What will Treatment involve?

5 Element Acupuncture Dublin - Palpation

Your initial formal consultation at my Five Element Acupuncture Dublin practice, sometimes refered to as the Traditonal Diagnosis, takes up to two hours and includes a thorough medical and personal history, description of complaints, a review of the functioning of the systems of the body, and a physical examination. This includes the taking of the Chinese pulses [usually felt at the wrist] from which the practitioner can determine the state of the energy in each of the major organs and functions. Using the diagnostic tools of Classical Five-Element Acupuncture, an assessment is made of the condition of your Ch'i energy and the underlying cause of your condition is determined. From all of this information, a treatment plan is developed, unique to you.

Thereafter your appointments are generally scheduled for one hour. Prior to each treatment, you will have ample time to talk about how you've been, how you feel, and what's happening in your life, which is essential information for the practitoner to determine exactly the treatment that is called for at that time. The pulses are read and moxa and/or needles are applied. The response to the treatment will be assessed by reading the pulses. Dietary and other lifestyle recommendations will be discussed at appropriate times throughout treatment.

I work in a holistic way. This means understanding you as a complex being, as well as your symptoms and your medical history. The focus will be on finding out how I can help you to get the most out of this powerful system of medicine.

You have probably noticed that when you are stressed or overworked you are more likely to become ill. Conversely when you are on top of the world, your health is rarely an issue. For this reason, finding out what makes you thrive, as well as how you can avoid stress is a vital part of the treatment process.


Preparation for Treatment

You will help your traditonal diagnosis and subsequent treatments by attending my Five Element Acupuncture Dublin practice not wearing make-up, perfumes, deodorants or aftershave.

It is also useful if you bring along a list of medications, (prescription and non-prescription), including dosages, you are taking.

It is suggested that you eat only a light meal during the two hours before and after treatment and that no alcohol is consumed on the day of treatment, in order to maximise the effectiveness of treatment. Allow yourself to take things as easy as possible afterwards for at least two hours. Avoid having a hot bath following treatment.

How you can support your healing process!

Adequate amounts of water, good healthy food, regular exercise and sufficient rest will extend the benefits of your treatment and enrich your life.

Meditation, T'ai Chi and yoga can help you maintain a relaxed state of mind.

To experience the fullest healing of any condition requires a commitment to yourself to receive treatment and make positive changes in your life. Regular treatment will help you make these necessary changes as you begin a new path to improved health and well being.

Professional and Confidential

I am a member of, and adhere to, the professional standards of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). The BAcC maintains common standards of education, ethics, discipline and practice to ensure the health and safety of the public at all times.

These rules cover the use of sterile needles and hygiene procedures. They are approved by the Department of Health and help ensure your protection against the transmission of infectious diseases.

I am also bound by strict legal confidentiality. Anything you tell me during your sessions is completely confidential.



How many Treatments
will I Need?

Everyone responds differently to treatment, but you may notice a marked improvement in your main complaint straight away. Often the initial improvements are in the overall state of health and the improvement in your main complaint will follow on quickly. In rare cases there may be a short-term flair-up of your symptoms, however this will quickly settle with ongoing treatment and is usually part of the healing process. The length of time a condition has been present and its severity are important in assessing how quickly you are likely to improve. Also, because this system of medicine is treating all of you - body, mind and spirit - you will often experience an enhanced quality of life and improved sense of well being. The aim is for lasting benefit, not just short term improvements.

5 Element Acupuncture - Treatment Information

You will need treatment once or twice during the first week and then once a week thereafter until some improvement has been maintained, with each treatment building on the previous session.

Once your condition has begun to improve the treatments can be spaced out to allow your body's own healing mechanisms to take over. This phase will prevent your symptoms from returning and will ensure a continued improvement.


Here is a view of my treatment room.

5 Element Acupuncture - Treatment Room

Seán O'Neill - B.Sc., B.A. (Hons), Lic. Ac. (UK), OMBAcC
5 Element Acupuncture Dublin - Side Garden Entrance, 41 Demesne, Killester, Dublin 5.

Tel: 086 087 2098      Email: info@5elementacupuncturedublin.com