Health

Acupuncture

Denise Sweeney explains the many benefits of Acupuncture.

Acupuncture is an ancient healing system that is receiving a lot of positive publicity in the press. Here we give a short overview of Acupuncture and how it may benefit you.

A recent research study found that Acupuncture was more effective in treating back pain than conventional medicine. So what is Acupuncture?

Though often seen as a new therapy in Ireland, Acupuncture is actually an ancient Chinese healing system that has been practised for more than 5,000 years. It is based on the belief that there an energy force called Qi (pronounced Chee) flowing throughout the body which governs our health - mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. If the flow of this energy is affected or impeded, ill health can result. Acupuncture aims to improve the flow of this energy by stimulating certain key points in the body using needles, pressure or heat, to free up the blockage and to allow energy to flow smoothly.

Acupuncture uses small needles to stimulate these points and honestly it doesn't hurt! It's more of a tingling sensation. Acupressure is similar to Acupuncture in that it uses pressure points but instead of needles uses direct pressure. Reflexology is a form of Acupressure that involves stimulating key points in the feet.

Complaints that may respond well to acupuncture are very varied. Common illnesses like coughs, colds, bronchitis, sore throats and so on can respond very well. It is also useful in other more chronic complaints such as asthma, arthritis, spondylitis, skin, gastric and neurological complaints, high blood pressure and menstrual cramping as well as being very useful for muscular problems and injuries. It may also be applied to mental or emotional problems such as anxiety and depression

Acupuncture is also very well known for the treatment of addictions, particularly smoking and also for pain control. In fact a version of Acupuncture called electro-acupuncture involves running very small electrical pulses through acupuncture needles and is a commonly used surgical anaesthetic in China. It has been widely used in the TENS machine for pain relief in childbirth.

Moxibustion is often used together with Acupuncture it involves applying heat to acupuncture points. It is generally used for respiratory complaints such as bronchitis or asthma and for arthritis.

Many Acupuncturists will also practice Traditional Chinese Medicine which may include the use of Chinese Herbal remedies and Tuina, a form of Chinese therapeutic massage.

A typical session with an Acupuncturist is usually 30-60 minutes long, though the initial session may be the longest as the practitioner will need to take your medical history and assess your level of health. Your details are kept strictly confidential and any acupuncture needles used are pre-sterilised and disposable, so there is no danger of infection.

Your treatment may also be covered by VHI, BUPA or HSA. Check your policy to see if you can claim a rebate and if not, tell your insurance company that they should be covering complementary treatments by qualified and insured practitioners! A register of Acupuncturists in Ireland is available from the Acupuncture Council of Ireland, website www.tcmci.ie or phone 1850 300600.

Denise Sweeney is a registered Homeopath. You can email any queries to
www.denisesweeney@eircom.net

A full list of registered Homeopaths is available through the Irish Society of Homeopaths,
phone 091-565040 or see www.ishom.com

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