Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the most popular alternative therapies and certainly the best-known part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCG).
What is Acupuncture?
The healing method Zhen Jiu (literally, “pricking,” of needles and “burning,” of herbs) developed thousands of years ago in China and reached Japan from there. In the seventeenth century, the Dutch became acquainted with it through their trading post on the Japanese island of Deshima. Dutch physician Willem ten Rhijne then coined the word “acupuncture,” a compound of Latin acus (needle) and pungere (prick, sting). Starting in the twentieth century, doctors in the East as well as in the West further developed acupuncture. There were more and more scientific studies on its effects and how it works. Thus a modern Western explanation of acupuncture emerged alongside traditional Chinese, which still coexist smoothly.
Chinese statement
TCG sees the body as one system, in which the energy (qi) we received at birth can flow freely in a healthy state. This is done through a network of “meridians,” energy pathways. If blockages arise along the way, the balance becomes disturbed and physical or mental complaints arise. With needles or pressure from the fingers (acupressure), the acupuncturist stimulates the acupuncture points, the “nodes” on the meridians, restoring the balance of energy circulation. Acupuncture does good not only on the site of the pain, inflammation or other complaint, but on your whole condition.
Western Statement
The action of acupuncture is explained differently in Western science. Viewed from physiology and biochemistry, acupuncture needles stimulate your nerve endings and connective tissue. This triggers a variety of mechanisms, including the production of the body’s own substances in the brain and nervous system, especially neurotransmitters such as endorphins and dynorphins. Among other things, these substances have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, and they contribute to your recovery. Acupuncture also promotes blood flow, allowing nutrients and oxygen to better reach the cells and waste products to be disposed of, and the body can begin to repair itself.
Acupuncture promotes the flow of blood and energy in the body.
What can acupuncture do for me?
Long-term complaints, for which Western mainstream medicine cannot find a solution, can often be remedied with acupuncture. Examples include: weight loss, fatigue, chronic pain, depression, burnout, flu and colds, overworked, RSI, headaches and migraines, back, joint and muscle pain, fibromyalgia, insomnia, unwanted childlessness, eating disorders, sports injuries, severe menopause symptoms, bowel problems or as support for cancer. Acupuncture is also possible for children’s complaints.
What does an acupuncture treatment look like?
The most typical technique is puncturing with thin, sterile needles. There is also laser acupuncture. Sometimes the pricking uses heat, generated by a smoldering herb (moxa) or by a special lamp. One way the therapist makes the diagnosis is by feeling your pulse, looking at your tongue and patting (palpating) your skin. Depending on the diagnosis, the therapist combines acupuncture treatment with other healing modalities.
Cost and reimbursement
A condition for reimbursement of treatment by a Zhong therapist is that you have a supplementary package that includes Chinese medicine. Many, but certainly not all insurers reimburse Chinese medicine. For a comprehensive list of health insurers and their reimbursements and our rates click here.
Frequently Asked Questions Acupuncture
Acupuncture promotes the flow of blood and energy in the body. This stimulates the body’s self-healing ability and lifts blockages. As a result, people experience more relaxation, less stress and more zest for life. It increases resistance and less pain is experienced in daily life.
Make sure you are not too busy before and after treatment and avoid stress factors. It is also advisable to avoid strenuous activities for two days after treatment. Obviously do not use alcohol or drugs before or after treatment.
After just two or three treatments, you may notice effects. The pattern of symptoms reduced or changed. Of course, it depends on the severity and consistency of the complaint. Relaxation is often noticed after the first treatment.
What is indicated most is that people feel tired after treatment. Also a heavy feeling in the part of the body being treated. These symptoms disappear within a few days. The more treatments you have had the less these after-reactions will occur.
Yes! Acupuncture is a very good form of treatment when you suffer from stress. It lowers stress levels, allowing you to relax better. This helps to cope better with stress in daily life.
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