Acupuncture Testimonials are an excellent resource for others who are interested in finding out the benefits of acupuncture and the Meridian Acupuncture Clinic and I believe that the experiences of my patients will be of great help. I hope that in sharing these experiences and results with you in writing you develop a better feel for the impact Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can have on your health and the style and nature of my practice.
For ease I have divided these testimonials in to 4 sections -
General Testemonials
Pain Relief Testemonials
Fertility and Pregnancy Testemonials
Weight Loss Testemonials
I am very passionate about continuing to help others, such as you, reach their health goals so that you too can enjoy life to its fullest and share the same success, experience and results as my patients below.
Breathing Easy I had just finished a course of antibiotics for a chest infection which was not improving. By accident I came across a leaflet for the Meridian Acupuncture Clinic while in KCR Carlisle Gym. From the moment I met Paul O’Brien I knew that acupuncture was going to work for me. He made me feel at ease and his confidence gave me hope of a cure without medication. I couldn’t believe that I could relax while I had needles in my body. My chest infection disappeared naturally. Sleepless nights a thing of the past and I felt like a connection between my mind and body. I would recommend Paul O’Brien to everyone without hesitation. Beda Daily, 59 UPDATE – Breda has continued to enjoy excellent health, and good as her word has referred many new wonderful patients to me, for which I am most thankful. There is nothing more rewarding than to have people recommend my services and I am truly thankful to have such wonderful patients as Breda. |
Giving Pain the Elbow! My problem was Tennis Elbow. Having had painkillers and gels, the pain was still very severe and restricting my movement. On meeting Paul O’Brien and when he told me he was an acupuncturist I discussed my problem with him and organized our appointment. I have had four treatments and I don’t know myself! The experience has been very relaxing and most worthwhile! Thank you Paul! Alan UPDATE – Alan’s elbow has been pain free for over 1.5yrs now, and we’ve also cleared up some sleep problems too ;-) I’m delighted with Alan’s progress and wish him all the best in the future. |
From Stress to Success: I attended Paul O’Brien of the Meridian Acupuncture Clinic for the first time approximately six months ago with a little fear and a lot of skepticism having never before tried any form of complimentary medicine. I was bowled over. Following a thoroughly professional and detailed discussion of my medical history, Paul outlined the areas where he felt I could benefit from a course of acupuncture and shortly thereafter, set about a course of treatment which was neither painful nor unpleasant. Surprisingly it was quite the contrary resulting in an experience more akin to massage leaving me feeling totally relaxed and unwound. The days following each session have resulted in the most remarkable levels of energy throughput the day which are now continuing for months at a time. I thank Paul for his introduction to the world of Acupuncture and would heartily recommend his services to anyone. J. Stephen Brown, |
De-stressed and Re-Energized: I came to Paul because I was feeling, stressed & tired with low energy that prevented me from enjoying my life to it’s fullest. After only a few short sessions I now have more energy then I know what to do with and feel completely unstressed. Thanks Paul! Dermot |
Pain Relief
From Hunched Over to Hero in One Session: I came to Paul O’Brien in great pain and agony with my back, hunched over like Quasimodo – I left in leaps and bounds pain free! Simply amazing. Many thanks Paul, Ciaran Doyle |
Years of Pain Put to Rest: I went to The Meridian Acupuncture Clinic to undergo acupuncture treatment with Paul O'Brien. I had been trying for years to get rid of the lower back pain that I was suffering from but to no avail. I have to say that I am very happy with the results. My back has really improved and I am feeling much better in general. I feel less stressed and seem to have more energy since beginning the treatment. Also the exercise and diet advice from Paul has left me with the knowledge to further improve my back strength and general fitness in the future. I would highly recommend The Meridian Acupuncture Clinic and Paul O'Brien to anyone suffering from back pain. Stephen Campbell, |
Teacher Learns How to Relieve Pain with Ancient Medicine: At first I was skeptical, I didn't want someone sticking pins in me – I was in enough pain already thank you, but he patiently explained that by stimulating special points on the arms and legs, with these tiny hair thin needles (I have to admit I had to look really closely to see them) it would release the tension in muscles and help restore proper function to the sciatic nerve and that the pain would ease and eventually dissipate. I couldn't believe this, having been in pain for so long, and tried so many different treatments. But then what did I have to lose save the pain. I made an appointment and from the moment I stepped in to the warm and inviting clinic I knew I had made the right decision. Paul welcomed me in and explained which points he would be stimulating and how relaxing it would feel. He was right. Working on special points on my lower back and leg I felt a deep sense of peace as the muscles in my body relaxed and melted away any stress and pain I was feeling. I don't think I have ever been more relaxed before. Truth be told I didn't want the session to end, but Paul had more people to fix and I guess I can't be selfish. After the session I noticed the pain in my leg had vanished and I could walk with ease. Over the next few sessions Paul continued to improve not only my leg and lower back but my energy levels and sense of well being. It was truly amazing. I'm now back to my happy go lucky sporting self and have found a new love of sport in skiing! Can you believe it? Had you told me a few months ago that I would regularly enjoy skiing 3 times a week I would have told you were out of your mind, but there I am, skiing down the slopes and loving very minute of it! Sarah G. Teacher |
Success When Everything Else Failed:
I’d suffered from Sciatica for a number of years and it was making me miserable. I had tried Doctor’s, Chiropractors, Physio’s and none of it worked - my sciatic pain was unbearable. Then I met Paul. After only a few sessions he succeeded where everyone else had failed and relieved my pain completely! James |
Fertility and Pregnancy Success
A Miracle 9 years in the the Making - Acupuncture WORKS!: I originally met Paul while seeking relief for a back problem when the subject of fertility came up. It was January 2010 and myself and my husband had been trying for a baby unsuccessfully for 9 years. During the conversation Paul informed me that he specialized in acupuncture as a fertility treatment. Obviously I was a little skeptical in the beginning as we had been though many I.V.F. cycles and other unsuccessful medical treatments. However Paul was certain it would be a success. During the weekly appointments I experienced enormous relaxation and also great relief from the back pain whilst Paul was always confident of achieving his main goal of a successful pregnancy. With less than one year of acupuncture treatment in December 2010 I finally found out that after ten years of trying, I had finally become pregnant! The joy and relief of this wonderful news is hard to simply put into words. But what Paul has achieved is nothing short of genius. We will never be able to thank him enough. I would recommend Paul and his clinic to anybody in a similar position as we had all but given up hope of ever becoming parents but as I write this we are 17 weeks pregnant and looking forward to our first scan in a matter of weeks. Elaine Galvin, 35 UPDATE: Elaine has given birth to a beautiful healthy baby boy!!!!! Mother and Baby are doing great, and I wish Elaine and here family all the very best. |
An Increase of 85% in sperm motility that stuns the Doctors:
Sarah and Brian (names changed) had been trying for a baby for 15 months. “We had expected things to happen really quickly”, says Sarah. “I am 31, and Brian is 32. We are both really healthy, so we didn’t expect to have a problem. You just don’t think it will happen to you. “We went to see our GP: he referred us to a specialist in the Rotunda Hospital. He decided to check my blood to see if I was ovulating and to do a semen analysis on my husband”. “My bloods came back fine. My scan was fine too. Then Brian went in for his semen analysis, and last October we went in for the results. The consultant said that his sperm’s motility was only 10%. It has to be 40% to be called normal. “He said we needed IVF. He referred us to the HARI clinic (special note the Meridian Acupuncture has a close relationship with the HARI and we can prescribe a series of semen analysis tests etc to confirm our diagnosis). We were devastated. I didn’t know anyone who had gone for IVF, and we were worried about the expense as well. “The whole thing worried us. It was ‘oh my god!’ And the worst thing was is that there is no guarantee that it will work. “We rang the HARI for an appointment. They said they couldn’t see us until February. That seemed so far away. So we rang the SIMS clinic and they gave us an earlier appointment. “I looked up Brian’s condition on the internet and it said acupuncture could help (read my article on Male Infertility here). And meanwhile we improved our diets, I took a zinc supplement. “We went to see Paul O’Brien. He was lovely. He talked us through the whole process. He said he would treat me as well. I hate needles, but it was fine. It didn’t hurt at all. I went away feeling like I was brand new. “Finally our appointment at the SIMS clinic came. They said that before they started the IVF they would do another semen analysis. They rang that same night to say that Brian’s semen was normal the motility was 50%. We no longer needed IVF. “We’re going to have IUI where they give me medicine to ovulate and insert a catheter into the uterus to improve our chances of pregnancy. It can just speed things up. But they were amazed at the improvement. They could hardly believe it. “We still go to Paul every week. We are delighted with him. And hopefully we shall have some good news soon". - As Featured in the Evening Hearld, words by Sue Leonard. UPDATE After a continuation of treatment Brian’s semen was retested and came in at an astonishing 95%. Representing an 85% increase! An incredible imporvement. |
Paul, Thank you very much for everything you have done to help me get pregnant. I’m really delighted. I thought the treatment was really relaxing and Paul made me feel really comfortable and relaxed. My overall experience was brilliant. It didn’t hurt and I successfully got pregnant within 12 weeks. These treatments have changed my life in a way that was unbelievable. I was trying for a baby for nearly two years and within 12 weeks of going to Paul I found out I was pregnant. It’s really worth going to get acupuncture done. Some people may think it’s a lot of money but once it works it’s worth all the money in the world. I went to get pregnant and you can’t put a price on that. Sinead Morrison, 25, |
First Born Baby!: After having being trying for a baby for 18 months a friend of my wife’s suggested we try acupuncture as she found it helped her and her husband when they were trying. Being the sceptic that I am I was a bit unsure at first but like my wife I was getting anxious about not conceiving and was willing to try anything. We arranged the first meeting with Paul O’Brien and after he explained the science behind acupuncture and how it affects the different parts of the body and how in turn this can help with fertility I felt very reassured that this was something that could be very helpful. I also felt that he seemed to have a genuine care for his patients and his friendliness made the experience all the more comfortable. Both my wife and I both started weekly treatments in Oct 2010. I found myself feeling good after each session and my wife seemed to enjoy them too. Around the time we starting receiving acupuncture we left a letter into the fertility clinic in the maternity hospital. My wife also had to leave blood samples in and I had to give a sperm sample. Four weeks before my wife had her first appointment in the fertility clinic we found out she’s pregnant with our first child. We have since cancelled the appointment for the fertility clinic and have our first scan in April. We are over the moon and I genuinely believe that the treatment we received from Paul has helped us with our little miracle." Kind regards
UPDATE Tom and Valerie just had a BEAUTIFUL baby girl! Mum and baby are doing great! |
Miscarriage Prevention
A Healthy and Full Term Pregnancy:
Stephanie Hyland (34) hadn't had too much trouble getting pregnant. But, she had suffered two early miscarriages, which left her feeling distraught. "Then I saw Paul's card up in my gym. He treated me, and just weeks later, I was pregnant. I've been seeing him every week since. "I'm now 18 weeks pregnant. And I'm thrilled. "Acupuncture is very relaxing," she says. "I feel really good after each session." - As Featured in the Irish Independant, words by Sue Leonard. UPDATE: Stephanie has given birth to a beautiful baby girl; I wish both her and her newborn daughter the very best of health. |
A Beautiful Baby Boy!: I contacted Paul after two miscarriages. I had a successful pregnancy 2 years previously but things were not going to plan this time. I was now 41 and felt time was not on my side. From the first telephone conversation with Paul I felt positive that he could help me, I felt at last someone was listening to me, and he gave me the answers as to why this might be happening to me, something no one else was able to do . I immediately felt reassured and hopeful that he could help. After a couple of sessions with Paul I felt really positive that I would hold onto the next pregnancy. I also felt so much healthier, slept better, had a lot more energy, and generally felt an air of happiness about me. Paul was always so professional, enthusiastic, positive, sympathetic and so reassuring that I would have a successful pregnancy. I became pregnant within weeks of my first session, and things went from strength to strength. I had a very healthy pregnancy and gave birth (super quick with my pre-labour sessions) to a healthy baby boy Rian in May. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that this was due to Pauls in-depth knowledge of acupuncture and how it helps the body heal, and of course how he applies it to each individual. I cannot recommend Paul enough, he is just brilliant at what he does and also such a lovely person. I am looking for an excuse to have more sessions!! Thanks again for everything.
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A Natural approach to successful conception:
I attended the Meridian Acupuncture Clinic for the first time in June 2008. My friend had recommended Paul having heard he had a number of children called after him due to his success in the fertility field. Myself and my husband had been trying to conceive for almost 2 years. We had attended a fertility clinic in January 08 to ensure there were no physical reasons we had been unsuccessful. I found the whole approach in this fertility clinic very businesslike with very little regard for the emotional needs of their patients. Luckily for us all parts of both of us appeared to be working effectively. Despite this good news they were very adamant I should still start fertility treatment straight away. Being 36 they felt I didn’t have time on my hands. Being a pharmacist I did not want to subject my body unnecessarily to this type of treatment and opted to keep trying the natural way until September 08. The first time I attended Paul he took a medical history, but unlike the fertility clinic was very interested in the personal tragedies in my life. My father had been very ill of the past 2 years and I had been very involved in his care both in a personal and professional level. These 2 years had been very stressful and very upsetting for me. I really felt that this may have been affecting our ability to conceive. Paul listened to me intently, asked me a number of diagnostic questions, and asked me about my diet and my tongue. From this first encounter he felt my “Liver” (a TCM reference, not the physical organ - Paul) was blocked due to the stress of the previous 2 years. He also felt he could treat me. Blockage of the Liver is significant in cases of infertility in Chinese Medicine as the liver controls flow of blood to all the vital organs. Some of my symptoms were irregular periods, cold extremities, and occasional gastric problems. My first 6 treatments with Paul involved the treatment of this blockage and needles were placed in my legs, below my knees, my hands and my head. I really enjoyed these weekly treatments although the needling does hurt sometimes (a sensation brief momentary sensation known as DeQi that indicates a blockage, an excellent confirmation of diagnosis – Paul). AT the start of a treatment we would discuss how I had been since the last time, if something came up and I needed to talk about it Paul would always sit and listen. I believe this is invaluable and a key part of the treatment process. Time never appeared to be an issue. Other weeks would just involve the placing of the needles and then lying down in the quieted room for 30 minutes. My periods became more regular and my GI problems improved and after 12 treatments I was pregnant. I have continued to attend Paul although now I attend every 2 weeks. I am now 13 weeks pregnant and been very well, no nausea. Although Paul has told me if that occurs he can treat that too! (Acupuncture is very successful in treating morning sickness – check out my article on the subject here– Paul). I would recommend acupuncture for infertility; it is a holistic experience which I believe imperative for this type of condition. Paul is professional, enthusiastic and inspiring. You always come out of a treatment feeling enlightened, well and upbeat. For me this was the type of treatment I required and I would consider acupuncture as the way forward for all future ailments. Louise Byrne, 36 |
Brining You Back to Health: I most enjoyed the relaxed manner and atmosphere, it’s very personalized and tailored session and Paul’s approach is excellent (and friendly). My overall experience with Paul was extremely positive and effective. I always feel ‘renewed’ or re-energized after a session! I have recommended Paul to both family and work! These treatments have improved my life, I’m pain free and most importantly treatment eased my pregnancy. I initially started acupuncture to relieve my back pain but continued treatment throughout my pregnancy and after for a list of ailments including endometriosis, and irritable bowel. Having exhausted nearly all other options available to me, I decided to try acupuncture and ease my constant back pain. I can say without hesitation that it was a success; I no longer carry a mini ‘chemist’ in my handbag! Not only did Paul manage to cure my back and make me pain free for the first time in years, he also alleviated my endometriosis and the symptoms that affected me. So much so that I went on to have a very healthy and seamless pregnancy. I continued with my course of acupuncture during my pregnancy and this ensured that my energy levels were good, my swelling reduced and I remained relaxed. Even my indigestion / heartburn, a common side effect, was manageable! All in all, I would highly recommend acupuncture, especially with Paul J.O’Brien to anyone interested in using an alternative form of medicine. I definitely found it more effective! Ciara Taylor, 31, Product Manager. |
No More Nausea: After months of trying to conceive, we were delighted to learn that I was finally pregnant in January 2008. Unfortunately I went on to have a miscarriage in March. I'd heard a lot about the benefits of acupuncture in aiding conception and decided to give it a try. I first started attending Paul O' Brien for treatment in June and find the sessions brill. Apart from the fact that the treatment helped to regulate my cycles, I noticed a definite improvement in my sleeping pattern and generally began feeling more relaxed and de-stressed. After four months I was thrilled to discover I was pregnant again and am happy to report that all's progressing well and I'm now 18 weeks gone. My GP and the hospital consultant I was attending regularly doled out the advice to 'relax' and 'focus on other things' rather than obsessing about trying to conceive, but post-miscarriage I found that I could think about little else but getting pregnant. However, Paul's sessions were a key factor in helping me chill and unwind and I became less fixated and preoccupied with the whole issue. This healthier frame of mind along with the marked increase in my Luteal Phase from 9/10 days to 15/16 days are, I believe, what helped me get pregnant so quickly this time around. I'm still attending Paul now and have found the sessions particularly helpful in alleviating the dreaded morning sickness. Thanks Paul :-)
Dublin. UPDATE: I am delighted to announce that on June 15th, Gillian gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Mother and baby are in excellent health and I wish them all the best. |
Weight Loss
Lost over 9 inches off the waist in Just 8 Weeks!:
The following testimonial is from one of my earliest weight loss patients – her results were spectacular. In just 8 Weeks she
Here's what Geraldine had to say about the program...
"I first started the “Program” on 7/01/09, to lose weight, a stone I hoped if not more. I have benefitted greatly both from the Acupuncture treatments and the nutrition program. I lost a stone in weight with such ease it amazes me. I have learnt a great deal from program and am still learning. I enjoy reading the books and the audio cd’s are very helpful. Paul's professionalism, friendliness guidance and humor made it easy to adhere to the program, and I looked forward each week to the treatments. I would certainly recommend Paul and his nutrition program to others, not just those wishing to lose weight but to anyone who wants to feel good". Geraldine, 51, |
First Time 6-Pack: Paul, Your program is amazing to say the least. I'm writing to thank you for showing me an entirely new way to train my body. I was blown away. Sections of my abdominals that I've spent years trying to tone became so in mere weeks and only after a couple of sessions. Many of my friends comment on how much stronger I look and how I have increased in mass and definition. Most of all, I feel better than I ever did. Thank you for putting me on the road to gaining true strength and fitness. Sincerely, Yarza Wynn |
Disappearing Pot Belly: Hi. I must say that IT WORKS!!! I was never fat (in fact, my nickname is "chicken legs") but I had the worst pot belly ever!! After 1 week I realized that I no longer had any pot belly! - Christine Song |
Losing Inches:
Thank you so much for your great, information. I've been doing this for a couple of weeks and have already lost about an inch around my waist! - Stephen |
Stunned by New Body: Hi, I've been doing your program for about a week now - and I'm stunned! My arms are so hard and toned it's unbelievable. I had really slim arms before, but they wobbled a bit at the back and were soft on top. The other day my boyfriend caught me and was shocked when he felt how hard my arms were - now he wants to do the program too! Thanks again for such an amazing program! - Tracy |
If you'd like to share the success these pateints have experienced or wish to start a course of treatment then please feel free to contact me or make an appointment where we can discuss any specific concerns or questions you may have.
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