Acupuncture: training, courses, continuing education, further training, providers, information and tips

365 acupuncture points are distributed throughout the body from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot. The points are located on the energy pathways, the twelve meridians, in which, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body's own energy, Qi, flows. Needle pricks at these specific points on the body produce a therapeutic effect.

The content of an acupuncture course depends on the respective school and the scope of training chosen. Nevertheless, there are key topics that are taught both theoretically and practically in many courses. These include, among others:

• Basics of pathology and therapy of typical disease patterns
• The twelve main meridians at a glance
• The eight extra meridians and their functions
• Patterns of the meridians - internal and external
• Meridian pathology and energetic disorders
• Acupuncture points: Categories, modes of action and possible combinations
• Different needle techniques and their application
• Practice of acupuncture treatment for various complaints
• Introduction to ear acupuncture
• Basics of cranial acupuncture

These topics form the basis of a sound education in acupuncture and prepare students for a responsible career in the therapeutic field. Western medical principles are often combined with traditional Chinese medicine in order to promote a holistic understanding.

Important: Each school determines its curriculum individually. The specific course content may therefore vary. For binding information on a specific acupuncture course, we recommend contacting the relevant school directly. You can use our contact form to simply forward your question to the desired school

For forms of therapy that are recognized by the canton, a permit must be obtained by registering with the cantonal health department. Contact the responsible department and ask for the necessary documents. These are usually

• Diploma or degree certificate (certified copy)
• CV (curriculum vitae) with detailed career history
• Extract from the central criminal register
• Proof of a professional liability policy
• Medical certificate attesting to your medical qualification as a therapist
• Certificate of capacity to act (issued by the municipality)

Acupuncture can no longer be registered as a method with the EMR, the Empirical Medicine Register, but acupuncture massage or acupuncture massage can, provided that 150 hours each in the field of empirical medicine and conventional medicine can be demonstrated. Nevertheless, the supplementary insurance policies of many health insurance companies still cover the costs of these forms of therapy. Please contact the schools directly to find out about health insurance recognition.

An acupuncturist influences the organs via the acupuncture points. This is done on the basis of TCM-oriented diagnostics. By stimulating energetic points with needles (sometimes also with fingers, sticks or low-frequency electricity), the flow of Qi in a specific organ meridian is stimulated or dampened.

For acupuncture training, you should have strong communication skills and empathy. You must not be afraid of close contact with different people. Physical and mental health is important.

Ear acupuncture or auriculotherapy is based on the idea that stimulating certain points on the auricle (using acupuncture needles) influences other organs. This acupuncture technique on or in the ear can have a beneficial effect on the rest of the body. Mapping the outer ear makes it possible to treat complaints such as obesity, anxiety, mild depression, sleep problems, addiction to cigarettes or alcohol and chronic pain.

In reflex zone therapy, various parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, head, face, back or ears, are stimulated in order to stimulate and positively influence the organs associated with these areas, such as the liver, kidneys or bladder. Various forms of therapy are used for this purpose, such as acupressure or acupuncture. In principle, both treatments have the same structure, except that they differ in their choice of tools. In acupuncture, thin acupuncture needles are inserted into the points and meridians and stimulated. Acupressure and acupoint massage do not involve such an invasive procedure, but instead use only the therapist's hands to apply pressure to the pathways and pressure points.

Acupuncture is one of the most important treatment methods in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is a training module in the training to become a naturopathic TCM practitioner with a federal diploma. The training usually takes 3 to 4 years and is part-time. For further information, please contact the provider of your choice.

Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of complaints, including pain therapy, vegetative and functional disorders and musculoskeletal disorders. This includes the following problems, among others:

• Nervousness and restlessness
• Irritable bladder
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Degenerative diseases
• Cardiovascular problems
• Sleep disorders
• Rheumatic diseases
• Digestive disorders
• Poor posture (torticollis, tension headache,...)
• Pain
• Movement restrictions
• Hormonal disorders (pregnancy, menopause, puberty,...)

Other disorders and problems can also be treated with acupuncture, such as nicotine addiction, obesity and allergies. You can obtain more detailed information directly from the schools.

Needling achieves relaxation and pain relief. The acupuncture needle stimulates the production of the body's own morphine-like substances, endorphins, nerve transmitters and neurotransmitters. Endorphins and neurotransmitters have a therapeutic, pain-relieving and psychologically relaxing effect.