Holistic health

The Chinese and other eastern cultures have used acupuncture for over 3,000 years, Marguerite Fallon tells the Galway Independent.

Acupuncture evolved first through trial and error, being used first to treat injuries on the battlefield, according to nurse and acupuncturist Marguerite Fallon.

Then by the 15th century, medical books, such as the ‘Ling Su’ and ‘Su Wen’ had been written giving specific diseases and recommended treatments with acupuncture.

Acupuncturists received specific training and held a very high position in society and at the Emperor’s court. Some of the early ‘needles’ can be seen in the collection at the Chester Beatty Library at Dublin Castle. “If acupuncture didn’t work it would have been discarded a long time ago,” says Marguerite.

Acupuncture is the placement of pins/needles on predetermined points/channels/meridians on the body to treat pain, illness and imbalance. Acupuncture is safe for babies, children, pregnant and nursing mothers, elderly and very ill patients.

Three commonly asked questions:

1. Does acupuncture hurt?

2. Is it safe?

3. What is it used for?

Marguerite explains that acupuncture does not hurt if the proper technique is used, depending on the type of treatment – there may be initial discomfort, but most patients fall asleep during treatment and are amazed at how relaxed they feel. “If acupuncture doesn’t work – it doesn’t do any harm,” says Marguerite.

“While doing my postgraduate studies at Nanjing University China, I also worked in the acupuncture department of the Zong Da Hospital. Commonly treated conditions included, side affects of stroke, bone, tendon and muscle injury, palsy, sleep anxiety and stress, sinusitis, frozen shoulder neck and back pain, gynae/fertility/women’s health and what is known as ‘Jing Ming’ or general health and wellbeing,” says Marguerite.

She adds that most people come to have acupuncture as a last resort and are usually very happy with the results - but they also find, that as acupuncture is ‘holistic’ or treats the whole person - they get the added bonus of ‘Jing Ming’ or general wellbeing!

Marguerite’s practice is divided 50/50 between general treatment and fertility and women’s health and she has done postgraduate studies in both China and with the Zita West Foundation in England in natural and assisted fertility.

Acupuncture is now recommended by and indeed available at many fertility clinics around the world. Anyone who has had problems will know just how stressful the whole process is. The Galway Fertility Clinic does not recommend acupuncture.

Marguerite has trained as a registered general nurse (RGN) and holds a diploma and licentiate in acupuncture. She is also a member of Acupuncture Foundation Professional Association (AFPA), which is affiliated to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is the longest established professional acupuncture body in Ireland.

Marguerite is also registered with all health insurance providers.

Her clinic is located in Terryland Retail Park, where free parking is available. Treatments are by appointment and morning, afternoon, evening and Saturday morning appointments are available.

To book an appointment call 091-528984 or 086-4006924. Additional information may be obtained from acupro.ie, zitawest.com, margueritefallonacupuncture.eu