Acupuncture

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a medical healing method that has been used for more than 2,000 years. It activates the body's own healing powers by placing needles at very specific points to maintain or restore health. Through the needling or heating (moxibustion) of these points, the body is specifically stimulated to bring itself back into balance.

At the center of TCM is the notion of energy flowing in the body, in Chinese called Qi, upon whose application all manifestations of life are based. This energy flows along 12 energy channels, the so-called meridians. Each meridian is assigned to an organ system, whereby the designations such as liver or bile are not related to Western organ theory, but refer to functional circles.

In addition to classic body acupuncture, special forms have developed in different cultures. These include ear acupuncture, mouth acupuncture and skull acupuncture.

It is also possible to use laser beams (laser acupuncture) instead of needles or to achieve point stimulation with the aid of an electroacupuncture device. This acupuncture without needles is especially suitable for children or adults with a fear of needles.

Acupuncture is usually applied in 10 to 12 sessions over a period of about five to seven weeks, with the interval between sessions depending on the energy balance achieved. A treatment plan continues according to improvement of overall symptoms during the treatment break.

What diseases can be treated with acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be used for both acute and chronic symptoms. Acupuncture has proved particularly effective in treating pain, insomnia, stress, lack of energy, hormonal disorders, functional diseases, chronic rhinitis, allergies, hay fever, autoimmune diseases, infertility, signs of old age and in children's diseases. The World Health Organization has published a list of diseases that can be successfully treated with acupuncture, including: Colds, asthma, sinusitis, headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, arthritis, tennis elbow, sciatica, gastritis, colitis, constipation and diarrhea.