TCM – Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the ancient art of Chinese medicine (TCM)

Acupuncture (TCM) has been practiced for more than 3,000 years. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) system, the healthy body is balanced with Qi (vital energy) flowing freely throughout the body in specific channels and nourishing the organs. If the free flow of Qi or blood is interrupted, patterns of disharmony occur leading to illness or pain. It aims to treat not only the symptoms of disease but also the cause. Following a medical history and assessment of the condition, during the acupuncture treatment the needles are placed in specific acupoints along the relevant channel. These points may also be stimulated using techniques such as manual manipulation by practitioner hands, moxibustion, cupping, electroacupuncture.

How does acupuncture work?

Before the session practitioner conducts a thorough consultation with the patient to identify specific patterns of disharmony in the body.
Very fine sterilised needles are then inserted into specific acupuncture points to rectify these imbalances,
promote healing and create a state of harmony.

What conditions can it treat?

Acupuncture is particularly effective in pain management, nausea and vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy and in the reduction of many stress related conditions. It has also been used for many years to promote health and strengthen the body’s resistance to infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that acupuncture can be an effective method for treating a number of illnesses based on clinical experiences.
A partial list includes: Pain Management, Drug Abuse, Alcoholism, Smoking, Asthma, Bronchitis, Stroke, Headaches, Sinusitis, Gastrointestinal Disorders (Ulcers, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Gynaecological (Menopause, PMS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Menstrual Cramps), Obstetric Problems, Urinary and Sexual Problems. Further information on the conditions treated.
You can safely combine it with prescription drugs and other conventional treatments. Malou and your primary care physician can advise more on that.
Read more about acupuncture benefits.

Does acupuncture hurt?

No. It can be a slightly uncomfortable when the needle is inserted but it is not painful.

Download Patient Registration Form

Before receiving your first acupuncture TCM treatment, please fill out the following Patient Registration Form. It provides preliminary information that is helpful for diagnosis. Please email it to malouacupuncture@gmail.com or print out and bring to your first treatment. It will allow us more time for treatment.
Otherwise, you can fill one out at the clinic.

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FAQ

The initial consultation with treatment can last anything between 60 and 90 minutes as the detailed case history is taken. It’s followed by pulse and tongue examination. I also analyse patient’s predominant facial colour, vocal sound, emotion, and odour. From that information I develop a unique to each patient treatment plan.
Appointments are generally scheduled for one hour. Before each acupuncture treatment I ask patient how he/she feels. The pulses are read and needles and/or moxa needles are applied. Often, after treatment, the patient will spend a few minutes simply relaxing, lying on the treatment table, to allow the energetic changes to settle in. Dietary and other lifestyle recommendations will be discussed at appropriate times throughout treatment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) lists approximately four dozen different conditions that can legitimately be treated by acupuncture. The most common uses for acupuncture & TCM include: Pain Management, Alcoholism, Smoking, Asthma, Bronchitis, Stroke, Headaches, Sinusitis, Gastrointestinal Disorders (Ulcers, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Gynaecological (Menopause, PMS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Menstrual Cramps), Obstetric Problems, Urinary and Sexual Problems. For further information on the conditions, please
Most people find acupuncture relaxing and often feel very calm after a treatment. You may also feel tired or sleepy.
Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments, from both a conventional and complementary perspective. I only use pre-sterilised single-use needles which are safely disposed of after your treatment.
As a member of the AFPA I adhere to the strict regulations and codes of ethics set down by this body. All treatments are carried out in accordance with exemplary professional standards developed by the AFPA as outlined in the Codes of Safe Practice and of Professional Conduct.
There are very few situations where acupuncture is not advised:
  • If the patient has a haemophilic condition
  • If the patient has a severe psychotic condition
  • If the patient has an uncontrolled movements
Also, whilst acupuncture is perfectly safe during pregnancy, you should advise me, as some acupoints are contra-indicated in pregnancy.
Also, please notify me if you suffer from a condition transmissible by blood (HIV/AIDS, hepatitis) or have a pacemaker.
If you are a blood donor, you cannot donate blood for a minimum of six months following acupuncture treatment. See the IBTS website for more details.
It has very few side effects and any that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting such as dizziness or slight bruising around needle points.
Cupping and Tui Na can sometimes temporarily mark the skin. Such bruising is painless and generally clears within a day or two.
I use sterile, disposable Chinese needles that are discarded safely following each treatment.
Receiving an acupuncture treatment is usually a relaxing experience, and a patients often drift away during the session. Needles are hair-thin, and any sensation produced can be likened to a tingling sensation in the body.
Number of treatments needed will vary. It depends on many factors, such as the general state of health and well-being of the patient, and the nature of the complaint – whether it is chronic or acute.
Generally a course of 6 sessions is recommended for internal conditions such as digestive system disorder, Gynecology, etc, and a course of 3 sessions is recommended for external conditions such as frozen shoulders, lower back pain, etc. Normally after a course of treatments, the patient would feel the changes and improvements.
  • Acupuncture
    the first consultation with treatment is €85, follow-up treatment one-hour session €80, or follow-up treatment 45 mins session € 65
    15% discount for pensioners
    The prepaid course of 6 treatments is €360 basis on the weekly sessions (€50 off)
  • Electrotherapy, Moxibustion, Cupping & Auricular Acupuncture are all part of an Acupuncture treatment. There are no additional charges.
  • Acupuncture with Counselling/Psychotherapy 1 hour 15 mins €100
Yes, Malou Acupuncture Dublin is a member of the AFPA and is fully insured. The following health insurance providers recognize our clinic and cover treatments: VHI, BUPA/Quinn, AVIVA, Laya and HSA covers for professional treatments. Please check your individual policy details.

Malou Acupuncture is in the heart of Dublin, 51/52 Fitzwilliam Square West, Dublin 2.