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.

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.

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)

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.

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 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.

The content you learn during your acupuncture course depends on the training center and the scope of the training. However, these are often the following topics, which you will learn in theory, but of course also in practice:

• Pathology and therapy of disease patterns
• The twelve meridians
• The eight extra meridians
• Their external and internal processes
• Pathology of the meridians
• Point categories, functions and point combinations
• Needle techniques
• Acupuncture treatments
• Ear acupuncture
• Cranial acupuncture

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.

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.

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.

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.