Andrea Meier
DemoPraxis Meier
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Acupoint massage (APM, Penzel method)Medical massage
ASCA
- Price
- CHF 63–135
Acupoint massage (APM, Penzel method)
Acupoint massage according to Penzel (APM) is a form of massage based on the meridians and acupuncture points of Chinese medicine. Instead of needles, the therapist usually uses a small metal rod, which they stroke over the skin along the meridians, combined with gentle techniques on the spine and joints. The treatment is usually not painful.
- therapists
- 2
- session length
- 45–60 min
Therascout does not diagnose. Have new, severe or persistent complaints checked by a doctor first. In an emergency: 144
Origin and approach
The method was developed in the mid-20th century by the German masseur Willy Penzel. It combines the idea from Chinese medicine that life energy flows through channels called meridians with European massage technique. This energy model has not been shown scientifically, and there are hardly any studies on the effects of APM.
What a session is like
Length: 45–60 min- In the first consultation, the therapist asks about your complaints, your medical history and any scars, which play a special role in APM.
- They then make what is called an energy assessment, for example by touch and by watching how the skin reacts.
- You lie on the treatment table and the therapist strokes the rod along the meridians; depending on the assessment, gentle techniques on the spine, pelvis or joints follow.
- Finally, you rest briefly and discuss the next steps.
Acupoint massage (APM, Penzel method): what is it used for?
- Back pain and tension.
- Headaches.
- Wanting a gentle treatment in the spirit of acupuncture, but without needles.
For these uses APM relies mainly on tradition and experience; studies are largely lacking.
How well is the effect supported?
Complaints for which this method is commonly used, sorted by the state of research. The rating shows how well the effect is supported, not whether it will help you.
We do not have a rating by complaint for this method yet.
Therapists: Acupoint massage (APM, Penzel method)
Costs and health insurance
- Basic insurance
- usually not.
- Supplementary insurance
- often 50–80% with EMR- or ASCA-recognised therapists, often up to an annual maximum.
- Your insurer
- Each profile shows which insurers recognise the therapist.
- Practice prices
- See prices in each practice profile.
Good to know
- Often 6 to 10 sessions are planned, usually weekly at first.
- Tell the therapist if you are pregnant, take blood thinners or have skin problems; inflamed or injured skin is not treated.
- Have new, severe or persistent symptoms checked by a doctor first; APM does not replace medical treatment.
Training and recognition in Switzerland
APM is learned in private part-time training over several years, often as further training for massage therapists, physiotherapists or nurses; there is no state-regulated qualification. Basic insurance does not pay for it; some supplementary insurers contribute, usually only with EMR or ASCA registration for this method.