Acupuncture (TCM)

Acupuncture at IKM Institut is delivered by a physician trained in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), making it more than a simple needle insertion — each session begins with pulse examination, tongue diagnosis, and acupoint palpation to build a complete picture of the client's energetic state before a single needle is placed. Thin sterile needles are inserted into specific meridian points to release energetic blockages, harmonise Qi flow, and restore physiological balance. Modern science links these effects to nervous system modulation, pain-signal inhibition via gate-control and descending inhibitory pathways, and endorphin release. At IKM, acupuncture is positioned as a core component of the clinic's holistic longevity approach — complementing ozone infusions and anti-aging IV therapy for a comprehensive mind-body regeneration protocol. Sessions are particularly suited to athletes managing injury and recovery, longevity clients seeking body-mind harmonisation, and seniors (65+ receive a 20% discount) dealing with chronic pain, reduced mobility, or sleep disturbance.

Acupuncture at IKM Institut Ostrava is practised as an integrated medical discipline — not a complementary add-on — by a physician who has undertaken formal training in traditional Chinese medicine alongside standard medical qualifications. This dual grounding means each session applies the diagnostic framework of TCM (pulse reading, tongue examination, acupoint palpation) within a regulated medical setting, with clear protocols for safety, contraindications, and referral. The theoretical basis: TCM posits that vital energy (Qi) circulates through the body along defined channels called meridians. When flow is disrupted — by physical trauma, emotional stress, dietary imbalance, or environmental factors — the resulting blockage manifests as pain, fatigue, dysfunction, or disease. Acupuncture uses fine sterile needles to stimulate specific points along these meridians, releasing blockages and restoring free circulation. The clinic describes meridians as 'energy motorways' — when congestion builds, the body signals the problem through imbalance. Western physiological models map these effects to the nervous system: needle stimulation activates A-delta and C-fibres, which trigger segmental inhibition of pain signals (gate-control), activate descending serotonergic and noradrenergic pain-modulation pathways, and prompt the release of endorphins and enkephalins from the brain's endogenous opioid system. Anti-inflammatory effects are mediated via cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways and local regulation of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides. Session protocol: the physician begins with a full TCM consultation — examining pulse quality and rhythm at three positions on each wrist (a nuanced diagnostic system reflecting the state of twelve organ systems), observing tongue morphology and coating, and palpating relevant acupoints for sensitivity. The client is educated on the concepts of Yin/Yang balance and Qi flow as they relate to their particular presentation. Loose clothing should be worn or brought so that the relevant body areas — commonly the back, limbs, and abdomen — are accessible. Thin acupuncture needles (typically 0.20–0.25 mm diameter, far finer than hypodermic needles) are inserted to precise depths at specific points. Insertion causes a brief, mild prick; once the needle reaches the correct depth a distinct sensation — tingling, dull pressure, warmth, or a spreading 'de Qi' paraesthesia — is considered confirmatory of point activation. Needles remain in place for 20–30 minutes while the client rests. Following removal, the physician provides tailored post-therapy recommendations and guidance on session frequency. Who benefits most: **Athletes** — acupuncture is listed by IKM as a drug-free method that accelerates post-training and post-competition recovery, reduces delayed-onset muscle soreness, manages sports injuries (especially tendinopathies and joint problems), and improves range of motion. Mental focus and pre-competition composure are additional reported benefits. **Longevity clients** — used as part of IKM's integrative protocol alongside IV infusions and ozone therapy, acupuncture supports energetic balance, stress resilience, adrenal regulation, and what TCM describes as the 'preservation of Jing' (essential vitality) — broadly corresponding to maintaining hormonal health and slowing physiological aging. **Seniors (65+)** — IKM explicitly offers a 20% discount to clients aged 65 and over across all therapies. For this group, acupuncture is positioned as a gentle, drug-free approach to chronic musculoskeletal pain (osteoarthritis, lumbar pain, cervical stiffness), improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety and depression, and enhanced systemic circulation. Recommended protocol: the physician prescribes session frequency based on the individual's condition and goals. Acute presentations (injury, intense recovery) may involve 2–3 sessions per week initially; maintenance and preventive protocols are typically weekly or fortnightly. Visible results often accumulate over a series of 6–10 sessions, though clients commonly report improvement from the first or second visit. Contraindications: acupuncture is contraindicated in clients with blood clotting disorders or those taking anticoagulant medication, during pregnancy (certain points are specifically contraindicated), with severe active infections or febrile illness, with active skin infection at planned needle sites, with malignant tumours in the relevant area, and in severe acute psychiatric disorders. The physician's pre-treatment assessment screens for all of these. Preparation: wear or bring loose, adjustable clothing that allows access to the back, arms, legs, and abdomen. No strict dietary preparation is required, but arriving well-rested and not immediately after a heavy meal or intense exercise will enhance comfort and treatment response.