Meeting with Dr Dong, acupuncturist at the Centre de Médecine intégrative
A graduate of Beijing Medical University and the University of Geneva, Dr Dong helped establish the country's first integrative medicine centre in 1996, dedicated to reproductive medicine at the HUG maternity ward, where he was an associate physician. He is currently responsible for acupuncture consultations at the Pain Clinic of the Hôpital de la Tour and is vice-president of AGMAR (Association Romande des Médecins Acupuncteur). He is director of the Sino-Swiss Centre for Chinese Medicine and has been appointed to the WHO Expert Advisory Panel on Traditional and Complementary Medicine. Dr Dong is also a key figure in several Swiss and international associations dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine.
Understanding acupuncture
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for thousands of years to restore the body's energy balance. It involves stimulating specific points along the meridians, energy channels known as ‘qi’.
This method is recognised by the World Health Organisation and has been listed by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity since 2010.
Benefits and indications
Acupuncture has both preventive and curative effects. It relieves pain, reduces stress, improves digestion, strengthens the immune system and promotes better sleep.
It is also indicated for the treatment of chronic, neurological, digestive or hormonal disorders, and can be combined with other therapies for comprehensive care.
Acupuncture also supports women throughout their journey to motherhood: menstrual cycle regulation, endometriosis, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. In particular, it helps to relieve nausea, lower back pain and sleep disorders, and promotes recovery after childbirth.
How a session works
An initial consultation allows a personalised diagnosis to be made. Sterile, single-use needles are applied to acupuncture points. The session is painless: patients may feel a slight warmth or tingling sensation. The number of sessions varies depending on the condition being treated.
Acupuncture at the Centre for Integrative Medicine
As part of the Centre for Integrative Medicine at the Clinique Générale-Beaulieu, acupuncture is part of a holistic approach that combines conventional and complementary medicine for the well-being of the patient.
‘I am delighted to be able to practise in an environment that promotes collaboration between doctors and therapists. This synergy allows us to offer each patient personalised and comprehensive care,’ emphasises Dr Dong.
