Testimonials
Stress.
I went to see Ciara Woods for the first time approximately six months ago with a little fear and a lot of skepticism having never before tried any form of complimentary medicine.
Following a thoroughly professional and detailed discussion of my medical history, Ciara outlined the areas where he felt I could benefit from Acupuncture treatment and shortly thereafter, set about a course of treatment which was neither painful nor unpleasant. Surprisingly it was quite the contrary resulting in an experience which left me feeling totally relaxed and unwound. The days following each session have resulted in the most remarkable levels of energy throughput the day which are now continuing for months at a time.
I thank Ciara for her introduction to the world of Acupuncture and would heartily recommend her services to anyone.
Matt.
I came to Ciara because I was feeling, stressed & tired with low energy that prevented me from enjoying my life to it’s fullest. After only a few short sessions I now have more energy than I know what to do with and feel completely unstressed.
Lydia.
Sciatica.
I’d suffered from Sciatica for a number of years and it was making me miserable. I had tried Doctor’s, Chiropractors, Physio’s and none of it worked - my sciatic pain was unbearable.
Then I met Ciara. After only a few sessions she succeeded where everyone else had failed and relieved my pain completely!
John.
PCOS and infertility.
I had been diagnosed with severe PCOS and had been trying to conceive naturally for 5 years before I met Ciara. I had been told it would be difficult for me to concevie naturally but was not ready to go down the fertility treatment route.
I booked a session of acupuncture and was immediately made to feel at ease by Ciara. My menstrual cycles were extremely irregular and painful. Ciara recommended that I start having fortnightly Acupuncture to increase blood flow to my ovaries and uterus. After a few months I started menstruating about every 32 days. I am thrilled to let you know that I conceived 9 months into treatment and I now have a very healthy baby boy. I can not imagine going without my regular treatments since I feel so relaxed!
Claire.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture is part an holistic system that tries to restore the body as a whole to full health rather than looking to remove particular symptoms of ill health in some part of the body.
The mind and body must work together in harmony. This is seen as vital for genuine lasting good health. The organs and systems of the body are seen as working in harmony; an imbalance in one part of the system affecting other parts somewhere else.
Chinese philosophy teaches us to take personal responsibility for our well being, to prevent imbalances/illness before it starts. This is done by living according to the rules of the Tao. Many people know this as yin and yang which expresses the harmony of opposites.
In acupuncture, body systems are believed to be connected by meridians - channels that loop around the body. Qi or vital energy flows through them. With disrpution or deficiency of qi, one will experience symptoms of ill health. Qi maintains harmony between yin and yang, preventing one or the other from getting the upper hand. Yin qualities are reflective and inward looking. Yang qualities are outgoing and extrovert.
The acupuncture practitioner ascertains the patient's unique 'pattern of disharmony'. The tongue, ears and abdomen may be examined. A case history taken and various questions asked of the patient. The acupuncturist is then able to build up a picture of where the imbalances and disruptions to harmony are, and the body systems affected.
After completion, fine, solid needles will be inserted into the acupuncture points on the body, reflecting the channels that need to be influenced. The needles may be inserted for a short time but could be up to thirty minutes. Sometimes the acupuncture practitioner will determine that additional stimuli are needed. If this is the case dried leaves called moxa may be burned in a cone above a needle at a particular acupuncture point invigorating the flow of qi. Cupping is another technique that pulls the skin upward. The pressure this gives rise to encourages the flow of qi and blood in the area beneath the cup, helping to clear local stagnation.
That covers one answer as to the question how does acupuncture work? To give a modern Western answer to this question is not possible. The simple answer is that scientists don't know. There has been a plethora of studies into acupunture in recent years. These have shown acupuncture to be of benefit in chronic headaches, migraine, back pain, fibromyalgia, pregnancy and childbirth pain, hot flushes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, anxiety, sinusitis, infertility, arthritis, smoking and other addictions, stroke, cancer, hypertension, frequent urination, radiation-induced dry mouth in cancer patients, heartburn, pregnancy indigestion, post-op nausea and vomiting. The World Health Organisation lists 28 conditions for which it is effective. Although scientists have shown acupuncture has an effect on the nervous system and on stimulating endorphins, this may explain why acupuncture works in the short term but it fails to explain why it works over an extended period of time.
As well as practicing General Acupuncture, Ciara is also a qualified Cosmetic Acupuncturist.
Key Principles of Cosmetic Acupuncture
Facial points are stimulated using the finest, sterilised, disposable needles and supported with acupressure (gentle massage). Supportive needles may also be used elsewhere on the body to balance your constitution.
What Can Cosmetic Acupuncture Do?
Cosmetic acupuncture, otherwise known as 'facial rejuvenation acupuncture' increases collagen production, and blood and lymph circulation to the face and scalp. Research has shown that acupuncture stimulates the flow of blood and energy through the skin in the face, thereby hydrating, boosting the skin's supply of nutrients and oxygen, and thus reducing the signs of ageing. A 1996 report published in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported that among 300 cases treated with facial acupuncture, 90% had marked effects with one course of treatment.
The effects include:
The skin becomes delicate
Improvement of elasticity of facial muscles
Ruddier complexion
Overall rejuvenation and freshness
While not a replacement for surgery, Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation is an excellent alternative. It is far less costly than cosmetic surgery and is safe, has no side effects or risk of disfigurement.
Unlike surgery that may have an extended recovery period with swelling and discoloration there is no trauma from Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture. While Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture cannot reshape one's nose or chin, it is a more subtle rejuvenation that takes years off one's face safely and naturally while improving overall health.
