Acupuncture

At our clinic

At the first consultation, a detailed note is taken regarding the condition of concern and the background health. In conjunction with tongue diagnosis and pulse taking, acupuncture points are selected and stimulated by needling, acupressure, moxabustion and/or cupping. We discuss and decide about the follow up treatment. Initial consultations take for 1-1.5 hours. Follow up consultations take for 1 hour.

Yuki Kobayashi is a member of Acupuncture Foundation Professional Association (AFPA afpa.ie), Membership number 8267.

As a professionally registered practitioner, her treatments are covered by many insurance policies including VHI, Laya, Aviva.

Fees are 65 euro for both initial and follow up consultations.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a complementary therapy rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate sensory nerves and muscles, which promotes natural healing, relieves pain, and improves overall wellness. Understanding acupuncture can be broken down into how it works traditionally and scientifically:

Traditional Perspective

In TCM, it is believed that the body’s vital life energy, called qi (pronounced “chee”), flows along specific channels or pathways in the body known as meridians.

If this energy is blocked, imbalanced, or stagnant, it can cause pain, illness, or emotional distress.

Acupuncturists place needles at strategic points to unblock these channels, balance energy, and restore the body’s natural harmony.

Scientific Perspective

From a Western medical standpoint, acupuncture is often viewed slightly differently. The insertion of needles is thought to:

Release Painkillers: Stimulate the central nervous system to release natural chemicals like endorphins.

Reduce Inflammation: Trigger blood flow to targeted areas and promote relaxation of muscles.

Alter Nerve Signaling: Help regulate the body’s systems by directly stimulating sensory nerves.

Common Applications

Chronic Pain: Back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and joint stiffness.

Headaches: Reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines and tension headaches.

Nausea: Alleviating nausea caused by morning sickness, post-surgery, or chemotherapy.

Wellness & Stress: Managing anxiety, sleep disorders, and overall fatigue.

Reproductive & Gynaecological: Women’s and Men’s Health, Fertility.