the hollow tube of a hypodermic needle. That's to say that acupuncture needles are much much smaller than a regular injection needle. As a result, most people compare the acupuncture needle sensation to something less than a mosquito bite or a tingling feeling. The vast majority of people at our practice and elsewhere are not at all concerned about the sensations felt during an acupuncture treatment session.
Will I Need To Undress For Treatment?
The most cmmonly used points are on easily accessed parts of the skin on the lower arms and lower legs but in some cases it may be necessary to access some other skin areas like the back, neck and stomach. A towel or gown is always provided should we need to treat acupuncture points that are not on the arms or legs.
How Often Will I Need To Get Acupuncture Treatment?
Initially you may need to come for treatment weekly but this can be discussed at your first appointment. The frequency of visits does really depend on your particulars and symptoms. Patients generally start to see an improvement in their condition after about 4-6 treatments but it can vary for patients with more extensive symptoms.
What Does An Acupuncture Session Consist Of?
Acupuncture, as it is practiced by a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, is a holistic approach to health. We will take into account your lifestyle habits, your emotions as well as your physical symptoms. Your particular symptoms are the result of underlying imbalances or weaknesses in your body. The aim of the acupuncture session is to tackle these imbalances so as to make reoccurrence less likely.
Patients are usually treated lying down, sometimes on their front, sometimes on their back or side depending upon which acupuncture points are being used. Sometimes it is better if the patient sits up. Many of the commonly used points are on the limbs but there are many important points on the body and head.
The sterile needles used in acupuncture are much finer than those used with an injection and so rarely hurt. Once the needle is inserted you may feel a sensation which is an indication that the body is responding appropriately. The needles may be left in place for a few seconds or up to 20 minutes depending on your condition. The depth also varies according to the individual and what the acupuncturist is attempting to achieve. Usually people find the experience extremely relaxing and people sometimes feel a little sleepy.
We advise you not to eat a big meal in the 2 hours prior to an acupuncture treatment. Also no coffee, tea, coke or alcohol.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is a safe and trusted medical practice composed of tried and tested, natural and progressive techniques aimed at stimulating the body to heal itself. At Maria-Acupuncture we are registered members of The Acupuncture Council Of Ireland and take great pride in providing a safe and friendly venue for your Acupuncture treatments and we only use single-use sterile acupuncture needles.
Can I Claim Back My Acupuncture Fees Through My Health Insurance?
The cost of your Acupuncture treatments are reimbursable by VHI's and BUPA's Outpatient Schemes and Members of the TCMCI (The Acupuncture Council Of Ireland) are recognised by VHI/BUPA in this regard (check your policy and excess for exact details).
What Can Acupuncture Treat ?
The Following Complaints Can Be Treated Very Successfully By Acupuncture: Allergies, Anaemia, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Back Pain, Catarrh, Colitis, Constipation, Dental Pain, Depression, Diziness, Gastric Ulcers, Faemorroids, Hayfever, Hiccoughs, Hypertension, Incontinence, Indigestion, Insomnia, Migraine, Oedema, Palpitations, Paralysis, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Sinusitis, Tennis Elbow, Tenosynovitis, Thyroid Conditions, Tinnitus, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Urine Retention, Urogenital Problems, Varicose Veins, Vertigo.