Where it all began

At the age of 9 I knew I wanted to become a doctor. I grew up being fascinated to learn how the body worked and how it could heal. I studied anatomy and physiology from a very early age and qualified as a medical doctor in my native Nicaragua in 1985 at the age of 23. The conditions I began my working life as a doctor in at that time were quite unusual. The country was mid-way through a war that lasted throughout the entire decade of the 1980s. There was very little medicine and anaesthetics available due to the U.S. trade embargo which was in effect at the time so I set out to find a way to relieve pain that didn't depend on Western medication. I served as a war surgeon in the military hospital and head of medical services of an infantry division during this turbulent period. It was during this time that I discovered just how powerful auricular (ear) acupuncture could be for controlling pain.

Life after the war

After the war I went to Madrid and London to study epidemiology and eventually spent 5 years as National Director of Epidemiological Surveillance at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Managua, Nicaragua. This was followed by various overseas projects in Rapid Response Disaster & Emergency Relief in places as far flung as Ethiopia and Pakistan.

I opened the first branch of Chiren Therapy Centre in Ogonnelloe, Co. Clare in 2000 and decided to combine my experience as a medic with a more holistic approach to healing. I have been practicing Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine here in Ireland since then.

European Public health projects

With my background in epidemiological surveillance, I was approached in 2005 by the then MEP Kathy Sinnott to lead a European Public Health initiative in the field of Autism. In January 2006 the European Commission co-funded project, the European Autism Information System, was launched. I led a further two public health projects on this subject, which culminated in the development of a 10 year public health strategy for Autism in Europe and the creation of the European Autism Public Health Alliance (EAPHA). I made a decision that when the third project would end in December 2010, I would not seek out further projects, preferring after 3 years of much travel, to stay closer to home and integrate exciting and innovative new technologies into my clinical practice.

Embracing modern technology

In 2007 I became one of the first practitioners to introduce the AcuGraph® Digital Meridian Imaging™ system which uses modern technology to consistently and greatly enhance the effect of powerful ancient techniques. In 2012 I became the first practitioner in Ireland to adopt the German JR Laser System into my practice. I believe in finding a solution for my patients that can be as quick, painless and affordable as possible. Pain always has underlying causes. I treat causes, not symptoms. The question for me is always, "Where is the root, the basis of this problem?" I treat my patients holistically with the highest quality of care for their physical, emotional and psychological well-being. I am very grateful to have been able to effect good healing for many men, women and children over the years since opening the first branch of my clinic.

My family and wonderful Irish weather

I love life and have an amazing life today living in Ireland. This may sound strange to many people, but I love the weather here. We have no hurricanes, no tornadoes, no earthquakes, no landslides or 40 degree heat. My life experience has taught me much about how precious life is, health is, relationships are and I never take anything for granted. I am very grateful for my life today and I believe life is to be enjoyed each moment and that there is always something worth celebrating.

Strictly Come Dancing

With my Latin roots of course I love dancing and may be found dancing Salsa and Tango in Limerick most Thursday nights at iSalsa in the Shannon Rowing Club. I had the pleasure to represent Ogonnelloe in the East Clare Strictly Come Dancing competition which I really enjoyed. I also enjoy a social glass of good red wine in great company and I believe in taking time out to fully experience the richness of all that life has to offer. I guess I have a pretty good life balance on the whole.

Thank you

So that's a little about me, thank you for reading, and I hope this brief synopsis gives you something of a sense of me. If you'd like to explore the possibility as to whether what I offer could be a solution for you, please contact us and I'd be delighted to give you a call and arrange for you to come and see me. I will show you around the clinic, give you a free AcuGraph® screening and let you decide whether you'd like to avail of treatment with me or not. One of the things I've always been gratified to hear my patients say is how I will always tell them immediately whether I think there's anything I can do for them or not. I am fairly certain that on your first visit I shall also be able to tell you how long you may need to come for treatment for. Who knows, you may be one of those people who is amazed to discover that a problem you might have had for years could be resolved in as few as one, two or three sessions.

I look forward to talking with you soon.

Warmest regards,
Alvaro