Acupuncture, a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient non-invasive, non-surgical and entirely drug-free technique which has been practiced in China for many centuries. Acupuncture has grown in popularity worldwide the last number of years. The modern western medicine and TCM slightly differ in their point of view of what could be the main cause of illness. In western medicine, external factors such as viruses, toxins or chemical variations are perceived as the main causes of disease. The practitioners rely on blood tests, imagery and other procedures to look inside the body to diagnose and identify the issue. Western medicine is best when it comes to acute disorders and surgery. In contrast with TCM many of the causes are seen as symptoms of a disease only. Chinese medicine practitioners’ look outside the body to find out what’s going on, by using inquiry and observation, palpation and auscultation (listening) & olfaction (sense of smell). Then they try to figure out and treat the root cause and the person as a whole. TCM is great for chronic issues and disorders.
Any pain condition may be divided into two main types, an acute (sudden onset and resolved in a short period of time) and a chronic (unremitting or non-healing for more than 1 month or constantly-reoccurring for more than 3 months). Chronic issues very often gradually generates additional physiological/psychological issues. Multiple studies reported evidence that insertion and certain manipulation of very tiny, sterile and disposable needles into specific acupuncture points on the body works in simple and complex way.
The initial consultation, which includes a detailed assessment (current problem, past history, lifestyle, dietary habits, as well as an inspection of the tongue & pulse, are part of the TCM diagnosis process) can take up to 60 minutes. All consultations are strictly confidential. All treatments are uniquely tailored to the individual’s needs. Needles are usually left in for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Other techniques such as cupping, electro-acupuncture, heat-lamp or Bian-stone massage may be included in the treatments where appropriate.
Each condition is different and the number of treatments always varies from patient to patient depending on the severity and duration of the problem, as well as the general state of patient’s health and age. On average most patients begin to experience an improvement in their condition between three to five treatments. But in some cases, patients can feel a significant improvement after the first treatment.
A. Cupping Treatment
Cupping treatment is an integral part of TCM. During a cupping session, a therapist keeps special round cups directly on a patient’s skin for a few minutes, using a suction effect. There are various types of cups used, such as glass cups which are heated or plastic cups which are manually pumped or silicone cups which are just pressed on by the practitioner’s hand. Cupping therapy brings hydration and increases localised blood flow to the tissues of the body being worked on. It also drains excess fluid and toxins by opening lymphatic pathways. Therefore it can help with many problems such as chronic muscle pain, tightness and stiffness, reduced mobility issues, coldness in extremities, headache, anxiety, cellulite or fibromyalgia. Since a cupping massage can leave temporary marks on the skin, which look like a bruise, we recommend not booking this treatment any less than 2 weeks before a sun holidays or a formal event where the area being worked on (i.e. shoulders) is going to be exposed. More info
B. Electro-acupuncture Treatment
In Traditional acupuncture one very tiny, sterile and disposable needle is used at each specific treatment point. The electro-acupuncture is a modified version that uses a minimum of two needles placed around the treated area. Then small electrodes are attached to the needles. A little amount of electric current passes through the electrode and between these needles and creates a slight vibration or soft hum during treatment. This mild electricity usually applies more stimulation to a treated area than various types of needle twirling or other hand manipulation techniques an acupuncturist might use.
Electro-acupuncture sessions are generally shorter because the electrodes can move energy in acupuncture points more quickly. One of the benefits using electro-acupuncture is that it can cover larger treated areas than traditional acupuncture. It can address a range of health issues and especially chronic problems, such as stiffness, pain, stress, addiction, arthritis or tinnitus. Be aware that with the electricity component used in this type of treatment, certain patients aren’t recommended to obtain this treatment, such as those with pacemakers, individuals who have a history of seizures, strokes, heart disease or epilepsy and pregnant women.
C. Heat lamp Treatment
The infrared mineral TDP lamp (Teding Diancibo Pu – specific electromagnetic spectrum) is coated with minerals and gives great health benefits. The mineral plate releases heat which is absorbed by the body. The absorbed energy can
The combination of the heat and minerals is especially good for patients with chronic muscle and joint pains, arthritis, bursitis, long-lasting unhealed/unresolved sprains and strains and back aches.
D. Bian-stone Treatment
The Bian-stone treatment unites traditional but in this case pain-free warm scraping and moxibustion, massage, cupping and infrared ray treatment into one. The stone contains more than 20 kinds of anti-mourning elements such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and strontium. The Bianshi promoting blood circulation & removing blood stasis, dispelling cold, and nourishing yang, harmonizing Qi & Blood and coordinating Yin & Yang, strengthening body constitution and resistance, calming nerves, preventing diseases & protecting health, therefore prolonging life. More info
Warming Moxibustion or massage technique:
Head moxibustion
(helping regulate insufficient blood supply to the brain, so reducing headache, memory loss, insomnia.)
Cervical vertebras moxibustion
(regulating ankyloses, cervicitis.)
Back moxibustion
(helping release back stiffness, shoulder soreness, scapula-humeral arthritis, lumbar disc herniation.)
Abdominal moxibustion
(helping with constipation, abdominal distention, indigestion, impotence, premature ejaculation, irregular menstruation, frigidity.)
Legs moxibustion
(reducing swelling, knee soreness, paralysis of legs, various veins.)
+353 86 329 7108
jan@powerfullybalancedbody.ie