Acupuncture is one of the most important treatment methods in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The healing method is over 2000 years old and is taught and used in China - and for some time now also in our country - alongside "Western" medicine.
The best-known instrument of acupuncture is thin needles that are inserted into the patient's skin at specific points on the so-called energy meridians. The needles, which are distributed over the body, affect the flow of energy and can thus help to remove blockages and alleviate or heal complaints.
Modern acupuncture works with an energetic body model that contains 14 main meridians and around 349 acupuncture points. It is supplemented by other concepts such as the five-element theory.
The three most important acupuncture procedures are:
Acupuncture is constantly being developed and new forms of application are emerging, such as laser acupuncture, electroacupuncture and ear acupuncture.
Therapy begins with a detailed initial consultation. Here, the therapist records the patient's medical history and makes a pulse and tongue diagnosis. On this basis, they suggest a therapy to the patient and determine the therapy plan with them, which usually consists of a series of treatments at defined intervals.
During the individual treatments, patients sit or lie in a relaxed position in a quiet room. The acupuncture points are lightly massaged before the needles are inserted. The therapists place the sterile needles with as little pain as possible. The needles are left in the skin for 15-20 minutes, during which the patient rests in a relaxed position. The puncture sites can become warm. Various phenomena such as slight tingling, a feeling of relaxation etc. may occur. At the end of the treatment, the therapists remove the needles and the patients can rest or walk.
Possible applications of acupuncture include allergies, headaches, joint and muscle pain, emotional imbalance, fibromyalgia, digestive disorders or to strengthen the immune system.