Acupuncture
Classical body acupuncture in Lugano
Insertion of sterile single-use needles at points chosen after the specialist visit and assessment according to traditional Chinese medicine. Usually well tolerated. Anyone who prefers to avoid needles can use laser acupuncture on the sibling page.
- Sterile single-use needles, after TCM assessment
- Points along the meridians, chosen at the visit
- Indication, technique and course are defined case by case
How it works
Assessment
History, clinical examination and a reading according to traditional Chinese medicine. The points are chosen, and whether needles are the right technique.
The meridians
In TCM, vital energy (Qi) flows through a network of channels linked to organs and viscera. When the flow is blocked or unbalanced, pain or functional complaints can appear.
The needles
Points along 12 principal and 8 extraordinary meridians are stimulated to restore flow, harmonise Yin and Yang and support the internal organs.
Without needles
The same points can be stimulated with laserneedles resting on the skin, without a puncture. That technique is on the laser-acupuncture page.
When we offer it
Pain and joints
Back, neck, osteoarthritis, shoulder, headache. Acupuncture enters the pathway when the clinical indication is clear.
Function and tension
Headache, sleep, stress, allergic rhinitis, digestive complaints, when the TCM assessment supports it.
Combinations
When useful, alongside manual medicine, ultrasound-guided injections or laser therapy, in the same pathway.
How it is tolerated
The needles are thin: the most common sensation is tingling or a local heaviness. In a study of 229,230 patients treated by physicians, 8.6 in 100 reported at least one unwanted effect, most often a small bleed or bruise at the needle site. Serious complications were very rare. Say so at the visit if you take anticoagulants, if you are pregnant, or if you have a pacemaker.
Frequently asked questions
Is it painful?
The needles are very thin and sterile single-use. If you are afraid of needles, laser acupuncture is used.
How many sessions are needed?
It depends on the complaint and how long it has lasted. The course is defined at the visit, with periodic review.
Is the laser the same thing?
It stimulates the same points without puncturing. Studies of laser are fewer than of needles: the choice is made together at the visit. Details on the laser-acupuncture page.
Is it covered by insurance?
The practice is RME certified and, in Ticino, 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.
Scientific sources
- Linde K, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;(6):CD001218. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001218.pub3
- 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
- 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
- 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
Related treatments
This therapy is part of Acupuncture.
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.
Let's assess classical acupuncture together
Indication, points and technique are defined after the specialist consultation.
We accept referrals and second-opinion requests from your physician, via HIN. dr.djordjevic@hin.ch
How to reach us
In Lugano, a short walk from USI and EOC
The practice is centrally located in Italian-speaking Switzerland, also reachable from Mendrisio, Bellinzona, Locarno and Chiasso, and is easy to reach from Italy, Milan, Como, Varese and Lombardy by car and by train.
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 and Wednesday 08:00–16:30
Friday 08:00–13:30