Acupuncture

Culture

Classical acupuncture actually includes moxibustion, a special kind of gentle heat treatment. In Chinese it is called Zhen-jiu, which means “needling and burning.” This simple method still amazes people today, because it uses only a few different needles and yet can help with many illnesses that do not need surgery. As in our Western medical tradition, a healthy diet is also very important in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Acupuncture comes from an ancient cultural tradition and is often linked with esoteric practices. But just as modern pharmacy grew out of alchemy, the search for gold, and astrology, acupuncture has long since left its speculative past behind and become more down-to-earth.

Many doctors in the research association for Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (FACM e.V.) and in other medical societies have been testing acupuncture for years with careful studies and scientific standards. Today, acupuncture for painful conditions is no longer seen as mysterious, but is accepted worldwide. It has developed into a modern medical specialty.

Acupuncture can help with

• Colds, tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia
• Feverish infections, common childhood illnesses
• Period pain, cycle problems, support with fertility
• Preparation for surgery and support after operations
• Nausea and side effects of cancer treatment
• Depression and burnout
• Official WHO indications
• … more

Caution

Children are not treated with needles, but with gentle massage and tiny bead plasters placed on the skin.

Serious or worrying symptoms always need to be checked in a clinic or hospital first, before deciding whether acupuncture is suitable.

Patients who tend to bleed easily (for example, those on blood-thinning medication such as warfarin) should have regular blood tests and may be treated with bead plasters and massage instead of needles.