Acupuncture & TCM

Close-up of a person's abdomen with acupuncture needles inserted.

A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine thin needles at specific points on your body. It can be used to treat many conditions: respiratory, orthopaedic, gastrointestinal and neurological, just to name a few. Studies also show that acupuncture may also help with vomiting or nausea associated with the likes of surgery or chemotherapy.

The theory of Chinese medicine involves moving energy along channels or meridians in the body. Other potential benefits of acupuncture involve treating conditions like menstrual cramps and headaches that people experience. Acupuncture treats disharmony in the body. It is believed that acupuncture points can stimulate the central nervous system. By doing so, chemicals are released into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain.

Acupuncture treats disharmony in the body. It is believed that acupuncture points can stimulate the central nervous system. By doing so, chemicals are released into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. Other TCM treatment options include the following:

• Moxibustion

• Cupping

• Tuina

By balancing the disharmony, the body is in a better (more balanced) place in order to generate healing and return to homeostasis.

Medical professional wearing blue gloves performs acupuncture on a person's skin using thin needles.

• Sports injuries
• Repetitive strain injury
• Tennis elbow
• Golfer's elbow
• Frozen shoulder
• Stiff neck and neck injuries
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Lower lumbar pain
• Sciatica
• Back pain
• Knee pain
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Sprains
• Muscle spasams
• Chronic pain
• TMJ
• Female/Male Infertility
• Impotence
• Irregular, Heavy o r Painful Menstruation
• Morning sickness
• Pre-labour care
• Endometriosis
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Menopause
• Fibroids
• Improves blood circulation
• Cancer, chemotherapy/radiation side effects
• Bladder and kidney infection
• Kidney stones
• Cystitis
• Stress incontinence
• Prostatitis
• Bronchitis
• Headaches/Migraines
• Stress
• Insomnial
• Depression
• Bell's Palsy
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Post-stroke paralysis
• Cerebral Palsy
• Shingles
• Sinusitis
• Sore throat
• Hay Fever
• Ear achel
• Ringing i n the ear - Tinnitus
・ D i z z i n e s s
• Toothachel
• Irritable bowel syndrome
It is completely natural to be a little nervous about needles, but acupuncture is actually a incredibly relaxing experience. The needles we use are ultra-fine, single-use, and sterile—nothing like the thicker needles used for blood tests or injections. Most clients feel nothing more than a tiny, brief pinch as they are placed. Once the needles are in position, you will likely feel a dull, heavy sensation or a pleasant tingling, which is a great sign that your body's natural healing response has been activated. Many of our clients actually fall asleep during their session.
From a traditional perspective, acupuncture works by stimulating specific points along the body’s pathways to restore a balanced flow of energy. In modern medical terms, inserting these fine needles stimulates your nervous system, prompting the brain to release natural painkillers, like endorphins, and anti-inflammatory chemicals. This process significantly boosts blood circulation to injured or painful areas, which accelerates your body's natural ability to repair muscle tissue, soothe nerves, and reduce chronic inflammation.
Because acupuncture supports the body's overall healing system, it is incredibly versatile. At our Athlone clinic, we frequently use it to treat acute and chronic pain, including back injuries, muscle tension, and sports injuries. It is also highly effective for managing tension headaches, digestive issues, stress, and anxiety. We often integrate acupuncture with our other physical therapies to provide a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to your recovery.
Everyone's body responds differently, so your treatment plan will be completely tailored to you. For acute issues or recent injuries, you might feel a noticeable relief after just one or two sessions. For more deep-seated or chronic conditions, a block of four to six weekly treatments is usually recommended to achieve significant, long-lasting cumulative benefits. We will thoroughly discuss your progress during your initial consultation and adjust your plan as your body heals.