DAN TIEN IN THE PRESS

Speaking in Tongues

February 2004: Garda Review

by Fiona Ness

Many people misunderstand acupuncture as a tool for well-being. Neil Ward accepted an invitation by Dan-Tien’s expert Dave Shipsey to give it a try.

Pinpointing The Problem

On arriving at Dave Shipsey’s  complimentary health studio in Christchurch, Dublin, I was filled with curiosity and a little apprehension.  I needn’t have worried.  By the time we actually got around to any treatment I was completely at ease, having spent nearly half an hour discussing my digestive and sleeping habits, and general well-being in the kind of detail that my GP has never had the time to go into.  There was even something of a therapeutic value in having someone listen to my medical history and take a keen interest in my dietary and resting habits, as well as my emotional states and anxieties.  To help Dave pinpoint any problems he used ‘Tongue Diagnosis” – an age old technique that involved lookin at my tongue four or five times.

The Tongue Tells All

Dave says, “Tongues vary – in colour, moisture content and texture – some may even quiver.  It takes experience to read a tongue but it is an accurate indicator of the body’s state.”  This diagnosis is often augmented by taking the pulse.  There are six pulses on each wrist which correspond to each of the organs e.g. right hand pulse indicates the condition of the Lung/ Large Intestine, Stomach/ Spleen/Kidney/Urinary Bladder.  “The pulse will confirm your diagnosis from the other methods such as asking, observing palpatating tongue, etc.”

At The Sharp End

It was not at all painful – for me the very notion of acupuncture had always conjured images of the old ‘Hellraiser’ posters.  How wrong I was.  The sensation is not unpleasant, almost unnoticeable if coninciding with an intake of breath.  The Chinese-made needles are very fine, sterile and used only once.  Treatment typically involves 8-10 needles, “Less is more, “ says Dave.  I slept very well, without a single ache or pain.

Each needle provoked a different reaction.  Some seemed electric; others more anaesthetic – some radiated outwards and some just concentrated energy.  For fifteen minutes or so, I was left in a state of grace – not daring to move – or perhaps incapable of movement.  But the brain was left with a child-like clear view of the world.  I could possibly have drifted off to sleep, but stayed awake to enjoy the feeling.

Dave explained, “Different treatments suit different people The same treatment may treat different conditions in different people; the same ailment may be treated in a variety of different ways depending on the person.”

Getting The Point

It was several hours later that I was still feeling the benefits – almost like a mild hypnosis – but it raised as many questions as it answered.  Yes, I probably do drink too much coffee; life would be better without that rushed lunch...

This session would have cost the same price as a visit to a GP – yet the therapist spent significantly more time in diagnosis through an extensive consultation – and also provided a therapy.  Dave diagnoses were accurate and several days later – and the treatment on my right knee is still effective; the lasting effects were that I have taken a longer look at myself regarding the common habits that I know should change – and I felt I had more energy for the first few days after the treatment.  I simply would not have visited the doctor without something very specific for him to treat.  Like most people I suspect, I sould go to my GP when I need antibiotics, strong pain killers or a referral to the hospital.

Acupuncture has now been widely accepted and recognised by the medical profession in Ireland.  The Garda Medical Aid Society ( and other health insurances) will pay towards treatment by registered acupuncture professionals.  The Garda Medical Aid Society will cover up to €30 per visit for a maximum of ten visits in a 12 month period, subject to a letter fo referral from a GP.

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