What we can do

specialities & Treatments

Below is a selection of the conditions we treat. Acupuncture is also suitable to treat many other
health issues, including digestive, autoimmune and respiratory conditions.

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Fertility and pregnancy care

Acupuncture can support both the male and the female reproductive system. It’s suitable for those trying to conceive naturally, or those undergoing assisted reproductive procedures such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Many fertility clinics around the world offer acupuncture as a support to women and men trying to conceive.

One of the ways the treatment increases fertility is by reducing stress, which can be a key factor in affecting fertility for men and women. When people are under stress, the hormone cortisol is released. This alters the brain’s neurochemical balance, changing hormone levels and disrupting the pituitary balance that is key to the reproductive cycle.

If the thyroid is over- or under-functioning, acupuncture can help address these effects on fertility. However, acupuncture cannot address issues with tubal adhesions, which should always be investigated when there are difficulties conceiving naturally.

An imbalance in reproductive hormones can also negatively affect male reproductive function, such as sperm motility and production. Acupuncture can support men with issues such as low libido and erectile dysfunction.

As acupuncture is a drug free therapy, it can be safely used throughout the fertility journey and in pregnancy. We can support individuals and couples in a safe, supportive environment.

At Arnica Acupuncture we maintain links with the Zita West Clinic in London as an affiliated acupuncture provider. We are regularly kept up to date with the latest developments in assisted reproduction through its ongoing education programme.

Patients on medication and under the care of specialist services are advised to remain on their medication unless advised otherwise by their doctor, and to use all the supports and resources available to them to manage their care.

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Women’s health

Acupuncture recognises and embraces the unique experience of women throughout their lives. Many women will seek out acupuncture to support them through their menstrual cycle, when trying to conceive, during pregnancy and in the menopause.

It provides a drug free option for women managing the various transitions in their lives, and can help support the body in a gentle and intuitive way – optimising health and wellbeing throughout life.

Conditions treated include:

Acupuncture is a proven treatment for the hormonal fluctuations that cause a host of problems including infertility, PMT, painful periods, irregular periods, headaches, menopausal mood swings, insomnia and hot flushes. It is proven to improve the success rates of IVF.

The acupuncture we practise is a gentle therapy that works with your constitution, menstrual cycle or life stage, helping you to manage your health naturally.

It is natural, low risk, has no side effects, and is safe when trying to conceive, while pregnant or when breast feeding. Acupuncture can eliminate or reduce your need for medication, and ease the side effects of any drugs that are necessary.

Patients on medication and under the care of specialist services are advised to remain on their medication unless advised otherwise by their doctor, and to use all the supports and resources available to them to manage their care.

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Sports injuries

Acupuncture has a successful record in treating sports injuries. Many professional teams have acupuncturists on staff to decrease healing times and resolve stubborn ailments.

Its use in treating acute injuries from intense or repetitive physical activity began centuries ago. Acupuncture was – and still is – one of the primary techniques of quick healing for the martial arts. Special acupuncture techniques were developed to stop pain and hasten recovery. The tradition continues today, in sports and athletic disciplines that cause similar injuries.

Pain and reduced function are among the most common complaints with sports injuries. The approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture is to view these as a disorder in the body’s natural state. Treatment is geared toward rectifying this disorder and restoring internal
harmony.

Recent studies show that acupuncture effectively treats sports injuries such as strains, sprains, swollen muscles, shin splints and persistent pain in the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee or ankle.

At Arnica Acupuncture, we have relished the chance to treat both elite and amateur athletes, supporting their recovery and helping them achieve their goals. They have often come to us as a last resort when a niggling injury refuses to go away. We take immense satisfaction in getting sportspeople from all disciplines back to optimum fitness and performance.

Patients on medication and under the care of specialist services are advised to remain on their medication unless advised otherwise by their doctor, and to use all the supports and resources available to them to manage their care.

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Pain Management

The prevalence of chronic pain among Irish adults is as high as 35.5%, increasing with age and manual employment. Chronic lower back pain is the most common condition to be reported. This and many other conditions can limit quality of life and lead to complications such as depression, anxiety and poor attention and memory. Many people in long-term pain also find it difficult to work, adding to the burden of stress.

In Arnica Clinic we have 30 years’ experience in treating chronic pain conditions. We have seen many people progress from merely surviving to thriving as their symptoms reduce.

Traditional acupuncture can provide benefits across the whole spectrum of health issues, providing emotional support as well as pain relief. It is a drug-free option that can be helpful for those already taking medication for complex medical conditions.

Acupuncture is very safe when given by trained practitioners. It forms part of the NICE guidelines for the treatment of chronic pain in the UK and has been widely researched across the world.

In one example, The Journal of the American Medical Association found that acupuncture can effectively reduce chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis, chronic headaches, shoulder pain, nonspecific musculoskeletal pain, neck pain and back pain. In particular, the anti-inflammatory impact of acupuncture helps to support healing in the tissues.

Patients on medication and under the care of specialist services are advised to remain on their medication unless advised otherwise by their doctor, and to use all the supports and resources available to them to manage their care.

Conditions treated include:

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Cancer support

Acupuncture can provide support and help for patients undergoing treatment for cancer, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical interventions. There is an increasing evidence base for the benefits of acupuncture for patients undergoing such treatment.

One in three people develop cancer during their lifetime, and with the amazing advances that have occurred in cancer care, many go on to a full recovery. However, the treatments can be gruelling – and it is during this period and beyond that acupuncture can be beneficial.

Acupuncture is known to be very effective in relieving pain, as well as the nausea and tiredness associated with chemotherapy. The drug-free nature of acupuncture treatment is a further benefit, as it does not clash with complex drug regimes used to treat cancers. Patients report increased energy, reduced adverse effects of their treatments, increased appetite and improvement in general wellbeing.

The stress of dealing with a life-changing diagnosis can prove challenging for the patient and their loved ones alike. Acupuncture treatment can help reduce anxiety and enhance mood.

Patients on medication and under the care of specialist services are advised to remain on their medication unless advised otherwise by their doctor, and to use all the supports and resources available to them to manage their care.

Symptoms treated include:

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Mental health and trauma recovery

Acupuncture has been widely used to treat mental health conditions throughout the centuries. Today, it provides a safe, effective therapy that can support patients with such issues.

It has been shown to be as effective as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the treatment of anxiety, and can safely be used alongside medication in the treatment of mood disorders. It has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of opioid addiction and in recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

With the advent of modern imaging techniques, acupuncture can be seen to influence areas of the brain that promote relaxation. Research has found that acupuncture increases a number of central nervous system hormones including ACTH, beta-endorphins, serotonin and noradrenaline.

At Arnica Acupuncture we have experience at supporting patients with anxiety and depression. In particular, we have a special interest in the treatment of victims of trauma who are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD).

Patients on medication and under the care of specialist services are advised to remain on their medication unless advised otherwise by their doctor, and to use all the supports and resources available to them to manage their care.

Conditions treated include: