Healing begins where the fight ends
We live in a noisy world. Especially here in the Zurich and Winterthur area, between business appointments and flight schedules, our system is often under constant stress. When pain or exhaustion occurs, many people tend to want to "make it go away" - often with pressure. But an already stressed body doesn't need another fight. It needs an invitation to rest.
Japanese acupuncture at FLY TCM is precisely this invitation. It is fundamentally different from what many people understand by "inserting needles". It is quieter, more subtle and absolutely focused on well-being. Nothing is forced here. Instead, I use minimal impulses to immediately switch your nervous system (the vagus nerve) into recovery mode.
What makes Japanese acupuncture so different?
Although it has its roots in classical Chinese medicine (TCM), its development in Japan went its own way. For centuries, the method was refined by masters who were often blind. As they could not see, they developed an extremely sensitive sense of touch. They "listened" to the body with their hands.
The result is a style that is characterized by three key features:
- Wafer-thin needles: The needles used are often thinner than a hair.
- Guide tubes: The needle glides through the skin surface almost unnoticed through special tubes - the typical puncture pain is completely eliminated.
- Shallow pricking technique: Unlike in China, where deep pricks are often used to create a clear pull (De-Qi), I work very superficially in the Japanese tradition. I touch the qi instead of grasping it.
The method in detail: diagnostics via the abdomen (hara)
At the heart of my work at FLY TCM is the so-called hara diagnosis. In the Japanese tradition, the abdomen is considered the center of your life force. Before the first needle is inserted, I gently feel various reflex zones on your abdominal wall.
These zones give me live feedback: Where is the stress? Where is cold? Where is energy accumulating? So I don't just treat your headache or back pain in isolation, but release the blockage where it has arisen in the system. During the treatment, I check your abdomen again and again - so you can often immediately feel how tension is released and your breath deepens.
Areas of application: What does Japanese acupuncture help with?
As this method directly regulates the autonomic nervous system, the range of effects is huge. I frequently treat patients in my practice in Winterthur:
1. pain therapy (back, neck, head)
Ideal for chronic back pain, neck tension, frozen shoulder, knee problems and especially for migraines and tension headaches. As I often needle far away from the point of pain, inflamed areas can calm down without becoming directly irritated.
2. stress, burnout & vagus nerve regulation
This method is often a game changer for patients with inner restlessness, anxiety, sleep disorders or the onset of burnout. It gently invites your body to switch from the sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight) to the parasympathetic nervous system (rest/digest).
3. gynecology & hormones
From cycle complaints (PMS, pain) to fertility support and menopausal symptoms. The gentle regulation of the hormonal system is a strength of the Japanese tradition.
4th specialty: Aviation & Jetlag
This method is worth its weight in gold for pilots and cabin crew. Irregular shift work, jet lag, dry cabin air and radiation exposure deplete your body's "yin" (substance). Japanese acupuncture replenishes these reserves without making you tired - perfect for regeneration after a shift.
Who is this gentle therapy suitable for?
This method is the first choice for sensitive people and anyone who has respect for needles. It is also wonderfully suitable for children - I often use very gentle contact techniques (Shonishin) without needles.
But "tough" types also benefit: Those who always give 120% at work often react to strong stimuli with defensiveness. My Japanese acupuncture undermines this defense mechanism and allows deep regeneration where willpower alone is no longer enough.
Safety & medical limits
The treatment is extremely low-risk and safe. Nevertheless, I am not a substitute for emergency medicine. In the case of acute injuries or serious infections, primary care should be provided by a doctor. I do not treat serious psychiatric diagnoses (e.g. psychoses) as primary therapy, but I am happy to provide support alongside conventional medicine.
Procedure, costs & reimbursement in Winterthur
Every session is a time-out. I start with a consultation and a pulse, tongue and abdominal diagnosis. Then you rest with the needles for about 20-30 minutes. I often combine the treatment with moxa (heat therapy) to dispel cold from the joints or abdomen.
The costs are calculated according to tariff 590 (time required). As I am EMR-certified, most supplementary insurances cover a large part of the costs. Please clarify your individual level of cover in advance.
At a glance: Japanese acupuncture
- ⏱ Duration: first appointment approx. 75-90 min. / follow-up approx. 60 min.
- 🧘 The feeling: Barely noticeable, deeply relaxing, often meditative state.
- 🛠 The technique: guide tubes, abdominal diagnosis (hara), moxa heat.
- 📍 Therapist: Niklas Lütgen (FLY TCM Winterthur).
- 🎯 Perfect for: Pain patients, stress sufferers & flight crew.
Are you ready to listen to your body again?
Make an appointment for an initial consultationFrequently asked questions
Does the treatment really not hurt? I am afraid of needles.
This is the most common concern, and I can reassure you: Yes, it is almost painless. I use extremely thin needles (much finer than when taking blood) and a special Japanese insertion technique with a guide tube. This tube slightly stretches the skin so that the actual “prick” is barely registered by the nervous system. Many patients ask in amazement: “Is the needle already in place?”
What is the difference to "normal" Chinese acupuncture?
In classical Chinese acupuncture, a clear needle sensation (De-Qi, a pulling or pressure) is often sought to move energy. The Japanese method is more subtle. I believe that the body often listens better to quiet signals than to loud shouts. We prick more shallowly, use thinner needles and place much more emphasis on palpation of the abdomen (hara) to check success immediately.
How quickly will I notice an improvement?
The nervous system often reacts immediately – many patients feel calmer, more “grounded” and clearer directly after the session. Pain can also be relieved spontaneously (“needle effect”). However, for a lasting cure of chronic complaints (which have often developed over years), the body needs time to rebuild. I usually recommend a starting block of 3-5 sessions to see how well you respond.
Will my health insurance pay for the treatment?
I bill via the 590 tariff. I am recognized by the common EMR register. This means that if you have supplementary insurance for complementary medicine, the costs are usually covered to a large extent (usually 70-90%). Basic insurance does not cover this. Please ask your health insurance provider in advance.
Am I fit to drive or work after the treatment?
Yes, you are fully operational. However, as the treatment strongly relaxes the nervous system (parasympathetic nervous system), you may feel a little “pleasantly heavy” or tired. This is a good sign. I recommend that you don’t do any top sporting performance immediately afterwards or go straight into a stressful meeting. A short walk or 15 minutes of rest are ideal.
