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Emergency: 144

Acupuncture

In acupuncture, very fine needles are inserted into the skin at specific points. It comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine and is now also widely used in medical practices and hospitals. For some kinds of pain, good studies show a benefit.

therapists
7
per session
CHF 105–110
session length
30–60 min

Therascout does not diagnose. Have new, severe or persistent complaints checked by a doctor first. Emergency: 144

Origin and approach

In the traditional view, acupuncture points lie on channels through which the life energy qi flows, and the needles are meant to rebalance this flow. Research tends to explain possible effects through the nerves, pain processing and relaxation. In studies, however, sham acupuncture often helps noticeably too, which shows that expectations and attention play a large part.

What a session is like

Length: 30–60 min
  1. First, the therapist asks about your complaints, your medical history and any medication you take.
  2. You make yourself comfortable lying or sitting, and the therapist places around 5 to 20 sterile single-use needles, depending on the treatment.
  3. The needles are usually barely felt; sometimes there is a dull, pulling sensation at the point.
  4. The needles stay in for about 20 to 30 minutes while you rest.
  5. The needles are then removed and discarded, and you can usually go straight back to your day.

Acupuncture: what is it used for?

  • Chronic back pain and neck pain, where several studies show a benefit.
  • Preventing migraine and tension headaches, for which there are also good studies.
  • Joint pain, for example from knee osteoarthritis, and other chronic pain.
  • Menstrual complaints and support when trying to conceive, although the study results here are mixed.
  • Quitting smoking, and allergies and hay fever, with few reliable results so far.

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.

What do the dots mean?
Established
recommended in guidelines, well studied
Some evidence
effect shown in studies, with limitations
Limited evidence
few or weak studies
Traditional use
used, but hardly studied

The rating covers the research, not the therapist.

Show all 10 complaints

Some evidence · 2 more complaints

effect shown in studies, with limitations

Limited evidence · 4 more complaints

few or weak studies

Therapists: Acupuncture

  • Elena Rossi

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    Studio Rossi

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    • 4.8(4)
    • Lugano
    • Languages: it · de
    AcupunctureTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)Acupressure
    EMR
    Price
    CHF 69–145
    Next appointment
    Available Fri, 16 Oct

  • Simone Suter

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    Praxis Simone Suter

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    • 4.7(3)
    • Schaffhausen
    • Languages: de · fr
    Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)AcupunctureAcupressure
    EMR
    Price
    CHF 69–145
    Next appointment
    Available Thu, 15 Oct

  • Olivier Chevalley

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    Cabinet Chevalley

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    • 5.0(2)
    • Geneva
    • Languages: fr
    Tui Na massageTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)Acupuncture
    EMREGK therapist registerSwiss federal diploma
    Price
    CHF 69–145
See all 7

Costs and health insurance

Basic insurance
only with doctors who hold the relevant certificate.
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.
Price per session
usually CHF 105–110, median CHF 105 (60 minutes, as stated by the practices)
Recognitions explained →

Good to know

  • Usually 6 to 12 sessions are planned, often once or twice a week; if nothing has changed after about 5 sessions, it is worth discussing how to proceed.
  • Common side effects are small bruises, brief soreness where a needle went in, or tiredness; serious complications are very rare when sterile single-use needles are used.
  • Tell the therapist if you are pregnant, take blood thinners or have a pacemaker.
  • Have new or severe pain checked by a doctor first; acupuncture does not replace medical treatment.

Training and recognition in Switzerland

Acupuncture by doctors with an FMH certificate is covered by basic insurance. Non-medical therapists usually have TCM training, for example the federal diploma as a naturopath specialising in TCM. Depending on your policy, supplementary insurance covers their treatments, usually only if they are registered with EMR or ASCA.

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