Our cancer care treatment plan is tailored specifically around your western medical diagnosis .We focus on treating the side effects of cancer through treatment of specific acupuncture points relating to the type of cancer present.It is important to note that the role acupuncture in cancer support is to relieve pain , relax emotional anxieties and fear and improve QOL - Quality of Life.
Our primary aim at Acucare is to move the internal stagnation , promote circulation and generate wei qi or protective chi ( boost the immune system ).
We target the side effects of both chemotherapy and radiation by :
1. Tonifying the immune system before drug administration - Ideally we would ask patients to visit 3 weeks before they start a cycle . Wei Qi tonification will be carried out using acupuncture points , moxibustion ( heat treatment ) and specific dietary recommendations provided.
2. Tonify the liver and kidneys – Although chemotherapy and radiation are key factors in helping you through your cancer they do put a significant strain on your liver and kidneys as these vital organs process and discrete the toxins from your body . Therefore we pay particular attention to supporting the chi ( energy ) of these organs during drug administration.
3. Tonify stomach and spleen chi ( Qi) – Loss of appetite , loose stools , constipation , nausia are often accompanied with drug administration and therefore we would use specific acupunture points to help alleviate these common side effects .
Diagnosis alone can be a very difficult time for all involved and here at Acucare we will support you and help you work through this emotional journey. Acupunture is used by many to help alleviate stress / anxiety / depression .Our treatment centre allows time for you to calm the mind , settle your thoughts and relax . It is common for patients to fall asleep during treatment . We encourage family members to enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the clinic and avail of emotional therapy treatments at no extra cost.
Stroke Care
Our stroke care treatment plan aims at targetting the assocatied blockages within the meridian system and can be very powerful for alleviating the symtoms of stroke . Our treatment plan focusses at
1. Expel wind invasion a number of specific acupuncture points are needled in order to increase circulation and blood flow . It is important to note that point selection is critical to recovery and Acucare practioner will discuss this further on arrival.
2. Promote circulation and stimulate the free flow of chi (Qi) Both cupping and heat lamps are applied along the meridians to further enhance the free flow of chi ( Qi ) and move the stagnated blood.For stuborn cases , electro-acupunture is used .
3. Speech specific therapy our speech specific treament works by stimulating the facial muscles used in speech and promotes qi and blood to the neck, face and mouth areas. Electric acupuncture may be used depending on the severity of the case .
Rapid recovery programme for athletes – This programme is suitable for all athletes competitive or not and focuses on replinishing lost Qi (energy) after intense physical exercise .This works on the priciple of spleen Qi deficieny in TCM diagnosis . If we push the body to extreme limits we may cause the energy of the spleen to become deficient which can result in loose stools / upset tummies / dizziness / loss of appetite etc . Any of these familiar ? The use of acupuncture is gaining a large amount of interest in the sports world.Many top athletes will visit an acupunturist both before and after an enduring race / match etc- Rob Hefernan ,Irish Olympic athlete is a self confessed fan of acupunture and finds it prepares him both mentally and physically for the next big race. Acupuncture before an event is just as important and can prepare the body and mind for the test ahead .
Rapid Recovery for sports injuries – At Acucare we combine a number of disciplines ( TCM / YOGA / ) to ensure you are back training and ready for the next test / race / match. The Rapid Recovery programme is performed via 3 phases .Each phase consists of 3 sessions . Depending on your progress we may mix and match phases . This can be discussed on arrival to the clinic once a full case history as been completed .
NB: It is essential that the injury is treated as soon as possible as this will improve healing and recovery time .
Phase 1 – (*3 session) – Cold therapy (Ice compressions)
Acupuncture ( ASHI /trigger points and TCM diagnostics)
Hot therapy ( moxibustion + heat lamp )