Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consists of a number of therapy methods that have been used in China for over 4000 years:

• Acupuncture procedures (see Japanese acupuncture )


• Moxa treatment (also called moxibustion )


• Medicinal Herbs Ordinance / Phytotherapy


• Nutritional advice / dietetics

Furthermore Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Gua Sha and Tuina massage.

Moxa treatment

The term moxa comes from Japanese medicine and has been colloquially established instead of the Chinese Z hen jiu .

The carrier substance of the moxa application is heated Artemisia vulgaris , ( mugwort) with its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect.

I use moxa as dried, loose wool ( Okyu ), in the form of sticks ( Akabane ) or on the metal handle of the previously set acupuncture needle ( Kyutoshin ).

The targeted heat stimulation of individual acupuncture points as well as the warming and increased blood flow to individual skin zones are the goals of the moxa treatment.

Diseases that are related to pathogenic, bioclimatic factors such as moisture or drafts can be effectively treated using moxa. Moxa is also indicated for sports injuries, lymphedema, organ dysfunction, sleep or infertility disorders .

Medicinal Herbs Ordinance

For several millennia, different medicinal plants, minerals, etc. have been used in TCM to treat diseases.

The ginseng root ( ren shen ), the liquorice ( gan cao ) and the angelica root ( dang gui ) are among the best-known TCM herbs in this country.

All medicinal herbs have specific taste and thermal qualities. These properties of the medicines as well as their other active ingredients support the organism in controlling its functions and also stimulate the circulation of energy and blood.

After the previous patient interview, the examination of their complaints and the traditional diagnosis of pulse and tongue, I prescribe the individual herbal compositions in the form of tea granules or as an aqueous extract (so-called hydrophilic concentrate). You will then receive the medication from a pharmacy specializing in TCM. As a rule, the herbs are dissolved as tea or in water or juice and taken several times a day.

The indications for herbal therapy are varied. They mainly affect diseases of the digestive, respiratory or urogenital systems and the skin.

Nutritional advice

In TCM it is assumed that foods and beverages - comparable to medicinal herbs - not only convey their taste qualities but also have thermal properties.

A distinction is made between the flavors sour, bitter, sweet, hot and salty. The thermal effect of food and drinks in the body ranges from heating to cooling.

Basically, it is important to understand and apply these aspects in the sense of the constitution in question. For example, if you have a cold constitution, it is advisable to limit the consumption of food that cools down, such as raw vegetables, dairy products or coffee.

Try sprinkling a pinch of freshly ground cardamom or coriander into your morning coffee, your breakfast yoghurt or the cream herring for lunch. This supports digestion, tastes great and cools the body less.

This "self-experiment" is particularly worthwhile if you have a stubborn cold, because in this way the self-healing powers of your body can quickly get the infection under control.

Undoubtedly, every beginning is difficult, but even a slight correction of your eating habits will noticeably increase your vitality and well-being.