BA(Hons), ND, LicAC, PgDip
Acupuncture & Natural Health
Mind & Body
Greystones, Co. Wicklow
Transformational Acupuncture
Greystones, Co. Wicklow
Acupuncture with a difference...
Transformational Acupuncture combines the wisdom of ancient Chinese Medicine with modern nervous system techniques, somatic talk therapy and guided meditation. This gentle approach is profoundly powerful, helping us identify and move through energy blocks in our body, reconnecting us to inner peace and our own vibrant lifeforce.
During a session, you are guided to connect with your inner self before starting the acupuncture. We notice how much our body is burdened with – old fears, beliefs and difficult emotions that colour the lens through which we experience life. We also notice how ready we are to release them. Transformative Acupuncture helps us do that, allowing us to become fully embodied and connected to our vibrant lifeforce. For more information on Transformational Acupuncture, click here.
Fiona also offers Traditional Acupuncture & Naturopathy which is targeted to symptom relief, such as headaches, muscle and joint pain, digestive complaints, insomnia. As a women's health specialist, she effectively treats menopausal symptoms, pregnancy and fertility issues with acupuncture, herbal and supplemental recommendations suited to your needs. For more information on Traditional Acupuncture, click here.
Acupuncture with Fiona O'Farrell, Greystones, Co. Wicklow.
About me
Hi, I’m Fiona. I am an acupuncturist, naturopath, and somatic therapist over 18 years experience. I love forests, fires, frothy coffees and good books. I'm lucky to live and work in in gorgeous Greystones, and if I'm not there I'm exploring in the wilds of Wicklow whenever I get free time. If we’ve met before, you will have known me as a women’s health specialist, with my clinic focusing on fertility and pregnancy work.
I ran my acupuncture and naturopathy clinic in Greystones for 16 years, and have been a featured expert for several media outlets, including Mummypages.ie, Easy Parenting, Image and Naturally Good Health magazines, and appeared on Ireland AM.
Over the years, my work deepened beyond the conventional acupuncture most of us know, and I was feeling a big pull towards more nuanced work in emotional wellbeing and restoring the deep connection to the inner wisdom we all hold.
I immersed myself in several specialist trainings. Some of these were in more nuanced acupuncture techniques, some were in modern psychology tools focusing on simple, gentle and effective nervous system regulation (see FAQ page for more on this!). My own experience on this journey was a surprising bonus, as I accessed levels of peace and fulfilment in my mind and body I did not think possible.
This is the work I have always felt destined for. I am excited for you as you embark on this journey too, a journey back to the Self.
'When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.' - Lao Tzu
Treatments -
Two Styles of Acupuncture...
Traditional Acupuncture
Targeted symptom relief with TCM Acupuncture
Using the medical theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, these sessions focus on targeted symptom relief without the ‘deep dive’ of Transformational Acupuncture. Traditional Acupuncture, by its own right, is a highly effective treatment option for a huge range of complaints. It is well supported by clinical research, as well as being recommended by the WHO for a wide range of issues. Traditional Acupuncture sessions are 45-60mins long, and focus on symptom relief, and include herbal and supplement recommendations. All sessions can be claimed through health insurance (check with your insurer for details).
Traditional Acupuncture is helpful for:
- women's health, pregnancy and fertility support
- menopause and perimenopause
- muscular injuries and joint pain
- insomnia
- headaches
- sinus issues
- poor immunity
- post viral recovery/chronic fatigue
- stress relief
Women’s Health
Having trained with some of the world’s most well-known women’s health experts, including Zita West, Jane Lytellton, Sarah Budd and Debra Betts, as well as regularly contributing as a women’s health expert in the media (see About), ensuring you are properly supported in your journey to balance is my priority. Note, your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs, and may include herbal and supplement recommendations, as well as relaxation techniques including nervous system targeted guided meditation.
Cycle Support Acupuncture – endometriosis, painful periods, PMS, hormonal migraines, let the body find hormonal balance with the help of acupuncture and herbal support.
Pregnancy Acupuncture – traditional acupuncture has phenomenal results for a huge range of pregnancy related issues, from sickness/hyperemesis, anxiety, pelvic and hip pain, insomnia, heartburn, as well as birth preparation, breech presentation and labour induction, it continues to be one of my favourite ways to share the beauty of acupuncture.
Fertility Acupuncture – fertility has always been an important part of my practice, and I continue to support fertility journeys for women and men. Addressing both the physical and underlying emotional components, with the support of acupuncture and herbal remedies.
Menopause & Perimenopause Acupuncture – according to Taoist wisdom, the menopause is considered the ‘Second Spring’, a time of re-emergence and renewal. However, the journey is not smooth, gentle or particularly pleasant! Acupuncture can support this incredibly powerful and potent time. Traditional Acupuncture plus herbal and supplemental support can help significantly ease your physical and mental discomfort during this transformational time. Helpful for hot sweats, insomnia, anxiety, period issues, irritability/’meno-rage’, and aches and pains. If you are seeking a deeper dive into the feminine wisdom of your own individual menopausal journey, consider Transformational Acupuncture (see below).
Prices
Traditional Acupuncture Initial Session - 60-75 minutes
€100
Traditional Acupuncture Follow-Ups - 45 minutes
€75
Traditional Acupuncture - Pregnancy - 45 minutes
€75
Transformational Acupuncture
Minimum commitment: 6 sessions
Acupuncture...with a difference. Combining ancient Chinese Medicine with powerful nervous system therapies for deep, lasting change.
With Transformational Acupuncture we identify programs and outdated beliefs held by the nervous system that are holding us back, and gently expand our capacity for feeling good. Your session will start with a chat about the goals for your treatment (the 'Destination'). We then explore the nervous system and your somatic environment – using gentle, nervous system friendly talk inquiry, how do your body and mind really feel now, and what do they need to feel better?
The session is consolidated with acupuncture, using a selection of powerful points that compliment the internal processes addressed. After each session you will receive a personalised follow up document detailing the support work to continue at home, and insights from the session. Each session will guide you through the next stage of nervous system expansion, finding safety, overcoming negative internal beliefs, and connecting with the ideal destination.
Transformational Acupuncture is a powerful journey, and requires a willingness from you to support your nervous system as it evolves into new territory. As a practitioner, you can rely on my support as we journey together, and in return I request the same commitment in return in order for this process to be as powerful as possible. For that reason, Transformational Acupuncture can only be booked in minimum 6 session blocks. A longer, 6 month Transformational Journey offers this work at a supported rate (see prices below).
The aim of Transformational Acupuncture is to assist you on your journey through life, recover balance in the nervous system and reconnect you with your inner spark.
It is helpful in many situations, such as:
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Understanding the deeper messaging of symptoms of disease (dis-ease) you may be experiencing, and offering real support and resolution.
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Overcome stress, emotional distress or negative self-beliefs.
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Connect with real, reliable inner peace and self-trust.
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Open to better connections in relationships, increasing capacity for love and trust.
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Boosting confidence and self-esteem.
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Connect with your optimal calling in career and life choices.
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Connecting with our inner child, resolving limiting and damaging beliefs carried from childhood.
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Getting to the emotional root of fertility issues and chronic gynaecology complaints.
As a guideline, the path of the TA Journey looks like this
Week 1 - Deciding on the Destination, exploring the inner dialogue of beliefs, fears and barriers in the way of the destination, connecting with a sense of Peace within as the foundational starting block, relax with acupuncture, advice on home practice.
Week 2 - Strengthening the sense of Peace within, connecting with building blocks for Destination, relax with acupuncture, advice on home practice.
Week 3 - Meeting with parts of the inner world that are resisting change and assisting them in expansion, relax with acupuncture, advice on home practice.
Week 4 - Continuing to work with the parts resisting change in a loving, nervous system friendly manner, relax with acupuncture, advice on home practice.
Week 5 - Starting to feel the Destination come into sight, opening to accepting the new version and expanded self. relax with acupuncture, advice on home practice.
Week 6 - Settling in to the new territory, making change last, relax with acupuncture, advice on home practice.
All sessions can be claimed through health insurance (check with your insurer for details).
Prices - Transformational Acupuncture
Initial Session - Transformational Acupuncture - 90 minutes
€150
Follow-Ups - Transformational Acupuncture - 60-75 minutes
€100
6 Month Transformational Journey - 12 sessions (2 sessions per month)
€180 per month
Is it time to step out of the old and into the greatest version of yourself, free from fears, limiting beliefs and self doubt? Then the 6 month Transformational Journey is for you. A deep commitment to making real lasting change, at a pace that
is tailored to your nervous system. And as a reward for undertaking this work for an extended period of time, giving it the time it really needs, this package is offered at a special reduced rate of €180 per month.
Which one is right for me?
If you are keen to enter into a rich conversation with your body and its needs, and are ready to dive deep, Transformational Acupuncture is for you. We are all limited by the edges of our comfort zones, but when the comfort zone starts to feel restrictive, we know, deep down, it is time for growth. Yet, to the nervous system, growth into unknown territories is scary, and can unconsciously hold us back in patterns of fear, unease and uncertainty. Transformational Acupuncture uses techniques that deeply respect your comfort level and your nervous system, pacing the journey correctly, and allowing the body and mind to move at a pace that feels good, and expanding into new, exciting territories of personal growth.
If you are seeking symptom relief of medical ailments, headaches, aches and pain, digestive upset, insomnia, fertility or pregnancy support, help with perimenopause and menopause then Traditional Acupuncture is for you. This type of acupuncture is more medically focused, and helpful for injuries ailments that you feel do not need a deeper, emotional inquiry. Sessions are shorter (45-60mins).
Want to know even more? Good! See Tell me More.
*Treatments can be claimed through your health insurance (Laya, VHI, Irish Life etc), policy dependent.
*Cancellation fees can be avoided by giving a minimum of 24 hours notice of cancellation.
Location
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Tell me more...
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How is this different ?
Most of us will be familiar with acupuncture – the use of fine needles inserted at points of energy (Qi) on the body that encourage resolution of ailments and pain relief. It is a highly effective modality, recommended by the WHO and supported by peer-reviewed research. It works. But did you know that TCM Acupuncture is modern expression of the more ancient Classical Chinese Medicine? TCM Acupuncture was coined in the 1950’s, and it weaved the wisdom of ancient Chinese Medicine practices with modern biology and pathology to fit nicely in with the modern world. Unfortunately, in doing so it moved away from the more esoteric and spiritual wisdom held in the ancient teachings. This means that although TCM Acupuncture is very highly regarded and performs well under scientific scrutiny, it doesn’t always embrace the deeper meaning of the signs and symptoms as messengers on the journey of life. Transformational Acupuncture instead places a strong focus on the transcendental connection we all share with each other and our environment, endlessly seeking balance and resolution as our human consciousness travels the path of evolution. It acknowledges our bodies as the physical representation of this unseen energy. This is the true wisdom of Chinese Medicine, carried on by teachers such as Master Jeffrey Yuen, Ann Cecil Sterman, Yvonne Farrell who provide the safe harbour from which these ancient teachings can continue to be passed on. Both TCM and Transformational Acupuncture are used in my practice.
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Do you treat fertility and pregnancy-related conditions?
Yes! The mind-body connection is the foundation for vibrant fertility. Creating a balanced system for new life to nestle into is the focus of treating fertility issues with acupuncture. You can choose to do Traditional Acupuncture for a physical focus, or consider Transformational Acupuncture for a deeper dive. Both styles of acupuncture are available with Fiona. For pregnancy related ailments, such as morning sickness, PGP/SPD, headaches, heartburn, breech presentation and labour induction etc, Traditional Acupuncture is extremely effective. For birth preparation, anxiety and fear about labour, motherhood and stress related conditions, the deeper Transformational Acupuncture is a wonderful compliment. If you are unsure what method would suit you best, please contact Fiona.
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How many sessions will I need?
Transformational Acupuncture is deeply powerful, you will feel immediately relaxed., but the nervous is slow to trust and slow to change, and will only do so when the process feels safe and trustworthy to the body and mind. My method follows a pathway where each week builds on the last, with the goal destination of how you want to feel set by you. In this regard, Transformational Acupuncture can only be booked in blocks of 6 sessions as a minimum. It is my job to provide enough time and solid support to allow your system to trust and grow with the process. That is my commitment to your system, and we need time to see it through. For Traditional Acupuncture the number of sessions required is symptom dependent, with improvements expected within 2-3 sessions. We work to your pace and requirements, and there is no minimum commitment.
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Can I claim via my health insurance?
Yes, sessions can be claimed through your health insurance, including Laya, VHI and Irish Life. Check with your provider for more information.
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What happens at a session?
Acupuncture and modern psychology techniques are used to connect your nervous system with your inner wisdom, building a foundation of stability, peace and trust within. My approach to this work is to be nervous system friendly – you will set the pace, learning to meet your body and mind where it is. You will be guided through a deeply relaxing meditation as we start to explore your inner emotional world. No needling is done until your body and nervous system are fully relaxed. Working together in guided meditation, you will connect with feelings of safety, peace and joy somatically (in the body) rather than just the mind. This builds solid foundations of peace, joy and resilience which you will carry out of the clinic room into your life permanently. Each Transformational Acupuncture treatment is unique to you and your journey. As you are guided through meditation, you will connect to the messages, feelings and sensations that form the language of your nervous system. You will learn to give meaning to sensations that arise and discover their wisdom, with the support of effective psychology tools (polyvagal theory, body based listening, somatic Internal Family Systems) . The aim is to help your body process pockets of stored emotions and beliefs that may be holding you back from feeling joy, peace and safety in life. A small number of acupuncture points suited to you are selected, all with deep somatic meaning. Traditional Acupuncture focuses on symptom relief and does not include the meditative practices used in Transformational Acupuncture.
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Do you treat specific conditions?
Acupuncture is known to treat a very long list of ailments. As a somatic (body based) approach, you will connect with body-based feelings and symptoms with curiosity and compassion. Working with the nervous system, this deeper approach helps build strong communication and trust in our bodies, reprogramming the stress response, and alleviating the effect of stress on our bodies. If disease ('dis-ease') is caused by stress, then by resolving the stress response, ease follows. Traditional Acupuncture is used when you do not feel the need for deeper somatic inquiry.
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Is this right for me?
Our inner emotional world is a place of huge potential, but also a place where we can feel burdened, anxious and overwhelmed. Transformational Acupuncture is not counselling or psychotherapy, which focus on mind-led, or ‘top down’, approaches to emotional healing. Talk therapy is very helpful to many, and Transformational Acupuncture should not replace counselling, especially in the cases of severe trauma, anxiety and depression. As a somatic (body-based), approach, Transformational Acupuncture observes with curiosity our inner feelings. You will be invited to describe how these sensations feel (for example ‘heavy’, ‘jittery’, ‘cold’), where they are located, and any emotions that arise when we place attention on these areas (‘anxious’, ‘angry’, ‘sad’). You may notice memories popping up linked to these feelings, but you do not need to share unless you want to. We always work in a nervous system friendly manner, and you will be guided back to feelings of safety if anything becomes overwhelming or uncomfortable. Building nervous system resilience and finding peace within is the goal of Transformational Acupuncture.
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What are your qualifications?
Although I have been in practice for 18 years, I am a self-confessed eternal student! Always exploring new layers, continuing to deepen and evolve my understanding of the human being. On top of my ongoing commitment to meditative and somatic practices, below is a list of my formal qualifications and specialised CPD trainings to date: 2000 - BA(Hons) Intl Business & Languages 2006 - Diploma in TCM Acupuncture (CNM) 2006 - Diploma in Naturopathy 2006 - Advanced Tongue Diagnosis 2007-2023 - Master Jeffrey Yuen - Classical Chinese Acupuncture 2008 - Celine Leonard - TCM & Endometriosis, PCOS and IVF 2009 - Zita West - TCM Fertility and IVF 2010 - Sarah Budd - Obstetrics and Pregnancy 2011 - Julian Scott - Pediatrics 2014 - Jani White - Acupuncture for IVF 2015 - Yvonne Farrell - The 8 Extraordinary Channels 2016 - Deirdre Courtney - Cosmetic Acupuncture 2018 - Debra Betts - Obstetric Acupuncture 2022 - Jessica Maguire - Vagus Nerve Program 2023 - Fran Booth - Somatic IFS 2023 - Transformational Touch Therapy - Steve Terrell 2023 - Polyvagal Theory - Deb Dana 2023 - IFS and Polyvagal Theory - Alexia Rothman 2023 - Trauma Informed Somatic Coaching Diploma 2024 - Frank Anderson - Internal Family Systems Parts Work