Super treatment today. I felt in confident and competent hands - Aoife, Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin

Consultations

Your initial consultation will consist of an in-depth evaluation of your health. Prior to seeing your acupuncture practitioner you will be required to complete a form which they will then go through with you in your session. The focus will be on your main complaint, medical history, diet, sleep patterns and lifestyle, as the treatment is aimed at the whole person, not just symptoms.

Traditional Chinese methods of diagnosis - observing your pulse, tongue, palpating your abdomen and or a physical exam of the problem area where necessary – will also be conducted.

Following this your practitioner will outline their prescribed treatment, which generally takes place with the patient lying on a massage table.

Very fine pre-sterilised single-use stainless steel acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin – which is felt as a slight tingling sensation or radiating warmth – and they remain in place for up to 40 minutes. Most acupuncture points are easily accessible without the need to remove clothing as they are situated on the lower arm or leg. Where the removal of clothing is required to enable proper and safe needling practice, your privacy and comfort will be respected at all times.

A combination of treatments may be used at any one visit or during your treatment programme to restore optimal balance.

A standard treatment takes approximately 30 minutes. Extended treatments take in excess of 45 minutes. For your initial consultation and treatment allow around one hour.