Acupuncture / TCM

Chinese acupuncture

The word "acupuncture" is derived from the Latin words "acus," meaning "needle," and "punctio," meaning "pricking." Literally translated, it refers to pricking the body with needles.

The spiritual basis of acupuncture is the ancient Taoist teaching that deals with the flow of life force, or Qi, in the body. According to this belief, life energy flows through the body in channels called meridians and internal vessels. Inserting needles into specific points stimulates the Qi in the channels. This balances and harmonizes excess or deficiency.

The meridians are assigned to specific organs based on the theories of the five elements (water, wood, fire, earth, and metal) and yin and yang. For instance, the stomach is associated with the earth element as a yang organ, while the spleen is associated with the earth element as a yin organ. Needling the stomach or spleen meridian automatically treats the internal earth element. The earth element is responsible for our centering and balance. This can be weakened as a result of constant stress or an irregular lifestyle.

Acupuncture is primarily known in the West as a form of pain therapy. A comprehensive overview of the conditions for which acupuncture can be used is provided in the summary report of the “Medical Treatment” working committee of the Federal Committee of Physicians and Health Insurance Funds on the consultations held in 1999 and 2000 to evaluate acupuncture in accordance with Section 135 (1) of the German Social Code, Book V (SGB V).

Medical History Interview

During your first acupuncture appointment, I will spend 1.5 hours conducting a medical history interview to gain insight into your symptoms and lifestyle. I will analyze the various Qi qualities in your body using pulse and tongue diagnosis. Based on this information, I will make a diagnosis according to the principles of Chinese medicine. A combination of points specific to you will be determined and then needled. During the treatment, you will lie in a quiet room. Inserting the needles usually takes a few minutes. The needles remain in your body for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. In some cases, inserting the needles may be painful, but this usually subsides quickly. You may feel relaxed during the rest period.

During your follow-up appointment, we will discuss any changes in your symptoms. We may perform another pulse and tongue diagnosis to update our evaluation. In most cases, we will not use the same acupuncture points exactly, but will modify the combination slightly. Follow-up appointments last 50 minutes.

Treatment duration

As a rule, a treatment period of at least five to six weeks, or even months, is necessary to alleviate chronic symptoms. This depends on the diagnosis, lifestyle, and improvement of the symptoms. It has proven effective to carry out a treatment cycle at regular weekly intervals. Appointments are coordinated individually with you, and treatment should not cause additional stress in your everyday life.

I am also happy to combine body acupuncture with ear acupuncture or K-taping.

I recommend exercises from Universal Healing Tao to my acupuncture patients. This gives them the opportunity to learn about the flow of qi in their own bodies: www.healing-tao-berlin.de.

Due to the German Law on the Advertising of Medicines, I am not permitted to list specific clinical cases here. If you are unsure whether acupuncture could benefit your symptoms, please call me directly.