Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?  

Acupuncture refers to a particular treatment method intended to relieve pain. It involves placing very fine needles in specific areas of the body to relieve pain elsewhere.

The origins of acupuncture can be traced back to traditional Chinese medicine. Although its mode of action is not yet fully understood, there are some studies that suggest it is effective. They suggest that acupuncture can be considered to be equivalent to standard Western therapies based on medication or physiotherapy for certain conditions

How does acupuncture work?

In the past, many studies have examined the effectiveness of acupuncture. Currently, however, there are only a few theories on the precise mode of action of acupuncture, and the two most frequently mentioned are briefly explained below.

There is a neurophysiological basis for the explanation that acupuncture needles have an effect on the inhibition of pain stimuli. More precisely, it is thought that the needles stimulate particular receptors that are linked to nerve pathways, which then reach both the spinal cord and the brain, where they inhibit the relay of pain signals.

There is another explanation, which is based more on the theories of traditional Chinese medicine, relating to the body's vital energy known as "Qi". This theory suggests that the acupuncture points are located along certain lines where this vital energy flows. These so-called meridians can be assigned to different organ systems in order to influence diseases of these organs.

Under what circumstances can acupuncture help?

Acupuncture can help with various conditions. Especially for musculoskeletal disorders associated with chronic pain, some studies suggest a positive effect. For chronic spinal pain and chronic pain in the knee joint caused by wear and tear (known as osteoarthritis of the knee), acupuncture is an approved form of therapy.

Furthermore, acupuncture is also used in combination with other therapies to treat headaches, rheumatic pain, allergies and addictions. It should be noted, however, that data from studies on these conditions is less clear.

How does an acupuncture treatment work?

A course of acupuncture treatment usually consists of around 10 to 15 sessions, depending on the symptoms, which usually take place in a doctor's practice. In total, patients should expect about 30 minutes for the treatments.

After a comprehensive diagnosis has been completed and the doctor and patient come to a mutual decision to undergo acupuncture treatment, the practitioner has to decide how the therapy should be carried out. Acupuncture should be adapted to the individual needs of the patient.

During the treatment, patients are asked to keep a calm and relaxed body position to allow the various needles to be placed properly. Afterwards, the needles remain at these points for a period of around 10 to 15 minutes. After this period, the needles are carefully removed and the patient can return home.

What is the role of acupuncture points?

Acupuncture points are areas where the acupuncture needles are placed. In traditional Chinese medicine, they are located on so-called meridians through which the life energy "Qi" flows.

By manipulating these acupuncture points, the flow of vital energy should be improved. This involves different acupuncture points according to the affected organ system. In total, there are around 360 of these points. Frequently, they are located close to nerve fibers.

How much does acupuncture cost?

In Germany, public health insurance companies will only cover the costs of 10 to 15 acupuncture sessions and only for clearly defined diagnoses. Currently, among those are chronic spinal pain and osteoarthritis of the knee joint, as long as the symptoms have persisted for at least six months.

If other illnesses or complaints are present, patients have to pay the costs of acupuncture themselves. Usually these range from 35 to 45 euros per session. The exact costs for each treatment should be discussed with the specialist in advance.

Which scientific data is available on acupuncture?

There have been many studies already trying to prove that acupuncture is effective. While many of these studies have shown some success in the treatment of pain, their results need to be interpreted critically. For example, many of the studies had such a small number of participants for a number of reasons that their results were not conclusive enough.

So far, the largest study conducted on this topic is the so-called GERAC study (German Acupuncture Trials). This study, initiated by several health insurance companies, was designed to investigate the difference in effectiveness between acupuncture treatment, sham acupuncture, in which needles were not placed at acupuncture points, and standard treatment methods. The clinical pictures included were low back pain, knee pain, migraine and tension headaches, all of which were chronic pain.

Although this study found no significant advantage compared to so-called sham acupuncture, it led to acupuncture treatment for chronic spinal and knee pain being included in the list of benefits of public health insurance companies.

In the end, doctor and patient should decide together if acupuncture can be useful in the individual case after a thorough consultation.

Which doctors and clinics specialize in acupuncture?

In recent years, the demand for acupuncture treatments as an addition or alternative to conventional therapies has grown. There are many doctors who offer this procedure for various medical conditions. The practitioner's experience and expertise play a decisive role here.

We have thoroughly evaluated and selected all the doctors listed here. All specialists have undergone intensive training in order to provide high-quality acupuncture treatments. Seize this opportunity and schedule an uncomplicated first appointment with one of our specialists to get detailed advice on acupuncture.