MAC Complementary Health Clinic

     Complete Body and Mind Therapy. 
Phone - 086 8294769. E-Mail:


Acupuncture. (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Chinese medicine is a holistic system of medicine which originated in china at least 4,000 years ago. The underlying principle is that Qi (energy) is the motive force for life and health. Good health prevails when the Qi is in balance and illness occurs when the Qi is out of balance.

The ancient Chinese theorized that the body had an energy force running throughout it. This energy force is known as 'Qi' (roughly pronounced Chee). The Qi consists of all essential life activities and a person's health is influenced by the flow of Qi in the body. If the flow of Qi is insufficient, unbalanced or interrupted, the body's energies become unbalanced and illness may occur. Qi travels throughout the body along "Meridians" (or Channels). Acupuncture points are specific locations where the Meridians come to the surface of the skin, and are easily accessible by "Needling," Moxibustion, and Acupressure.

Energy constantly flows up and down these pathways. When pathways become obstructed, or what is described as deficient or excessive, the Qi can become unbalanced and in some cases is unable to flow. This is what causes illness. Acupuncture is said to restore the balance. Sometimes this can be explained by past injuries or stresses to particular parts of the body. At other times problems can be attributed more to experiences that have affected a person emotionally - reasons for illness are many and varied.

Acupuncture treatment involves the stimulation of specific points, which are on the Meridians. These have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve the desired effect.

The classical Eastern explanation for how acupuncture works is that the Meridians of Qi are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up, creating imbalance, pain and/ or other symptoms, such as skin disease.

Acupuncture is becoming one of the most thoroughly researched and documented of the alternative medical practices. Currently there is an increasing amount of controlled studies which have shown evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis, chemotherapy-induced nausea, asthma, back pain, painful menstrual cycles, bladder instability, and migraine headaches. Studies on acupuncture also have shown positive results in the areas of chronic pain management and in the management of drug addition, two areas where conventional Western medicine is very limited.

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Acupuncture is one method of accessing Qi by using very fine hair like needles. An Acupuncture point is a specific point on the body that has a low electrical resistance. The body has hundreds of Acupuncture points which seems at first sight to be scattered in a random manner. However this impression is incorrect as the points are lying on specific channels meridians and these channels correspond to the internal organs of the body. When the needle is inserted into a point it allows the Qi flow to be corrected. The insertion of the needle will change the Qi flow both in the meridian and in its related organ. This helps to restore a harmonious flow of Qi in the body and thus restore the body to good health

How does it work?


Acupuncture needling is usually painless. Once the needle is inserted, Qi starts to arrive at the needle, this changes the sensation the client was feeling. This new sensation is called De Qi. The needles are left in place for approx. 30 mins. But this can vary depending on the Practitioner and the particular problem being treated. 
How often must I receive treatment?
One complete course of treatments usually consists of 10 to 12 sessions. However the number of treatments necessary to evoke a positive response can be as little as 3 to 4.The frequency of treatments will depend on the condition the Client is presenting with and also on the Energy level of the Client. With Chronic conditions it is recommended that the Client receives 2 treatments a week in the early stages and then reduce down to one as the energy level of the client re-balances. In combination with the insertion of needles an acupuncturist may use one of the following interventions...


This is the application of a thick round glass or a bamboo cup to specific areas of the body. The cups will aid the flow of Qi and blood in painful conditions. Superficial bruising may occur with this treatment due to the pressure exerted by the vacuum created in the cup. This bruising only lasts a few days and is of little consequence as it is usually performed on a non visible area of the body.
This is the burning of a dried herb (Mugwort) . This treatment is used when heat needs to be introduced in to the body. It can be used on specific points to increase energy and reduce pain. Moxa can be used either directly or indirectly. 

Direct - This is when a small cone of Moxa is placed on a specific point on the body and ignited. The cone burns slowly down and when the client feels the area getting too hot the cone is removed and a new cone is put into position and ignited. The procedure may be continued until between 7 to 10 cones have been burned. 
Indirect - This is when the moxa is attached directly to a needle that has been inserted into a point on the body. Again the moxa is ignited and the needle directs a warming sensation straight into the point. 
Another method of indirect moxa is by placing a cone of Moxa onto a slice of ginger root. The ginger root is placed over the point to be treated and as the cone is placed on top of the ginger it is ignited and the heat passes soothingly through the ginger slice to the point. 

For an appointment call:

086 8294769


Please Note That only single use disposable needles are used in the M.A.C. Complementary Health Clinic.

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