Pain is not a disease - it is a messenger
We have learned to see pain as the enemy. As soon as our back aches or our head hurts, we reach for a tablet to get some peace and quiet. But the body does nothing without a reason. Pain is like the warning light in the cockpit: taping it off doesn't solve the problem.
In my practice for TCM pain therapy in Winterthur, I take a different approach. I listen to the messenger. I look for the "why" behind the pain - be it a blockage, a cold, stress or an old injury - and resolve it where it originated.
What is TCM pain therapy? (root & branch)
Chinese medicine distinguishes between the "root" (ben) of a disease and the "branch" (biao), i.e. the noticeable symptom. Good pain therapy must treat both:
- Treat the twig (relief): Reduce the acute pain quickly and effectively so that you can breathe and sleep again.
- Treat the root (healing): Correct the energy flow in the long term so that the pain does not return once the effect of the needle wears off.
I do not use a "one-size-fits-all" approach, but strategically combine the most effective methods: Acupuncture for the nervous system, Tui Na for the structure and Moxa for the energy.
My strategy: "Free flow" instead of anesthesia
An old TCM proverb says: "Where there is free flow, there is no pain. Where there is pain, there is no free flow."
Conventional painkillers often block the transmission of the signal in the brain. This is important in emergencies, but does not heal. I work on physically dissolving the stagnation (congestion). I get the blood and Qi moving again. This can mean that I detonate (relax) muscles, loosen fascia or massively promote blood circulation.
Areas of application: What pains does TCM help with?
I specialize in chronic and functional pain, where often not much can be seen "structurally" (in the x-ray), but the level of suffering is high.
1. headaches & migraines
Whether hormonal, caused by a change in the weather or a typical tension headache from the neck: TCM is extremely effective for migraines as it relieves pressure from the head and calms the autonomic nervous system.
2. back pain & sciatica
From "lumbago" (acute stagnation) to chronic lumbar spine syndrome. The combination of acupuncture (pain relief) and cupping/Tui Na (relaxation) is ideal for people who sit a lot (pilots, office workers).
3. joint pain (knee, shoulder, elbow)
Osteoarthritis, tennis elbow or frozen shoulder. I often treat these locally to eliminate inflammation and systemically to improve the supply to the cartilage.
4. fibromyalgia & rheumatism
In the case of diffuse, wandering pain throughout the body, the holistic approach helps to "overwrite" the pain memory and regain quality of life.
For whom is this route useful?
TCM pain therapy is for people who want to get out of the pill cycle. It is for you if:
- You have chronic pain and conventional medicine says: "You have to live with it."
- you are looking for a gentle alternative to cortisone or ibuprofen with few side effects.
- You want to understand what your body is trying to tell you.
Security & demarcation
I work in addition to conventional medicine. For red flags (acute trauma, broken bones, suspected tumors, sudden severe pain), the doctor is the first port of call. I do not treat acute emergencies. But I am a strong partner for everything that comes afterwards or becomes chronic.
Your appointment in Winterthur: procedure & costs
The first step is to take a very precise medical history: When does it hurt? How does the pain feel (stabbing, dull, wandering)? What makes it better (heat, cold, pressure)? I use this information to create your individual treatment plan.
The costs are billed according to tariff 590. As I am EMR-certified, most supplementary insurances cover the treatment costs. Please check your policy.
At a glance: TCM pain therapy
- ⏱ Duration: First appointment approx. 75-90 minutes (incl. diagnosis).
- 🧩 Methods: Mix of acupuncture, Tui Na, cupping & moxa.
- 🌱 Goal: freedom from pain without chemicals & elimination of causes.
- 📍 Location: Fly-TCM practice Winterthur.
- 🎯 Perfect for: Migraines, back pain & chronic patients.
Stop just numbing the pain.
Make an appointment for pain therapyFrequently asked questions
Do I have to stop taking my painkillers immediately?
No, by no means on my own authority! I work in parallel. The aim is often to gradually reduce the dose in consultation with your doctor as soon as the TCM treatment takes effect and the pain peaks become less severe.
Does this also help if I have already had surgery?
Yes, scar tissue can disrupt the energy flow (meridians) and lead to new pain. I can “de-stress” scars and make the tissue around them supple again. TCM is also great for rehabilitation after surgery (e.g. knee, hip) to reduce swelling.
How many treatments do I need until the pain is gone?
This depends on how long the pain has been present. A rule of thumb: “One month of illness requires one month of healing.” For acute things, it often happens very quickly (1-3 sessions). For pain that you have had for 10 years, we need a little patience. However, you will often notice a change in intensity or frequency after the first session.
What if the pain only gets worse?
A so-called “first aggravation” is rare, but can occur. It shows that the body is reacting and trying to readjust the balance. This usually only lasts for 1-2 days and then improves significantly. We will discuss this in detail and will not leave you alone with it.
Can I combine TCM with physiotherapy?
Absolutely! This is the gold standard combination. Physiotherapy trains and stabilizes the structure, TCM releases the energetic blockages and relieves the pain so that training is possible again in the first place. I like to work hand in hand.

