Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a central component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and was practiced over 2,000 years ago. It is based on the idea that vital energy (known as Qi) flows through the body in specific pathways, the meridians. If this energy flow is out of balance, for example due to stress, injury or unfavorable lifestyle habits, complaints can arise.

At the Nuhr Medical Center, we use acupuncture specifically to relieve pain, reduce stress and balance the autonomic nervous system. Each treatment is individually tailored and is embedded in our holistic Nuhr Med Concept.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture originates from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been used successfully for thousands of years. It has also found a firm place in modern medicine, especially where gentle support with few side effects is required.

In acupuncture, fine, sterile needles are inserted into specific points on the body. These acupuncture points are located on energy pathways known as meridians. The targeted stimulation has a regulating, pain-relieving and relaxing effect on the entire organism via the nervous and messenger system.

How does acupuncture work?

Traditional Chinese teaching assumes that health depends on the free flow of Qi. If there are blockages or imbalances, this often manifests itself in the form of pain, inner restlessness or functional disorders. The targeted stimulation of certain points on the meridians is intended to harmonize this flow again.

From a scientific point of view, the effect of acupuncture can now be well explained. Various neurophysiological processes are triggered by needling:

• The body releases endogenous messenger substances such as endorphins and serotonin. These have a pain-relieving and mood-enhancing effect and promote general well-being.
• Muscle tension can be relieved by so-called reflex effects, which are particularly helpful for back pain or headaches.
• The autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for stress reactions, digestion and sleep, among other things, is calmed. As a result, acupuncture can be used specifically for symptoms such as inner restlessness, sleep disorders or functional gastrointestinal complaints.
• There are also indications that anti-inflammatory processes in the body are stimulated, which can also support therapy for chronic illnesses.

When is acupuncture recommended?

At the Nuhr Medical Center, we use acupuncture as an integrative component of a holistic therapy concept. Typical areas of application:

• Chronic back and neck pain
• Headaches, migraines
• Osteoarthritis and joint pain
• Tinnitus
• Digestive complaints (irritable bowel syndrome, nausea)
• Stress, exhaustion, sleep disorders
• Pregnancy complaints
• Smoking cessation (ear acupuncture)
• Hay fever and allergies

We also use acupuncture to help prepare for childbirth and to treat psychological stress symptoms.

Are there any contraindications?

In principle, acupuncture is a very safe and well-tolerated method. Nevertheless, there are certain situations in which caution is advised or treatment is not recommended, for example:

• Acute infectious diseases with fever
• Blood clotting disorders or taking blood-thinning medication
• Severe psychiatric illnesses
• Unclear or undiagnosed complaints
• Pronounced needle phobia

In a detailed initial consultation, we clarify together whether acupuncture is suitable for your situation.

How does an acupuncture treatment work?

Every acupuncture treatment at the Nuhr Medical Center begins with a detailed medical history. We take the time to record your complaints, previous illnesses and your individual treatment goals in detail. This anamnesis forms the basis for a targeted and effective treatment concept.

The appropriate acupuncture points are then selected, depending on the symptoms. These points can be located on the ear, head, hands or feet, but also along the spine or on certain meridians. Fine, sterile needles are then inserted with great sensitivity and usually remain in the body for around 20 to 30 minutes. For special applications, e.g. to stop smoking or to regulate inner restlessness, we use permanent needles that remain in the ear for up to two weeks and work continuously.

After the needles have been inserted, there is a short resting phase in which you can lie relaxed and allow the stimuli to take effect – a moment of conscious pause that can further intensify the effect of the treatment.

How often should I have acupuncture?

The number of sessions depends on the individual symptoms. As a rule, we recommend a series of six to ten treatments spread over several weeks.

What needs to be considered after acupuncture?

After an acupuncture treatment, it is advisable to give the body sufficient time to recover. Ideally, you should allow yourself a period of rest in which both body and mind can relax. Many patients experience a pleasant feeling of serenity, inner peace or even pleasant tiredness after the session. These are completely normal and desirable reactions to the treatment.

Immediately after acupuncture, you should avoid physically strenuous activities such as intensive sport, heavy lifting or strenuous housework. The consumption of alcohol and very rich or hard-to-digest foods should also be avoided. The reason for this is that the body goes into an active regeneration process after the treatment, which should not be disturbed by external stimuli or stress.

So consciously take time for yourself, drink plenty of water and observe how your body reacts to the therapy. As a rule, this mindful aftercare significantly supports the therapeutic effect of acupuncture.

Are there any side effects?

Acupuncture is considered to be a very safe and well-tolerated form of treatment. In rare cases, slight, mostly harmless reactions may occur after treatment. These include, for example, slight reddening of the skin at the puncture sites, minor bruising (hematomas) or a brief feeling of dizziness, especially in people with sensitive circulation. A slight feeling of tension or temporary tiredness may also occur. However, these usually subside quickly.

At the Nuhr Medical Center, we pay attention to the careful selection of needles, a calm treatment situation and the highest standards of hygiene. Our experienced therapists ensure that side effects are kept to a minimum and that you feel well looked after during and after treatment.

Can acupuncture be combined with other therapies?

Acupuncture can be combined very well with other medical and therapeutic measures. At the Nuhr Medical Center, it is often part of an integrative overall concept that is specifically tailored to your individual complaints. We have had particularly good experience with the combination of acupuncture and physiotherapeutic applications, such as active movement therapy or manual techniques.

Acupuncture can also have a supportive effect in combination with massages or osteopathic treatments. The holistic approach makes it possible to treat physical as well as emotional and functional complaints within a comprehensive framework. The focus is always on the person as a whole – with their history, their symptoms and their needs.

This integrative approach creates a profound therapeutic concept that not only alleviates symptoms, but also activates the body’s natural self-healing powers and helps to stabilize health in the long term.