FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When healthy, our Qi (pronounced “chee”) circulates freely through our body in a network of channels called meridians. Disruptions to this flow can cause an imbalance, blockage, or stagnation, which manifest as health issues or illness. Acupuncturists are trained to assess a person holistically to identify disharmony, and use the precise placement of needles to influence Qi and restore balance.

Acupuncture needles are very fine and the treatment is not painful. You may feel a tingling or dull ache when the needle is inserted or adjusted.

It is recommended to eat a light meal at least 2 hours before your appointment. Try to avoid eating or drinking anything that could temporarily change the natural colour of your tongue, such as coffee or chocolate.

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. This will contribute to your overall sense of relaxation, and also enables the easy adjustment of clothing to access the specific areas where the needles will be placed.

Your appointment will begin with a consultation where a detailed case history is taken to determine your diagnosis. You can give as much or as little information as you wish. During the consultation, your tongue may also be observed and your pulse checked to help determine your diagnosis. A treatment plan will then be tailored specifically to your diagnosis and treatment goals. Treatment involves the use of sterile single-use needles, which are gently inserted, and remain in place for approximately 30 minutes. Complementary techniques such as moxibustion (heat therapy), cupping, and/or electro-acupuncture may be incorporated into your treatment, if deemed beneficial for your individual condition. Following the treatment, your treatment plan and any questions you may have will be discussed. Further information on the treatment room can be found on the location page of this website.

It is not possible to provide a definitive answer to this question unfortunately due to the variability of individual conditions and duration of symptoms. A treatment plan of 4-6 treatments is generally recommended, however chronic conditions may require more treatments. This will be discussed with you at your initial consultation.

Yes, your acupuncture expenses may be eligible for reimbursement. Acupuncture treatments are approved for cover by VHI Healthcare, HSF Health Plan, GloHealth, Laya Healthcare, Aviva, and Irish Life Health. Please review your individual health insurance policy to confirm the benefits available to you.

If your question has not been answered, or you would like more information about acupuncture, please do not hesitate to get in contact by phone or email.