How Does Lady Gaga Cope With Chronic Pain? When celebrities get personal about issues it often casts a spotlight on things that might go unnoticed otherwise. This is what happened when Lady Gaga told the world that she suffers from fibromyalgia.   You may not know about fibromyalgia, and medical professionals have a dearth of knowledge about the syndrome too. What they do know is that it causes long-term pain that can be felt throughout the body. It is a condition that can be extremely debilitating and very difficult to live with.   What Causes Fibromyalgia? Some theories consider the cause of fibromyalgia to be an excess of a specific chemical in the brain. While a different school of thought places the origin in genetics.   Because its symptoms are shared with many other conditions there is currently not even a consensus about whether fibromyalgia is a unique condition in itself. It could be that these pains have their cause in a bunch of other poorly understood complaints. But this is no reason to stop sufferers from looking for ways to relieve the burden.   How is it Treated? As the cause is not known, it is difficult for doctors to treat the syndrome. Current prescriptions range from painkillers and antidepressants, to talking therapies and lifestyle changes. But for some people suffering from Fibromyalgia these remedies are not enough.   How does Lady Gaga Cope with Fibromyalgia? Lady Gaga’s touching openness about her condition has lead to many conversations among her fellow sufferers about how they manage the lives when dealing with fibromyalgia. And Lady Gaga herself was the first to offer some advice on how to cope with the pain.   Lady Gaga has been a fibromyalgia sufferer for several years now and in that time she’s worked out some personal coping mechanisms.   When she’s really suffering, which can be manifested in something severe as body spasms, Lady Gaga uses an infrared sauna.   While that might initially sound like only something a world famous pop star can afford, they actually come in a variety of forms including box-like constructions and electric blankets. There are also many public saunas that can be used for an affordable rate.   When using a sauna Lady Gaga wraps herself in a cheap foil blanket, the kind of thing you see marathon runners getting wrapped in at the finish line.   Afterwards, and here is where you’re going to have be really brave, she finds that a dunk in an ice bath is the ideal follow-up. If you’re not feeling up to the full on splash of an ice bath, you could just run cold water instead or place ice packs...

Why Should You Book an Appointment with Paul? Check out Mary’s response from Dublin as to why she booked with Paul and what pain relief she experienced.   What prompted you to go to Paul? I was in so much pain with my back and sinus, it was affecting my life that I could no longer put up with the pain. Explain what ailments you had and what prompted you to book an appointment with Paul? Persistent upper back and neck pain. Hip problems. Sinus headaches. What did you experience during your treatment? Paul inserted acupuncture needles into my scalp and nose to clear my sinus. I could feel my sinuses clearing and being able to breath clearer through my nose. For my back and neck pain. I could feel warmth and a release of stiffness and pain that i was experiencing. Paul did both Osteopathy and scalp acupuncture on my back and neck area. He also did some Balance acupuncture which I could feel my back starting to unwind. How did you feel after and did you feel any results? After leaving the clinic, I was quite stiff and did relax for a while but within days of getting the work done on my back, I could stretch without pain. And after the acupuncture on my sinus, the pain was gone and I could breath more easily. What do you recommend to someone who is in pain who might be considering booking an appointment with Paul? I have been to Paul for numerous problems over the years and without him, I would not have a normal life. I am now pain free and able to start Pilates again. I would highly recommend Paul, he is gifted at what he does and I would not go anywhere else for...

It can sometimes feel like a real challenge to transition from summer to winter. Wrapping up in big warm coats and boots, raining days and often we are less active due to the bad weather. So what can you do to mind your well-being this winter? I have put together my top tips to make sure you keep your mind and body boosts over the cold, winter months in Ireland.   Colds, Flu’s and Lowered Immunity It tends to be this time of year we experience our first cold or flu which the change of temperature from a warm in doors to outdoors. Then one day its freeing cold outside next the sun is shining and we are hot! Rather than opt for supplements, try to boost your immunity with good hearty food. Dark green leafy vegetables are packed full of nutrients try to choose vegetables that are in season, garlic doesn’t just keep the vampires at bay(!) it also helps keep colds at bay.  Although it is cooler, still try to keep your fluid intake up, especially water. Maybe try some warming herbal teas. Stay Active Being active doesn’t necessarily mean hitting the gym or a fast-paced spinning class. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, park your car a little further away or getting off the bus a little earlier – all this help burn a few more calories. It keeps your body fluid and your joint moving. Hibernation is Only For Bears Although we feel like we just need to hide away and hibernate in the winter minds, it is not good for our mental well-being. We can keep active by doing some simple exercises but we also need company and to be around good people. Make sure you schedule in your diary for a get together even if it’s just a coffee date – have a giggle and enjoy other people’s company away from the comfort of your sofa and fire. Acupuncture If you feel you need a little boost or that you are in pain why not book a session or two of acupuncture. This natural Chinese medicine is amazing for balancing the body, release pain and stiffness. I have experienced amazing results with my clients well-being after just one session.   So whatever you do this winter, make sure you look after your physical and mental well-being. I am here to answer any questions you have and if you feel you need to make an appointment with me feel free to drop me a line here or call...

3 Things That Might be Causing You Back Pain If you are suffering with back pain, there might be some things that are aggravating it more. Always make sure you check with your GP if you are concerned about your health. 1) Good Foot Wear As much as we love the latest trends and high heels, sometimes they are not the best if there is a weakness in our backs. Shoes with little to no support or cushion will cause excess strain on our backs and if the back is not aligned, the hips and knees can also become a problem. Try buying shoes with good support and cushion. Without naming certain brands we know of some who promote good support so opt for those. 2) Sleeping Positions Sleeping can be a problem when you are suffering from back pain. So try laying on your side and placing a cushion between your knees, it takes some of the pressure off your lower back and can make bed time a little more enjoyable. Also sleeping on your stomach is not advised due to the unnatural position of the spine. 3) Sitting Sitting for too long I’m sure you are aware makes you stiff and much harder to move. We’ve all seen that poor person having to be hoisted up from a chair because their back has ceased up. So try to get mobile every 15-20 minutes to avoid the muscles going cold and ceasing up. Sit with your back nice and straight, shoulders back, and your feet flat on the floor. Crossing your legs is also not advisable. Scalp Acupuncture and Osteopathy Osteopathy is a form of drug-free non-invasive manual medicine that focuses on the subtle mechanics of the whole body. It is based on the philosophy that all parts of the body function together in an integrated way. Osteopathy aims to treat and strengthen all the mobile structures of the body, whether structural (joints, muscles and spine), visceral (organs) or cranium (head). Combined with the use of Scalp Acupuncture which is exceptional for its fast effects – it is not uncommon for a client to notice an improvement after the first treatment. These positive responses can continue for a couple of days, but to obtain the best results, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment. To have a FREE phone consultation with Paul or to make an appointment click...

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) – Complete Guide Do you suffer from restless leg syndrome? Are you losing sleep? Feeling agitated with it? Did you know Scalp Acupuncture can help? Read on…….   Thanks to advancements in technology and research, we now know more than ever before about many health issues and this includes restless leg syndrome (RLS). For this reason, we have created a guide including what it is, what the main causes are, the symptoms, and a potential solution. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the problem that plagues so many. Definition – In its essence, RLS is a health issue that causes restlessness in the legs. With an uncomfortable feeling in the legs, most RLS sufferers tend to have violent twitches in their sleep. When this happens, it is called periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS) and it can wake the sufferer up as well as any partner. Whilst some people only experience mild aches every so often, others experience distressing symptoms that occur every single night. Normally, the severity falls on a scale between the two and if left untreated, can lead to anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Causes – Although it can run in families, the cause is widely unknown. Due to increased research, many specialists now believe that it all relates to how our body handles a chemical called dopamine. As dopamine controls movement in the muscles, it could be associated with involuntary movements. In addition to this, RLS can also be caused as a result of another issue such as kidney failure and iron deficiency anaemia and this is called secondary RLS.   Symptoms – As mentioned previously, the main symptoms are a feeling of restlessness but you can also feel pain, numbness, cold, and a certain urge to move. With RLS, the sufferer normally finds it impossible to get comfortable and there is always the need or the urge to move (no matter how frequently).   Note: RLS occurs deep in the muscles as opposed to an itchiness on the surface of the skin.   Acupuncture – If you have RLS or know someone that does, you will know that there isn’t necessarily a cure in the Western world. Although drugs will be prescribed, they often lead to side-effects but another solution, which has been healing the problem for over 2,000 years, is a combination of Chinese herbs and acupuncture. With RLS, acupuncture has been proven to be more effective than medication which is a rare occurrence in today’s world.   When it comes to traditional Chinese medicine, RLS is caused by yin deficiency which means that our body temperature isn’t regulating effectively enough. During the day, yang works by following...

Healthcare Cover Paul is delighted to announce that he is a member of the Acupuncture Foundation Professional Association in Ireland.     Who are the AFPA? The Acupuncture Foundation Professional Association (AFPA) is the longest established Independent professional register of acupuncturists and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Ireland. The AFPA was established in 1987 and is responsible for the regulation and maintenance of a Register of Acupuncturists who work within the guidelines set out in 2006 by the Department of Health and Children. The members are graduates from many Colleges in Ireland and abroad and all are bound by a Code of Ethics and Practice which is strictly enforced by the AFPA. What is Scalp Acupuncture? Scalp Acupuncture is a modern acupuncture technique that combines Chinese needling methods with western medical knowledge of representative areas of the cerebral cortex, including anatomy, physiology, pathology and neurology. During a treatment, very short, fine needles are placed between the scalp and the cranium to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. The use of Scalp Acupuncture is exceptional for its fast effects – it is not uncommon for a client to notice an improvement after the first treatment. These positive responses can continue for a couple of days, but to obtain the best results, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment. Scalp Acupuncture treats the same range of conditions as body acupuncture. Notably, it is most effective in the treatment of acute conditions, pain, nerve system disorders, and psychological and psychosomatic disorders. Do You Have Health Insurance? The AFPA is recognised by the following health insurance providers: VHI Health Care Garda Medical Scheme Aviva HSF Health Plan Laya Healthcare Contact Paul today to make an appointment on: 01 8240663...