Acupuncture is the use of fine needles at specific points on the body surface to restore and maintain health. It is part of a system of medicine that has been practised in China for several thousand years which includes herbal medicine, dietary therapy and manipulation.
At Clonmel Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, Ann Bates and Frances Mulcahy (Chartered Physiotherapists) have post graduate training in acupuncture, which they use effectively on it’s own and in conjunction with physiotherapy.
We believe that the body produces energy from food and air and that this energy circulates in pathways to reach all parts and keep the body healthy. The pathways are called meridians and may be considered as electrical in nature. Modern science has shown that acupuncture stimulates the brain to produce natural relieving chemicals called endorphins. These assist the body to heal itself and give pain relief.
The traditional view is that “Qi” flows around the body in channels. If the Qi flows freely then the body is in a healthy state. If there is a problem, energy stagnates. The stimulation of appropriate points frees this stagnation.
Diagnosis includes examination of the tongue for its structure, colour and coating and of the pulses at the wrists, which are felt for their quality, rhythm and strength.
A detailed understanding is required of the patient’s symptoms, past medical and family history, lifestyle and diet, behaviour of all the systems in the body such as digestion and circulation, sleep patterns and emotional feelings. Having decided the cause or causes of the problem, the points and appropriate method of treatment are selected according to various rules governing the movement of Qi in the body.
- Arthritis
Asthma- Anxiety states
- Headaches
- Migraine
- Menstrual disorders
- Sinus problems
- Skin rashes
- Stomach problems
- Fatigue/exhaustion
- Musculoskeletal pain/ nerve pain
It is often worth considering acupuncture for recent and chronic conditions which have not been helped by orthodox medicine. It is perfectly safe when practised with appropriate training. The needles used
are all sterile and disposable. The fine needles are usually inserted a few millimetres and this gives rise to a sensation (Qi) which should only be a mild discomfort at the most.
Thank you so much to Ann Bates at Clonmel Physio for all your help with my neck pain following my car accident. I never believed in acupuncture until you and your magic needles gave me so much relief. I can fully turn around now so T-junctions aren’t so scary anymore!! I will highly recommend you to all my friends.