Acupuncture: targeted pin-pricks

Acupuncture is a popular and effective method of healing in complementary medicine. It can quickly relieve acute pain and psychological complaints, and in some cases fully heal them.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Chi is of central importance. Chi means life energy in Chinese. It circulates through certain pathways in the human body, which are also called meridians. Chi has an influence on the organs, bodily functions and emotions. If the flows of Chi are disturbed or blocked, this can lead to pain.

In acupuncture, thin needles are inserted at specific points on the body surface, the so-called meridian points. These points are selected according to the pain or ailment in order to clear certain blockages in the energy flow in the patient. Pain in internal organs can also be relieved in this way. The soothing effect of acupuncture is due to the fact that the needles trigger an enlivening stimulus in the brain, which then releases more pain-relieving and mood-lifting substances. These are also called “happiness hormones”. They include serotonin and endorphins. For patients suffering from chronic pain such as headache, back pain or joint pain, acupuncture can be a helpful supplement to pain therapy with painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, for example. Acupuncture can also be used as an independent TCM pain therapy.

Acupuncture treatment is painless. The pin-pricks are hardly noticeable. To maximise the effect of the treatment, the needles remain in the meridian point for about 30 to 45 minutes.

Acupuncture is used to treat a wide variety of complaints and types of pain.
For complaints such as:

• Allergies and asthma
• Sleep disorders
• Impairments of well-being (e.g. headaches, tiredness during the day, weakness in performance, disturbed concentration)
• Stopping smoking
• Birth preparation
• Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
• Neurological illnesses
• Psychosomatic illnesses
• Burnout syndrome

For pains such as:

• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Pain in the area of the spinal column
• Gastrointestinal diseases
• Injuries (e.g. ligament injuries, torn muscle fibres, inflammation of the tendon sheath, bursitis)