Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine have been around for over 3,000 years. It has been proven to help in the treatment of many conditions. It is also extremely useful as a treatment of preventative medicine. At our clinics we take a holistic approach to all conditions and patients.
When you arrive for your initial consultation, the therapist will take a detailed case history. It is useful if you have brought a list of medications that you are taking with you. Please include a list of any vitamin, mineral, herbal or homeopathic supplements that you are currently taking. It is important that you disclose all medical history to the therapist as it will effect the acupuncture points chosen to treat you and the type of treatment used. All information is strictly confidential and the therapists are strictly bound by a code of ethics from the TCMCI (Traditional Chinese Medicine Council of Ireland).
The therapist will then examine your pulses and your tongue. Traditional Chinese Medicine believe that a huge amount can be learned from both a patient’s tongue and pulses and they give vital information about the state of health and assist in forming a Chinese Medicine Diagnosis.
Acupuncture will be explained to you in relation to your condition and where possible the number of visits needed, will be discussed. However, the number of visits, are often easier to predict at the 2nd or 3rd visit when the therapist can judge how quickly the patient is reacting. An acupuncture treatment is usually given in the first visit. All acupuncture needles used by our clinic are disposable as is required by the code of ethics enforced by the TCMCI. If you enter any clinic and see they do not use disposable needles then leave immediately. There is no excuse for this and shouldn’t happen in Ireland.
The use of Chinese Herbs will be discussed where appropriate. Diet and Lifestyle are also assessed where necessary. For example if a patient is being treated for a shoulder problem, other areas will be discussed such as suitability of workstations or triggers of repetitive injuries. If possible the trigger or cause of injuries should be addressed.
If it is the opinion of the therapist that other therapies will benefit, then they will be recommended.
