The direct line to your body's control center
Sometimes the pain is in your knee or back, but the cause - or at least the processing - takes place somewhere else entirely: in your brain. With chronic pain in particular, the brain has often "forgotten" that movement can be pain-free.
YNSA cranial acupuncture at Fly-TCM in Winterthur uses precisely this mechanism. Instead of needling the painful part of the body, I go directly to the head - where all the nerve pathways converge. The result is often amazingly quick: patients lift their arm, which was blocked a moment ago, and are amazed.
What is YNSA? (Dr. Yamamoto's discovery)
YNSA stands for Yamamoto New Cranial Acupuncture. It was developed in the 1970s by Japanese physician Dr. Toshikatsu Yamamoto. Unlike traditional Chinese body acupuncture, YNSA is based on so-called "somatotopes".
This means that your entire body is reflected in small areas on your head (similar to ear acupuncture). There are zones for the spine, the internal organs and the cranial nerves. If I apply an impulse there, I send a direct signal to the central nervous system: "Let go. Relax yourself. Fix this."
The "seconds phenomenon": how it works
The special thing about YNSA is the speed. As I work via the cranial nerves, the signal does not have to travel through the spinal cord first. An improvement in mobility or pain relief often occurs while the needle is still being inserted.
I often test this directly: do you have pain when you bend down? I put a needle in your head and you bend over again. This "before and after effect" shows us immediately whether I've hit the right spot.
Areas of application: When is YNSA the best choice?
YNSA is world famous for two major areas: pain management and neurology. In my practice, I use it primarily for:
1. acute & chronic pain
From lumbago and stiff neck to knee and shoulder pain. When local treatments no longer help, the head is often the key.
2. tinnitus & dizziness
Ringing in the ears and dizziness are often closely linked to tension in the cervical spine and stress. YNSA can help to reduce the "noise" in the system.
3. neurological rehabilitation (after a stroke)
YNSA is used successfully worldwide in rehabilitation after strokes (apoplexy) to improve paralysis (paresis) or speech disorders. I provide support here alongside physiotherapy and speech therapy to stimulate the brain's neuroplasticity (rewiring).
4. functional disorders
Regulation via the base points on the skull can also deeply relax the system in cases of inner restlessness or sleep disorders.
Who is this method suitable for?
For all those who want to feel results and are open to a neurological approach. YNSA is particularly valuable for:
- Pain patients: Those who do not want to be touched at the painful site (e.g. in the case of severe inflammation).
- Mobilization-restricted: When movement is simply not possible.
- Rehab patients: To get back on their feet faster.
Safety & clothing
A big advantage: you don't have to undress for YNSA. The treatment takes place while you are sitting or lying down, I only need access to your forehead and temples. The method is very safe. As the skullcap protects the bone, the needles do not penetrate deeply, but remain shallow under the skin.
Procedure & costs in Winterthur
I start with a special neck or abdominal diagnosis according to Yamamoto to find the sensitive areas. Then I place the fine needles. You will often be asked to move the painful part of the body while the needles are in place.
The costs are covered by tariff 590 (acupuncture). If you have supplementary insurance (EMR), the treatment is usually covered. Please clarify your cover.
At a glance: YNSA cranial acupuncture
- ⏱ Duration: 45-60 min (often combined with body acupuncture).
- 🧠 The feeling: A short "prick" on the head, then often immediate relief in the body.
- 👔 Advantage: No need to undress (perfect for the lunch break).
- 📍 Location: Fly-TCM practice Winterthur.
- 🎯 Perfect for: Acute pain, tinnitus & neurological issues.
Switch off the pain in your head.
Make an appointment for YNSAFrequently asked questions
Does the stinging on your head hurt?
The scalp is more sensitive than the back, so the puncture may be felt briefly as a light “prick”. However, this irritation disappears immediately. There is no lasting pain. Most patients are so surprised by the quick effect on the body that they are happy to accept the prick on the head.
Is this dangerous for the brain?
No, not at all. The skull bone is hard and protects the brain safely. I do not pierce the head, but push the needle very shallowly under the scalp in the connective tissue. There is no risk of injury to the brain.
Does it really help with the consequences of a stroke?
YNSA cannot revive dead brain cells, but it can stimulate healthy areas to take over tasks (neuroplasticity). I often see improvements in spasticity, paralysis or sensitivity. It is an excellent complement to traditional occupational therapy and physiotherapy. The sooner we start after the event, the better (as soon as the condition is stable).
Do I have to shave my hair for this?
No! I work between the hairs. As the needles are very fine, this is no problem. Your hairstyle may not be perfect afterwards, but you don’t have to lose any hair.
How often do you have to do this?
A few sessions are often sufficient for acute pain. In the case of neurological disorders (such as after a stroke or with Parkinson’s disease), I recommend series of 10 sessions at shorter intervals to allow the nervous system to “relearn”.
