LET'S WORK TOGETHER
The easiest way to book is online — you can choose your location, your preferred time, and your appointment type without having to wait for a reply from me. If you'd prefer to talk things through first, you can book a free 15-minute consultation or drop me an email and I'll get back to you within 48 hours.
LOCATIONS
Duleek — Four Swans Therapy and Wellness Duleek Business Park, Co. Meath, A92 TPX9
Skerries — The Willow Rooms 36B The Square, Skerries, Co. Dublin, K34 E296
BUSINESS HOURS
Monday: 10.00-18.00 (Duleek)
Tuesday: 10.00-19.00 (Duleek)
Wednesday: 10.00-20.00 (Duleek)
Friday: 10.00 - 20.00 (Skerries)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE
-
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, single-use sterile needles into specific points on the body. It has been practised for thousands of years and is increasingly supported by clinical research across a wide range of conditions.
From a western medicine perspective, acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, promotes circulation, reduces inflammation and triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin. From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, it works by restoring the smooth flow of energy and blood through the body, addressing the underlying imbalances that cause symptoms. I work with both frameworks - whichever is most useful for understanding what's happening for you.
-
Yes. Acupuncture is well-established as safe when practised by a qualified, accredited practitioner. All needles are single-use and sterile. I am accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB) and hold full Professional Indemnity Insurance.
You can generally continue taking prescribed medication alongside acupuncture - but please bring a full list of any medications you're taking to your first session.
-
No, people very rarely experience any discomfort. The needles are extremely fine - nothing like a vaccination or a blood test. You may feel a brief sharpness on insertion and sometimes a mild achy or heavy sensation at the needle site, which is actually a sign the point is active. If you ever do find a point uncomfortable you can just tell me and I'll remove the needle. Most people find treatment deeply relaxing and a significant number fall asleep. If that's you, don't worry - I'll take it as a compliment and you never need to apologise for snoring.
-
Some people feel tired or drowsy after a session, and occasionally there can be a temporary flare-up of symptoms. It is also possible to experience mild bruising at the site of a needle insertion, but this is rare. Any side effects are short-lived and generally a sign that the body is responding to treatment. I'll always talk you through what to expect before you leave.
WHAT TO EXPECT
-
For fertility, preconception and IVF clients, your first session is 90 minutes. For other conditions, it's 75 minutes. We start with a detailed consultation covering your full health history - everything from your menstrual cycle and sleep to digestion, stress, past illnesses and every investigation you've already had. Nothing is irrelevant and there is genuinely no such thing as TMI.
I'll also carry out tongue and pulse diagnosis, which are traditional diagnostic tools that give additional information about what's happening in the body. Your first acupuncture treatment follows the consultation.
Please bring the results of any blood tests, scans or other investigations you've already had - the more information you can bring, the better.
-
Wear loose, comfortable clothing if you can - needles are often placed on the legs, arms and abdomen. Blankets and privacy are always provided and you never need to apologise for unshaved legs. Try to eat something light in the hour before your appointment and avoid alcohol beforehand.
-
Depending on what's most appropriate, I may also use cupping, moxibustion or gua sha. Cupping uses suction to promote circulation and release tension. Moxibustion involves warming acupuncture points using a herb called mugwort - it sounds alarming, it isn't. Gua sha involves gentle pressure strokes to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. I'll always explain what I'm using and why.
-
Most people leave feeling calm and relaxed. Some feel energised, others sleepy — both are completely normal. I'll give you aftercare advice at the end of every session.
-
For fertility I recommend a minimum of three months of regular treatment — this mirrors the time it takes for eggs and sperm to complete a full development cycle, which is why quick fixes rarely work. For other conditions it depends on your individual situation. I'll give you a clearer picture after your initial consultation - and I'll always be honest if I think acupuncture isn't the right tool for what you're dealing with.
-
As a member of the Acupuncture Foundation Professional Association of Ireland (AFPA), my treatments are recognised by the major Irish health insurers. Coverage depends on your individual plan so it's worth checking with your provider directly before booking.
FERTILITY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
-
There is a growing body of research supporting acupuncture for fertility - including cycle regulation, hormonal balance, egg quality, stress reduction and support during IVF. I am specifically trained in treating fertility and women’s health and have a lot of experience in (and arguably a mild obsession with) these areas.
That said, I'll never overstate the evidence or make promises I can't keep. I'll tell you honestly what I think acupuncture can do for your specific situation - and what it probably can't.
-
As early as possible - ideally at least three months before your cycle begins. Eggs take around three months to develop, so starting early gives us the best chance to support egg quality, regulate your cycle and prepare your body properly. That said, starting later is still worthwhile - don't let perfect be the enemy of good.
-
Yes. Sperm quality is a factor in around half of all fertility challenges and is consistently under-investigated. I'm trained in male fertility and happy to work with both partners - either together or separately. If you've only had a standard semen analysis, it's worth knowing that it doesn't tell the whole story - but that's a conversation for your consultation. And to answer the questions I most frequently get from men - needles usually go in the arms, legs, head and abdomen, nowhere scary!
-
This is the situation I work with most often. In my experience, "unexplained infertility" usually means the right tests haven't been done yet - or haven't been done correctly. I take a thorough, investigative approach and will frequently recommend additional testing that goes beyond the standard panel.
-
No. Acupuncture is safe alongside IVF medications and is specifically timed to work with your clinic's protocol rather than against it. I'll always work with what your clinic has recommended and won't suggest anything that conflicts with your treatment plan. If you're unsure, your clinic can confirm that acupuncture is compatible - most are very familiar with it.
-
For fertility clients who are trying naturally, any point in your cycle is fine for a first appointment - we don't need to time it specifically. Once we've established your treatment plan, I'll advise on the best timing for ongoing sessions based on your individual cycle. For IVF clients, timing is more specific and we'll discuss this at your initial consultation.
HAVE A QUESTION THAT ISN'T ANSWERED HERE?
Get in touch above — I'm happy to chat. Or if you've read enough and you're ready to get started…