TREATMENTS AND METHODS 

Called “Ling Shu” in Chinese, the acupuncture needle is the key to the axes. In the body, they are introduced at connection points to compensate for disharmonies. They connect, fill, empty or separate the meridians or pathways properly. Energy, or qi, flows in the meridians. Its task is to focus and align, to get rid of wherever there is too much, and to add wherever there is too little. Similar to the system of canals and locks for shipping in Holland, their task is to raise or lower the water level so that the ship can pass unhindered. These meridians or energy paths run through our whole body like the Amazon through the rainforest. They nourish and connect the different regions or organs into a large, interrelated, coherent system. The opposites that need to be balanced or harmonized are also referred to as yin and yang.

Gua Sha (rubbing the skin with a soft object), and cupping (using the well-known cupping glass) are ancient, well-known, tried-and-tested methods to help the body expel disease-causing factors via its largest organ, the skin. When the body has weakened and is no longer able to do its job, these gentle methods can be used to help it. They cause redness of the skin, which shows how well the immune system is responding to the treatment. The redder the skin, the better the immune system, and thus the more effective the release of the disruptive factors. Gua Sha is widespread in Asia, and people practice it every day to help each other. In Europe, we have known cupping since ancient times; it has always been highly valued. Moxibustion (Moxa) By burning Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) over the acupuncture points, the system is given the "command" to warm and move itself. The dried herb is burned directly on a slice of ginger or layer of salt. Also, indirect methods such as the carbonized “cigar shape” also stimulate the qi. Movement makes yang break down the stagnant areas, driving away cold/yin, nourishing and strengthening the body.

Pull and push. Chinese physiotherapy. Straightening or balancing through massage. Activating or calming down. In addition to the muscles, tendons and ligaments, taking into consideration qi and aligning it also involves the bones, organs, mind and spirit.

For centuries, the Chinese have been collecting substances found in nature such as plants, mushrooms, minerals and certain animal products. Using different processes, they combine them into many different formulas, depending on the range of diagnostics required, as determined by Chinese medical practice. The medicinal products address the emotional and mental level, as well as the physical. They come in the form of granules, hydrophilic tincture, decoction / tea, ointment or syrup depending on the aim and goal of the treatment. When and how often you take them depends entirely on the course of treatment. These Chinese substances are tested in Switzerland by Swissmedic, and are subject to the strictest quality controls. They are tested for pollutants, heavy metals, toxicity and pesticides. Dispensing is carried out through certified partner pharmacies. Depending on whether this method is covered by your policy, your health insurance will pay the cost.

Herbs can effectively nourish or detoxify, warm or cool the system. The acerbic ones contain the full power of nature, and replace what is missing from the body. They are sourced from plants, shrubs, bark, roots, tubers and flowers. Today's eating habits have lost much of what was handed down to our ancestors as a matter of course. The dosage and how it is delivered is individually prescribed, for instance as a healing tea, herbal tincture, spagyric essence or simply herbal extracts, depending on the desired effect. A delight for our system. Dispensing is carried out through certified partner pharmacies. Depending on whether this method is covered by your policy, your health insurance will pay the cost.

«They have no buds, leaves or flowers, and yet are a kind of fruit. They make delicious food, and even medicine. A perfection of nature. » Ancient Chinese proverb. Medicinal mushrooms have been used to promote and protect health for thousands of years. Even Iceman Ötzi was found with slices of birch polypore on him, which are a species of mushrooms good for treating digestive disorders, among others. Although the healing effects of medicinal mushrooms have been almost completely forgotten, we have become more aware of them again in recent years. Their healing effects come from their environmental conditions. Their living space is moist and dark, so they often became infected with diseases triggered by bacteria or other pathogens. The mushrooms that are successfully able to defend themselves against such pathogens have survived. For further information, see the Society for Medicinal Mushrooms, Switzerland. This is the link to their website: www.GFVS.ch

"Let food be our medicine and medicine be our food." Paracelsus. 5 Elements TCM provides professional nutritional advice, because food is a wide-ranging topic. What is good for me? What am I eating too much or too little of, and why? Why do I always prefer this dish over that one? Why do I not care for a certain food, even though it would do me good? The mind alone is not the only arbiter of our desires and preferences; the body also has a say in the matter. Information about what the body likes, needs or doesn’t want comes mostly from inside us, from the inner world, although cultural education and habit also play a crucial role. Spaghetti, although sacred to Italians, is not always the right thing to eat. However, nutrition is not just about eating. Do I feel nourished in my job, by my friends and with my loved ones? The laws of the elements can guide us well, as they contribute to a better understanding of our eating habits.

Qi Gong (Chinese, meaning to work with energy) was developed in ancient China by the famous Shaolin monks in order to prepare the body for the extreme stress and strain of martial arts training, as well as for life in an ancient monastery. Qi Gong is a prerequisite for Taiji, and the basis of all martial arts. Qi Gong, the Chinese alternative to, or equivalent of, Indian Yoga has, however, also been used to harmonize the mind and body, and enhance general health. It may be different in style, but the two traditions share similar goals. Working with the body's own energy, it helps the Qi dance and flow through the body to strengthen and revitalize us from within, as well as improve strength and enhance endurance. It involves subtle, calm movements that harmonise the body, and improve the quality of life. Practice is a must, of course. 5 Elements TCM offers evening courses in groups or individual lessons.

Shiatsu is a complementary form of therapeutic treatment which originates from Japan. It wonderfully complements the other TCM methods, and focuses on holistic recovery. It triggers sustainable, health-enhancing processes, opening up the individual’s potential of resources, and enabling them to be integrated into everyday life. Taking Qi into account, the body is mobilized, refreshed or sedated using manual techniques. Shiatsu can help relieve discomfort. It teaches people how to treat themselves with greater conscious awareness.