What happens during tongue and pulse diagnosis?

The TCM practitioner examines the shape, colour, and coating of your tongue and feels the pulse at both wrists. From a traditional perspective, both provide clues to the complaint pattern; from a conventional medical perspective, they do not replace diagnostics. Both are completely painless.

Does TCM really work?

That cannot be answered universally. Acupuncture is the best studied and provides relief for some patients with chronic pain. For Chinese herbal medicines and other methods, the study evidence is inconsistent to weak. A reputable TCM practice will state this openly and work with your GP rather than making promises of efficacy.

How long does TCM treatment take overall?

Usually treatment continues over several weeks, for example with weekly sessions and accompanying prescriptions. If no improvement is seen after such a series, it makes sense to discuss the further approach critically — also with your GP.

Are Chinese herbs dangerous?

Professionally prescribed prescriptions obtained through controlled Swiss channels are considered largely safe. Preparations from unclear sources that may be contaminated or contain undeclared substances are risky. It is also important that your practitioner knows all the medications you are taking.

What does TCM cost, and will the insurer cover it?

With medical provision, basic insurance covers acupuncture and TCM herbal medicine therapy, with Franchise and co-payment as usual. With non-medical therapists you pay yourself — often around 100 to 150 francs per session — and submit the invoice to supplementary insurance, if available.

Am I fit to drive after a session?

Usually yes. After acupuncture or intensive treatments, some people feel tired or dizzy — in that case, wait until you feel clear again before driving.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) — Procedure, Preparation & Cost

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a centuries-old treatment system that combines several methods — primarily acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, massage techniques, and recommendations on diet and exercise. In Switzerland, TCM is usually used as a complement to conventional medicine, often for chronic pain or functional complaints. The scientific evidence varies greatly depending on the method and complaint, and is not established for many applications.

Typical Areas of Use

Chronic pain, such as back pain or headaches
Functional digestive complaints
Sleep disorders and exhaustion
Menstrual complaints
As an accompaniment for stress and inner restlessness

How It Works

1The initial consultation is comprehensive: in addition to your complaints and medical history, it traditionally includes tongue and pulse diagnosis, from which the TCM practitioner derives their treatment concept.
2Together you decide which methods will be used — for example acupuncture, Chinese herbal prescriptions, cupping, moxibustion (heat treatment), or Tuina massage.
3The treatments take place in a series of sessions; herbal prescriptions are individually prepared and taken over weeks.
4Follow-up appointments check whether the complaints are improving, and the concept is adjusted or treatment is concluded.

How to Prepare

Try not to come on a completely empty or completely full stomach, and before the tongue diagnosis do not scrub your tongue and do not drink staining coffee or tea immediately beforehand.
Bring your medication list and relevant medical reports with you.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows arms and legs to be exposed.
Report any pregnancy, blood thinners, or chronic conditions before treatment.

Side Effects & Risks

With acupuncture, cupping, or massage, bruising, pressure marks, and temporary fatigue are common but harmless.
Chinese herbal medicines can have side effects and interactions with other medications — the prescription therefore belongs in expert hands and all your medications should be disclosed.
With preparations from uncontrolled sources, such as from the internet, contamination and undeclared additives are a real risk; only obtain prescriptions through controlled Swiss pharmacies and suppliers.
The danger lies less in the method itself than in forgoing necessary conventional medicine — TCM should never replace medical investigation of serious complaints.

Afterwards — and When to Seek Help

After sessions, slight fatigue, a feeling of warmth, or small bruises — and after cupping, circular marks that remain visible for a few days — are normal. Give yourself some rest after treatment and drink plenty of fluids. For herbal prescriptions: observe tolerability and report gastrointestinal complaints, skin rash, or malaise to your TCM practitioner. Seek medical help if your underlying complaints worsen significantly, fever occurs, or new, unclear symptoms appear.

Cost & Insurance

Two TCM methods are covered by basic insurance under certain conditions: acupuncture and TCM herbal medicine therapy are covered by basic insurance if treatment is provided by a doctor with appropriate additional training; the deductible and co-payment apply as usual. Treatment by non-medical TCM therapists and methods such as Tuina or cupping are usually covered by supplementary insurance for complementary medicine — provided the practitioner is recognised by your insurer. It is best to clarify coverage with your insurer before starting treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during tongue and pulse diagnosis?: The TCM practitioner examines the shape, colour, and coating of your tongue and feels the pulse at both wrists. From a traditional perspective, both provide clues to the complaint pattern; from a conventional medical perspective, they do not replace diagnostics. Both are completely painless.
Does TCM really work?: That cannot be answered universally. Acupuncture is the best studied and provides relief for some patients with chronic pain. For Chinese herbal medicines and other methods, the study evidence is inconsistent to weak. A reputable TCM practice will state this openly and work with your GP rather than making promises of efficacy.
How long does TCM treatment take overall?: Usually treatment continues over several weeks, for example with weekly sessions and accompanying prescriptions. If no improvement is seen after such a series, it makes sense to discuss the further approach critically — also with your GP.
Are Chinese herbs dangerous?: Professionally prescribed prescriptions obtained through controlled Swiss channels are considered largely safe. Preparations from unclear sources that may be contaminated or contain undeclared substances are risky. It is also important that your practitioner knows all the medications you are taking.
What does TCM cost, and will the insurer cover it?: With medical provision, basic insurance covers acupuncture and TCM herbal medicine therapy, with Franchise and co-payment as usual. With non-medical therapists you pay yourself — often around 100 to 150 francs per session — and submit the invoice to supplementary insurance, if available.
Am I fit to drive after a session?: Usually yes. After acupuncture or intensive treatments, some people feel tired or dizzy — in that case, wait until you feel clear again before driving.