The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) today launched a pilot programme to provide subsidised Chinese therapy to the organisation’s 13,000 members.
The complementary medical treatment TUI-NA, involves the manipulation of pressure points, energy channels and muscles and depends less on medicine than mainstream medical practice.
Four medical doctors will provide the therapy at the IWA Lucan Resource Centre, the Cuisle Respite Centre in Roscommon and at travelling clinics throughout the country.
Irish Wheelchair Association CEO, Mr Seamus Thompson, said the idea of the service came about because of a strong relationship between the IWA and the Chinese Disability Federation.
"The results of treatment have been extraordinary with many of the patients treated expressing great satisfaction", he said.
Chinese doctor Ms Sujie Shi said the "world-famous" treatment was recognised in China as the single most important aspect of daily health care.
"It is particularly suitable for curing injuries from falls, fractures, contusions, strains or soft tissue damage to muscles, tendons and ligaments", she said.
According to the Irish Wheelchair Association, TUI-NA is a cost-effective therapy which can help maintain quality of life for people with disability and plans are now underway to train Irish people in all parts of the country with a view to extending the treatment.