Acupuncture for Positive Aging

As we get older, we need to make changes and adjustments to the way we live in order to be well. Acupuncture can be a huge help to elderly people, both as a preventative medicine and as a solution to pain and illness.

People are living longer these days, but their working lives have also lengthened.Many grandparents now take care of their grandchildren not just for the pleasure, but to help their children with childcare costs in these challenging times. This is demanding stressful work, with recent studies showing a rise in depression among grandparents.  Acupuncture can lower stress levels by regulating the parasympathetic nervous system which governs our ‘fight or flight’ response. The hormones released during this response stimulate us to run in times of danger, and in ancient times they protected us from serious threat.  However, when we are constantly stressed, rushing to make appointments, or trying to fit too many activities into a day this system becomes over-stimulated, leading to anxiety and depression, digestive disturbance, insomnia, elevated blood pressure, and immune suppression.

 While some lifestyle changes are inevitable, given the choice most people would like to continue to enjoy their passions without having to worry about pain. Acupuncture offers side- effect free relief from both acute and chronic pain. It can treat swollen painful knees, tennis elbow, arthritis, back pain and sciatica. Acupuncture can often improve conditions that haven’t answered to other therapies. It is also a useful option for those who are already taking a number of medications and would like to avoid adding any more to the list. There is no need to worry that acupuncture will interfere with any other therapy, or interact with any medication. People often call to cancel their appointments because they have come down with a cough or cold. I always ask them to please come and let me help. Few people consider acupuncture for a cough, cold, flu or gastric bug but it can treat all of these things. At this time of year it provides welcome relief from hayfever and sinusitis, and it can be a huge help to those who are very sensitive to the side effects of antihistimines. 

There are different pricing levels available at Aran Acupuncture to suit different requirements and budgets. For instance, while everyone enjoys cupping it is not a necessary part of your treatment. Most elderly people have long-standing complaints that will have been with them for a number of years. A course of weekly  acupuncture with needles left in  place for 40 mins and auricular acupuncture (ear seeds) is the best treatment option here. The Community Acupuncture Service makes this treatment available for €30. The use of recliner chairs in an open room makes this cost reduction possible and having therapy in a group makes it a social occasion. The use of chairs is often preferable to people with mobility issues while use of points on the arms and legs means there is no need to undress. If you would like to know more about the benefits of acupuncture for elderly people, call Trish at 087 7787730 or email info@aranacupuncture.ie

Gallery