Acupuncture (TCM) has been practiced for more than 3,000 years. According to the 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. When the free flow of Qi or blood is interrupted, patterns of disharmony may occur, leading to illness or pain. Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture aims to treat not only the symptoms of disease but also its underlying cause.
Following a medical history and assessment of the condition, during the Chinese acupuncture treatment, fine sterilised needles are placed in specific acupoints along the relevant channels. These points may also be stimulated using techniques such as manual manipulation, moxibustion, cupping, or electroacupuncture.
Before the session, the practitioner conducts a thorough consultation to identify specific patterns of disharmony in the body. Very fine, sterilised needles are then inserted into targeted acupuncture points to restore balance, promote healing, and create a state of harmony.
Chinese acupuncture treatment is particularly effective in pain management, nausea and vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy, and reducing many stress-related conditions. It has also been used for many years to promote general health and strengthen the body’s resistance to infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture as an effective method for treating a variety of illnesses based on clinical experience.
A partial list includes: Pain management, drug abuse, alcoholism, asthma, bronchitis, stroke recovery, headaches, sinusitis, gastrointestinal disorders (ulcers, constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome), gynaecological conditions (menopause, PMS, polycystic ovarian syndrome, fertility, menstrual cramps), obstetric problems, and urinary or sexual health concerns.
Further information on the conditions treated is available. You can safely combine acupuncture with prescription medications and other conventional treatments. Malou, based in Dublin, along with your primary care physician, can advise you further.
No. While you may feel a slight sensation when the needle is inserted, it is generally not painful.
Before receiving your first acupuncture TCM treatment in Dublin, please fill out the following Patient Registration Form. It provides important preliminary information for diagnosis. Email it to malouacupuncturecounselling@gmail.com or bring a printed copy to your first appointment. You can also complete it at the clinic.
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:
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.
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.
Each acupuncture session includes electrotherapy, moxibustion, cupping, and auricular acupuncture at no additional cost.
E-mail: malouacupuncturecounselling@gmail.com
Phone: 0879565865
Malou Wang is an acupuncturist with over 25 years of experience both in China and Dublin. She has been an accredited psychotherapist since 2020, and a member of IACP.
