Classical Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a time-tested medical system with a history spanning thousands of years. The main branches of Chinese Medicine include Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage), movement practices such as Tai Chi and Qigong, as well as dietary therapy.
During an acupuncture treatment, a combination of acupuncture points on the body is selected based on the individual TCM diagnosis, and activated with very fine needles. The needles are typically left in place for 20–30 minutes before being removed. Acupuncture is used to stimulate the body’s natural processes and support its self-healing abilities.
Acupuncture is used to address a wide range of health concerns. On this page, you can learn more about the applications and therapeutic effects of the fine needles.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
According to the principles of Chinese Medicine, the body’s organs are connected through a network of channels known as meridians, through which Qi (our vital energy) circulates. Both internal and external factors can disrupt the smooth flow of Qi within this network. From a TCM perspective, illness arises when this harmonious and balanced flow can no longer be maintained.
Along the meridians lie the acupuncture points, which can be activated through the use of fine needles. This stimulation is used to promote regulation, restore balance, and activate the body’s natural healing processes. By influencing the flow of Qi within the meridian system, acupuncture aims to support the body’s ability to self-regulate and adapt. Acupuncture is often combined with Chinese herbal medicine, as the two approaches have a different impact on the body and complement each other particularly well.
Acupuncture can influence functional processes within the body that contribute to symptoms and disease patterns. When structural changes have already taken place – such as the replacement of healthy tissue with scar tissue or the presence of a large uterine fibroid – these changes cannot be reversed. In those cases, treatment with Chinese Medicine can help relieve associated symptoms, improve quality of life, and support the body’s natural compensatory mechanisms.
What Is Acupuncture Used For?
Traditionally, acupuncture is used to address imbalances within the meridian system and support the body’s regulatory processes. From a TCM perspective, many health conditions involve some degree of disruption in these processes, which is why acupuncture is applied across a wide range of complaints and disease patterns.
Acupuncture ist best known for its use in pain management and has been the subject of much scientific research in this field of application. For certain conditions, such as chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis of the knee, the evidence supporting acupuncture is strong enough for it to be a well recognised treatment method among doctors and insurance providers.
In clinical practice, acupuncture is also commonly used in the treatment of a variety of health concerns, including:
- Acute and chronic pain conditions, such as headaches, fibromyalgia, trigeminal neuralgia, and polyneuropathy
- Musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoarthritis, arthritis, sciatica, muscle tension, and disc prolapse
- Digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food intolerances, and inflammatory bowel diseases
- Emotional and psychological challenges, including stress, anxiety, and burnout
- Gynecological concerns, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual pain, and menopausal symptoms
- Respiratory conditions, including asthma and allergies
- Sleep disorders
- Skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema
- Autoimmune disorders
- Long-Covid and ME/CFS
- Tinnitus and eye conditions
- Supportive care alongside chemotherapy
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Treatment
Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to treat the whole person rather than focusing on isolated symptoms. During an initial consultation, a thorough assessment and diagnosis of TCM disease patterns is established. This includes a detailed discussion of your health history, current symptoms, as well as pulse and tongue diagnosis.
Based on the findings, acupuncture point combinations are chosen. Needles typically remain in place for approximately 20–30 minutes. In some cases, the needles may be gently manipulated during the treatment to enhance or refine their therapeutic effect. When appropriate, moxibustion (moxa) may also be used. Moxa involves the controlled warming of acupuncture points with dried herbs, producing a deep and penetrating heat.
Acupuncture needles are very smooth and thin. Some people barely notice their insertion, while others experience a brief prick or a mild sensation of pressure. During the treatment, it is common to feel gentle warmth, tingling, pressure, or a subtle pulsating sensation around the acupuncture points or along the pathways of the meridians. Many people describe the overall experience as calming, grounding, and very relaxing.
For acute conditions, a course of 6 – 10 acupuncture sessions is often sufficient to support the healing process. Chronic or long-standing conditions generally require a longer treatment period. At the beginning of treatment, sessions are recommended once or twice per week. When acupuncture is combined with Chinese herbal medicine, the intervals between appointments can be extended to every two to four weeks.
The stimulation of acupuncture points initiates physiological and regulatory processes that may continue for several days after treatment. For this reason, it is advisable to allow yourself adequate rest following an acupuncture session and, whenever possible, avoid strenuous physical activity or mental stress for the rest of the day.
Depending on your individual TCM diagnosis, acupuncture can be combined with other treatment methods such as Chinese herbal medicine, cupping therapy, Gua Sha, or Tuina (Chinese manual therapy). Personalised dietary recommendations may also be provided to support and enhance the overall treatment outcome.
Preventive Medicine
Chinese Medicine is often sought out when symptoms have already developed – sometimes after many other treatment approaches have been tried. Traditionally, however, it also plays an important role in maintaining health and supporting the body’s resilience before significant problems arise. Functional imbalances can often be identified before clear symptoms become apparent. Addressing these patterns at an early stage may help support the body’s regulatory capacity and overall well-being. Supportive treatment can be particularly beneficial during periods of increased physical or emotional strain, such as prolonged stress, recovery after infections, hormonal transitions such as menopause, or following surgery. In these situations, Chinese Medicine may help strengthen the body’s adaptive resources, promote recovery, and support long-term health.
