Health at FL 380 - Because your workplace is extreme
Your office is moving at 900 km/h. The humidity is below 10%, the cabin pressure is equivalent to a mountain of 2,400 meters, and your biorythm is shaken up several times a week. Life as a pilot or flight attendant is fascinating, but it is high-performance sport for the body.
I understand your roster at Fly-TCM in Winterthur (Zurich airport region). I know what "tired but wired" means after a night flight. I don't offer you run-of-the-mill wellness, but specialized aviation TCM that keeps you "fit to fly" - physically, mentally and license-safe.
The "aviation syndrome" from a TCM perspective
Flying is draining. In Chinese medicine, I always see the same specific patterns in crews that arise from the working environment:
- Yin deficiency (dehydration): The extremely dry cabin air and cosmic high-altitude radiation deplete your "coolant" (yin). Consequence: dry eyes, inner restlessness, night sweats, irritability.
- Qi stagnation (pressure): Sitting for long periods (cockpit) and the changing air pressure lead to congestion in the abdomen (bloated belly) and legs.
- Bioclock chaos: The irregular sleep rhythm weakens the "kidney Qi", your energetic battery.
My solution: prevention instead of repair
I don't just repair the system when it fails (loss of license), but carry out preventive maintenance. My strategy for crews includes
1. jet lag reset & sleep optimization
I use acupuncture to adjust your internal clock to the new time zone more quickly (e.g. through points that regulate melatonin). I show you tricks with ear seeds to help you fall asleep better in the layover.
2. the "bloated belly" (barotrauma prevention)
Gases expand at altitude (Boyle-Mariotte law). This puts pressure on the diaphragm and heart. Through nutritional advice and moxa, I strengthen your core so that less gas is produced and the service remains pain-free.
3. immune system & AC air
Dry mucous membranes are the gateway for viruses. I strengthen your "Wei-Qi" (defensive energy) so that you don't come home with a sore throat after every round.
4. back & neck
With targeted Tui Na massage and cupping, I relieve the deep tension caused by hours of sitting in awkward positions, pushing trolleys and lifting heavy containers.
Who is this special offer for?
- Cockpit crew (ATPL/CPL): focus on concentration, eyes, back and blood pressure (medical assurance).
- Cabin Crew: Focus on veins, sleep, digestion and stress reduction.
- Frequent flyers & expats: Who commute weekly and need to stay efficient.
Safety & Medical Class 1 / 2
The most important thing: my treatments do not jeopardize your fitness to fly. On the contrary. I do not use any medication that is on the doping or banned list. I help you to keep your limit values (e.g. blood pressure) in the green zone so that the next medical with the aviation physician is relaxed.
Your pit stop in Winterthur
I know that your schedule is chaotic. I try to make appointments for crews flexible. Feel free to bring your roster and I'll strategically plan around your long hauls.
The costs are covered by the 590 tariff and are covered by supplementary insurance (EMR). An investment in the length of your career.
At a glance: Aviation TCM
- ✈️ Focus: Jet lag, radiation, dryness & irregular sleep.
- 👨✈️ Goal: Obtain medical & "Fit to Fly" status.
- 🌍 Flexibility: strategies for stopovers & long-haul flights.
- 📍 Location: Fly-TCM Winterthur (quickly accessible from ZRH).
- 🎯 Perfect for: Pilots, flight attendants & business travelers.
Ready for take-off? Make yourself weatherproof.
Book an appointment for a crew check-upFrequently asked questions
Can I fly directly after acupuncture?
Yes, basically yes. You are fully capable of acting. However, I recommend that you ideally schedule the treatment on an off-day or at least 12 hours before your next report. The treatment is deeply relaxing and you need maximum alertness in the cockpit. Give your body time to find its balance before you climb back up to 38,000 feet.
Does TCM help against pressure on the ears?
Yes, problems with pressure equalization are often due to swollen mucous membranes or tension in the jaw/neck, which block the Eustachian tube. I can use acupuncture and special massage to promote drainage and improve ventilation.
Yes, problems with pressure equalization are often caused by swollen mucous membranes or tension in the jaw/neck, which block the Eustachian tube. With acupuncture and special massage, we can promote drainage and improve ventilation.
Absolutely. I use inconspicuous, skin-colored patches or transparent adhesive dots. They are barely visible under your hair and don’t interfere with your headset or uniform standards. They are your “emergency button” in case of stress or tiredness on board.
What can I do about swollen legs on a plane?
In addition to the classic compression stockings, TCM helps to strengthen the “spleen energy”, which is responsible for keeping the blood vessels strong. I will also show you small Tuina movements and foot exercises that you can do discreetly in the galley or cruise to stimulate the lymph flow.
Does the treatment affect my blood pressure for the medical?
Yes, often very positively. Acupuncture can help to naturally regulate stress-induced high blood pressure (hypertension). Many colleagues come to me in the weeks before their Medical Class 1 check to ensure that their values are stable and that they are relaxed going into the exam.
