Frequently Asked Questions

Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions, and some because they simply feel generally unwell. Others choose acupuncture to enhance their feeling of well-being. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages, including babies and children. It can also be used alongside conventional medicine.

Acupuncture works by inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, these points lie on channels of energy called meridians. The insertion of needles stimulates the flow of energy (Qi) and restores balance.

From a Western scientific perspective, acupuncture is thought to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body's homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional well-being.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, acupuncture aims to identify and correct a person's underlying imbalances which, if left untreated, can lead to ill health, loss of function, and reduced well-being. When a person is well balanced, they stay healthy and function at their best.

Unlike conventional Western medicine, acupuncture places emphasis on the individual and hands-on care - rather than drugs and technology - and does not carry a risk of adverse side effects.

Acupuncture can help with a very wide range of conditions. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised acupuncture as effective for over 40 conditions.

See the full Conditions Treated page for more information.

Yes. When practised by a qualified and registered acupuncturist, acupuncture is very safe. Kate is a member of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Council of Ireland (TCMCI), which requires its members to adhere to strict codes of safe practice, professional conduct, and continuing professional development.

Only sterile, single-use disposable needles are used. These are never reused.

Some people may experience minor bruising or slight bleeding at the needle site. Occasionally people feel a little light-headed after treatment. These effects are temporary.

Yes. There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of acupuncture for a range of conditions. The World Health Organisation has published a comprehensive report on acupuncture's effectiveness. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) also has a fact sheet covering research into acupuncture and a wide range of health conditions.

The first acupuncture treatment combines a diagnosis and treatment. You will be asked about your current symptoms, what treatment you have received, your medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns, and emotional state. Kate will also feel your pulses on both wrists and ask to look at your tongue.

Please bring along a list of any medical and herbal supplements you may be taking, as well as any blood tests and hospital investigations you may have had, as this will aid the diagnosis.

The acupuncture points used are not always close to the part of the body where you are experiencing the problem - acupuncture treats the whole body as an interconnected system.

The number of acupuncture treatments you need depends on the complexity of your illness, whether it's a long-standing or recent condition, and your general health. For example, you may need only one treatment for a recent wrist sprain, while a long-term illness may require treatments for several months.

What you do at home in between treatments can make a huge difference in how quickly you heal. It is easier to give an estimate after a consultation when more information about the patient and their medical history has been made available.

It is generally advisable to let your GP know if you are receiving acupuncture, particularly if you are taking prescribed medication. Acupuncture works very well alongside conventional medicine, and some GPs actively encourage patients to try it.

Please do not stop taking prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor.

Yes, if you have pre-approval for acupuncture there should be no problem. Kate has been approved by major health insurers in Ireland, including VHI, Irish Life Health, and Laya Healthcare.

The clinic is at Ashfield Lodge, Swordlestown, Naas, Co. Kildare. There is parking on site. See the Location page for directions.

You can book by phone or WhatsApp on 087 237 5371, or by using the contact form on the website. Kate will usually respond within one working day.

Kate is happy to have a brief phone or WhatsApp conversation before your first appointment if you have questions about whether acupuncture is right for you. This is not a full consultation, but it gives you the chance to ask questions and get a feel for whether you'd like to proceed.

Acupuncture is widely used alongside assisted conception treatment. It may help by improving blood flow to the uterus, supporting hormone regulation, and reducing the stress and anxiety that often accompany IVF and IUI cycles. Kate is a member of Acupuncture for Fertility and Pregnancy Ireland (AFPI) and has extensive experience supporting women through assisted conception. She will work alongside your fertility clinic, not instead of it.

Ideally, it helps to begin treatment at least two to three months before trying to conceive or starting an IVF cycle. This gives time to regulate the cycle, support egg quality, and prepare the body. However, acupuncture can be introduced at any stage - including during a cycle already in progress - and many women find it beneficial even when starting late.

This depends on your individual circumstances. As a general guide, weekly sessions in the months leading up to conception or embryo transfer are common, with adjustments depending on your cycle and how you respond. Kate will discuss a realistic treatment plan with you at your first appointment.

Yes. Sperm health - including count, motility, and morphology - can be influenced by acupuncture, and some research suggests improvements after a course of treatment. Since sperm takes around three months to mature, starting early gives the best results. Many couples find it helpful to be treated together.

Yes. Gentle acupuncture during the two-week wait is considered safe and is often used to support implantation, reduce anxiety, and encourage rest. Kate uses points specifically suited to this phase of the cycle and will avoid any points that are contraindicated in early pregnancy.

Yes, when carried out by a qualified practitioner with experience in obstetric acupuncture. Kate has over 25 years of experience treating women throughout pregnancy. Certain acupuncture points are avoided during pregnancy, and Kate follows the TCMCI guidelines on safe practice throughout.

Acupuncture can help with a wide range of pregnancy-related conditions, including nausea and morning sickness, back and pelvic pain, sciatica, fatigue, heartburn, oedema, anxiety, and sleep difficulties. Many women find it a safe alternative to medication during pregnancy.

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves burning a dried herb called mugwort (moxa) near specific acupuncture points - in particular, a point on the little toe. It is most commonly used from around 34–36 weeks to encourage a breech baby to turn to the head-down position. Some studies suggest it can be effective, particularly when used early enough. Kate will advise whether it is suitable in your situation.

Yes, though some women prefer to wait until after 12 weeks. Acupuncture can be particularly helpful in early pregnancy for nausea, fatigue, and anxiety. Kate uses a gentle approach in the first trimester and will discuss what is appropriate for you.

Acupuncture can be given right up to your due date. In the final weeks, treatment is often used for preparation for labour - helping the body relax, supporting cervical ripening, and reducing anxiety ahead of birth.

Cosmetic acupuncture works by stimulating the skin's natural healing response rather than introducing foreign substances or paralyzing muscles. Fine needles create micro-traumas that encourage collagen and elastin production, improve circulation to the face, and gradually reduce the appearance of fine lines. Results are subtler and build over a course of treatment - it is a natural approach rather than a quick fix.

A course of 10 sessions, usually taken once or twice a week, is typically recommended for noticeable results. Many people see gradual improvement from around session 4 or 5. Following the initial course, monthly maintenance treatments help sustain the effects.

With monthly maintenance, results can last indefinitely. Without follow-up treatment, most people find the effects begin to fade after three to six months. Lifestyle factors - such as diet, hydration, sleep, and sun exposure - also influence how long the results last.