The Auricular Acupuncture Support Service provided by Exchange House National Travellers Services’ Family Support Department has been extended for use in both the organisation and within the Dochas Centre for 2014.

This highly successful treatment is based on an ancient Chinese medicine which involves the insertion of very fine sterilised needles into specific points on the body. It lasts between twenty to forty-five minutes. Smoking needles; which are used to help to reduce cravings for nicotine, and Wellness Seeds or ‘Stress Balls’; which have been found to reduce stress levels, are also available. Clients have accessed this support system for use in the treatment of areas of addiction, stress, insomnia, anxiety, and for a general improvement in their sense of wellbeing. Often this treatment is used in combination with other support systems provided by the organisation. Exchange House has been offering auricular acupuncture since 2012.

Due to the success and demand of the service it has been extended for the current year in Exchange House and more specifically to Traveller women in the Dóchas Centre for the second time since 2013. The Family Support Department offer this service on Thursday mornings between 10am and 12pm. To date, there has been great interest and participation from the women involved and numbers have continued to rise each week. Reasons for accessing this service within the Dóchas Centre include stress, anxiety, detoxification, and addiction. Those accessing the service have stated they often find it difficult to sit still in one place and therefore using this support has been a new learning experience for them. Positive effects of the treatment include a reduction of cravings or withdrawal symptoms for substances such as alcohol, drugs and cigarettes, marked relaxation, pain relief, improved sleeping patterns and a feeling of well-being. Furthermore use of the treatment has provided opportunities to facilitate discussions with the women on these topics highlighting that the treatments impact extends to personal development as well as physical and mental health.

The Auricular Acupuncture Support Service is available to both individuals and small groups. If you wish to access this treatment or refer a client for the service please phone Exchange House on 01 8721094 to make an appointment.