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Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture in Lugano

Dr Zeljko Djordjevic, specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation FMH. Swiss Centro Medico, Lugano.

Acupuncture is the stimulation of points along the meridians of the body, with sterile single-use needles or with low-intensity laser. In Lugano it is performed by a specialist physician, combining Western diagnosis with assessment according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. We treat chronic pain, headaches, joint and functional disorders.

  • Classical body acupuncture, abdominal acupuncture, RAC ear acupuncture and laser acupuncture
  • Certified in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine (ASA)
  • Certificate in abdominal acupuncture (Bo Zhiyun method), level 1, Istituto Paracelso in Rome
  • Sterile single-use needles
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RME certification

RME quality label of the physician for acupuncture and Chinese medicine: under certain conditions, treatments are reimbursed by complementary insurance. For acupuncture, also recognised by Visana, with reimbursement according to the patient's complementary insurance.

Acupuncture session with needles on the back

When acupuncture can help

Musculoskeletal pain

  • Low back pain and sciatica, neck and upper back pain
  • Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, hand and shoulder
  • Tendinopathies: tennis elbow and shoulder
  • Myofascial pain, fibromyalgia, whiplash sequelae

Functional disorders

  • Tension headache and migraine
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Allergic rhinitis and asthma
  • Digestive complaints, nausea, dysmenorrhoea

Nerves and internal organs

  • Trigeminal neuralgia and painful diabetic neuropathy
  • Nervous stomach and irritable bowel
  • Stress urinary incontinence
  • Stable angina, alongside cardiac treatment

Alongside other treatment

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Low back and pelvic pain in pregnancy
  • Overweight, alongside diet and exercise
  • Nausea from chemotherapy and pain during cancer treatment

The scientific evidence is strongest for musculoskeletal pain, tension-type headache and migraine; for the other indications acupuncture is offered as a support, case by case. Acupuncture is integrated into the treatment plan when the clinical indication is clear and, where useful, combined with manual medicine, ultrasound-guided injections or laser therapy.

The techniques we use

Classical body acupuncture

Sterile single-use needles inserted at points selected after the TCM assessment. Generally well tolerated.

RAC ear acupuncture

Auriculomedicine with Nogier reflex control: points identified on the outer ear, useful in chronic pain. Also with long-acting absorbable needles.

Non-invasive laser acupuncture

Up to twelve laserneedles rest on the skin and stimulate several points at once. Painless and needle-free: suited to needle-sensitive and younger patients.

Abdominal acupuncture

Fine needles placed at points on the abdomen, following Prof. Bo Zhiyun's method. The doctor holds the level 1 certificate from Istituto Paracelso in Rome.

Combined with pain therapy

Where needed, acupuncture sits alongside manual medicine, ultrasound-guided injections and laser therapy within the same plan.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): how we work

Before every session Dr Djordjevic carries out an assessment according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, to identify the points most suited to your case; the same reading also guides RAC ear acupuncture.

The treatment is acupuncture: with sterile single-use needles, with the needle-free laser or on the ear. The technique is chosen at the visit, together.

The pathway

From the first consultation to the course of sessions

  1. Specialist consultation

    History, clinical examination and, if indicated, musculoskeletal ultrasound to clarify the origin of the pain.

  2. TCM assessment

    Reading according to Traditional Chinese Medicine and selection of the points and the most suitable technique: I carry out the assessment and place the needles myself, at the practice.

  3. Course of treatment

    The number of sessions depends on the complaint and is set at the consultation, with periodic review of the results.

  4. Maintenance

    Top-up sessions plus exercise or herbal recommendations to consolidate the benefit.

Ear acupuncture on the outer ear

What the research says

Cochrane review 2016 · 22 trials, 4,985 people

Migraine

Attacks at least halved in 41 in 100 patients after acupuncture, compared with 17 in 100 without acupuncture. Against sham acupuncture the difference is smaller: 50 compared with 41 in 100.

Cochrane review 2016 · 12 trials, 2,349 people

Tension-type headache

In the largest trial of the review, headaches at least halved in 48 in 100 patients, compared with 19 in 100 with usual care. Against sham acupuncture: 51 compared with 43 in 100.

Meta-analysis, Journal of Pain 2018 · 39 trials, 20,827 patients

Chronic pain

Back, neck, osteoarthritis, shoulder and chronic headache: acupuncture reduced pain more than no treatment and more than sham acupuncture. After a year the effect fell by only about 15%.

Is it safe?

In a study of 229,230 patients treated by doctors (Witt 2009), 8.6 in 100 reported at least one side effect, most often minor bleeding or a small bruise where the needle went in. Serious complications were very rare.

Tell the doctor if you

  • take blood thinners
  • are or might be pregnant
  • have a pacemaker
  • are afraid of needles: there is the laser

Frequently asked questions

Is acupuncture painful?

The needles are very thin, sterile and single-use: the most common sensation is a tingling or a local feeling of heaviness. Acupuncture is chosen after the specialist consultation and the assessment according to traditional Chinese medicine. For those who prefer to avoid needles, or for younger patients, laser acupuncture, up to twelve laserneedles placed on the skin, is painless and without a prick. Tell the doctor at the consultation if you are afraid of needles, take blood thinners, are or might be pregnant, or have a pacemaker.

How many sessions are needed?

It depends on the complaint and how long it has lasted. The path starts with the specialist consultation (history, clinical examination and, if indicated, musculoskeletal ultrasound), then the traditional Chinese medicine assessment and the choice of points and technique. The course is set at the consultation, with periodic review; later, follow-up sessions and exercise advice can help consolidate the benefit.

How long does a session last?

Usually 30–45 minutes.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

The physician holds the RME quality label for acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and in Ticino the practice bills complementary insurers: with complementary insurance, under certain conditions, the treatment can be reimbursed. Patients with basic insurance only receive a clear cost estimate at the visit and pay directly. For acupuncture, the doctor is also recognised by Visana (ZSR number V272164, listed in Visana's therapist list): patients with Visana complementary-medicine insurance can be reimbursed according to their policy.

How much does a session cost?

A session costs about CHF 140–170: the price depends on how long it lasts. The first visit may cost a little more, because it includes the assessment and the clinical examination. The exact amount is confirmed at the visit.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor?

No, you can book directly. If you are already under the care of other specialists, bringing reports and images helps us set up treatment straight away.

Does the laser work like needles?

It stimulates the same points without a prick. There are fewer studies on laser than on needles. If you cannot tolerate needles, it is a good alternative that we can choose together at your consultation.

Can I have acupuncture if I take medication?

Usually yes: acupuncture works alongside your treatment. Bring your list of medicines to the first consultation and do not stop any treatment without talking to the doctor.

What should I bring to my first consultation?

Recent reports and test results, your list of medicines and, if you have it, your health insurance card. Comfortable clothes help. If you are already under the care of other specialists, bringing images and reports helps us set up treatment straight away. You do not need a referral from your family doctor: you can book directly.

Can it be combined with other therapies?

Yes. Acupuncture is often integrated with manual medicine, laser therapy and interventional pain therapy within the same plan.

Scientific sources

  1. Linde K, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;(6):CD001218. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001218.pub3
  2. Linde K, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of tension-type headache. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;(4):CD007587. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007587.pub2
  3. Vickers AJ, et al. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. J Pain. 2018;19:455–474. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005
  4. Witt CM, et al. Safety of acupuncture: results of a prospective observational study with 229,230 patients and introduction of a medical information and consent form. Forsch Komplementmed. 2009;16:91–97. doi:10.1159/000209315
  5. Kolasinski SL, et al. 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee. Arthritis Care Res. 2020;72:149–162. doi:10.1002/acr.24131
  6. Gadau M, et al. A multi-center international study of acupuncture for lateral elbow pain – Results of a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Pain. 2020;24:1458–1470. doi:10.1002/ejp.1574
  7. Deare JC, et al. Acupuncture for treating fibromyalgia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(5):CD007070. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007070.pub2
  8. Lee SH, et al. Efficacy of acupuncture for whiplash injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2024;14:e077700. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077700
  9. Yin X, et al. Efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment on primary insomnia: a randomized controlled trial. Sleep Med. 2017;37:193–200. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2017.02.012
  10. Feng S, et al. Acupuncture for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2015;29:57–62. doi:10.2500/ajra.2015.29.4116
  11. Seidman MD, et al. Clinical practice guideline: allergic rhinitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015;152(1 Suppl):S1–S43. doi:10.1177/0194599814561600
  12. Pang J, et al. Clinical evidence for acupuncture for adult asthma: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised sham/placebo-controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2023;75:102956. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102956
  13. Yang JW, et al. Efficacy of ACupuncTure in Irritable bOwel syNdrome (ACTION): A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Gastroenterology. 2025;169:958–969. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2025.05.016
  14. Yang JW, et al. Effect of Acupuncture for Postprandial Distress Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2020;172:777–785. doi:10.7326/M19-2880
  15. Lee A, et al. Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point PC6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(11):CD003281. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003281.pub4
  16. Ezzo J, et al. Acupuncture-point stimulation for chemotherapy-induced nausea or vomiting. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;(2):CD002285. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002285.pub2
  17. Shen X, et al. Long Term Effects of Acupuncture for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pain Res. 2025;18:5359–5376. doi:10.2147/JPR.S540073
  18. Xu Y, et al. Updated Evidence of Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with GRADE Assessment. J Pain Res. 2026;19:1–22. doi:10.2147/JPR.S604548
  19. Lan L, et al. Acupuncture for the Management of Chronic Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2025;29:74. doi:10.1007/s11916-025-01386-z
  20. Liu Z, et al. Effect of Electroacupuncture on Urinary Leakage Among Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2017;317:2493–2501. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.7220
  21. Zhao L, et al. Acupuncture as Adjunctive Therapy for Chronic Stable Angina: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2019;179:1388–1397. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.2407
  22. Jang A, et al. Acupuncture for Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Clin Psychol. 2026;82:479–494. doi:10.1002/jclp.70079
  23. Smith CA, et al. Acupuncture for depression. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;(3):CD004046. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004046.pub4
  24. Liddle SD, Pennick V. Interventions for preventing and treating low-back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD001139. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001139.pub4
  25. Kim Y, et al. Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture modalities for overweight and obesity treatment: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs. Front Med (Lausanne). 2024;11:1446515. doi:10.3389/fmed.2024.1446515
  26. Hershman DL, et al. Effect of Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture or Waitlist Control on Joint Pain Related to Aromatase Inhibitors Among Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2018;320:167–176. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.8907
  27. He Y, et al. Clinical Evidence for Association of Acupuncture and Acupressure With Improved Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Oncol. 2020;6:271–278. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.5233

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

For musculoskeletal pain the practice follows several routes, often combined. The specialist visit, with ultrasound when needed, clarifies which one is indicated in your case.

Rheumatology

Diagnosis and treatment plan: the first visit when the pain is in the joints, back or tendons.

Interventional pain therapy

Ultrasound-guided injections of joints and soft tissues, with hyaluronic acid or PRP when indicated.

PRP for joints and tendons

Plasma prepared from the patient's own blood and injected into tendons and joints.

Laser therapy

Laser light applied locally, in the joint or in the bloodstream, without drugs.

The information on this page is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. The indication, expected benefits and risks of every treatment are assessed individually during the specialist consultation.

Book an acupuncture consultation

Initial specialist assessment, indication for treatment and definition of the course of sessions.

We accept referrals and second-opinion requests from your physician, via HIN. dr.djordjevic@hin.ch

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How to reach us

In Lugano, a short walk from USI and EOC

The practice is centrally located in Italian-speaking Switzerland, also reachable by car and by train from Mendrisio, Bellinzona, Locarno and Chiasso.

By car: the practice's own car park is right in front. By public transport: a short walk from USI.

Address

Via Alessandro Volta 1
6900 Lugano

Opening hours

Monday–Friday 08:00–16:30
Saturday and Sunday closed

Swiss Centro Medico

Via Alessandro Volta 1, 6900 Lugano

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