“Old knowledge, applied clearly.”Acupuncture at AQinesis - Apeldoorn
Acupuncture - calm for body and nervous system
One of the oldest treatment methods in the world, combined with a modern view of the nervous system, pain processing and recovery.
What is acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for about 2,500 years. It originated in China and was developed to support balance in the body by placing very fine needles on specific points. What used to be described in terms of meridians and Qi can also be viewed today through the nervous system, pain processing, circulation and recovery responses.
In my practice I work from both perspectives: the traditional diagnostic approach of acupuncture — pulse, tongue, questions about sleep, digestion, energy and emotion — alongside current knowledge about the body. No mystification, but respect for a system refined over centuries that can be meaningful for many people.
The needle itself is extremely fine — about 0.20 mm. That is thin enough to bend with one finger. A standard injection needle at the GP is 0.8 to 1.2 mm thick and hollow: four to five times thicker and with a cutting edge. The two share little more than the word “needle”. Most people experience the treatment as far gentler than they expected.
How it works
The nervous system
Your body has a rest-and-recovery system: the parasympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system. Stress, chronic pain or poor sleep can keep that system from settling. Acupuncture may influence this through local nerves, signals towards the brainstem and possibly through the vagus nerve — a key pathway for relaxation and recovery.
The body’s own substances
Research suggests acupuncture can influence the body’s own pain-relieving substances, such as endorphins and enkephalins. There are also indications that local substances such as adenosine play a role. Imaging studies show that pain-processing areas in the brain can respond differently during and after treatment — though this does not explain every symptom or every effect.
A modern view of an old method
In 2021 the Ma Lab at Harvard published research in Nature showing that specific nerve cells around the well-known Zusanli point (ST36, below the knee) were involved in an anti-inflammatory pathway via the vagus. Such studies help us understand what may be happening, without yet proving everything about human symptoms.
The evidence for acupuncture differs by condition. Chronic low back pain, migraine and tension-type headache have been studied relatively well. Large reviews show that some people experience less pain, fewer attacks or better functioning.
The NICE guideline for chronic pain (NG193, 2021) lists acupuncture as a treatment option. For knee osteoarthritis, sleep problems, menopause symptoms and allergic rhinitis, the evidence is more mixed: sometimes relevant, but usually modest. For cardiovascular symptoms or fertility, my role is supportive and never a replacement for medical care.
What you can expect: no guarantee, but an honest process. After a few sessions I evaluate with you whether enough has changed to continue.
NVA-registration
I am a member of the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Acupunctuur (NVA), the Dutch professional association for acupuncture. NVA membership is not a formality. It means a completed bachelor-level acupuncture training, mandatory annual continuing education, registration in the quality register and adherence to a professional code and complaints procedure under Dutch healthcare law.
Some supplementary health insurance packages reimburse part of acupuncture. The amount and conditions vary by policy and can change annually. Acupuncture is not covered by Dutch basic health insurance. Always check your own policy conditions.
Safety and side effects
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed carefully by a qualified practitioner. Large observational studies show that serious side effects are rare.
What can happen: a small bruise at the needle site, temporary tiredness afterwards or a mild emotional response. Some people become briefly quiet or notice tension releasing. This is usually temporary and something I always discuss with you calmly.
I use only sterile single-use needles, disposed of safely in a sharps container immediately after treatment. No reprocessing, no reuse. That is non-negotiable for me.
Who is it suitable for?
Acupuncture can support people with different symptoms, from acute tension to chronic pain, and from sleep problems to pregnancy-related support. Children can sometimes also be treated, depending on age, symptoms and what feels appropriate. I work extra gently and can use adapted methods such as shorter sessions, acupressure or other soft techniques. Feel free to discuss beforehand whether this is suitable for your child. Below are common reasons people come to me:
How does a treatment work?
Your first appointment takes about 60 minutes. It starts with tea. I take time to discuss what is going on, what you have already tried and what you hope to achieve. I also look at context: sleep, digestion, stress, energy and hormonal cycle where relevant.
After that I do a short pulse and tongue assessment. Your pulse is felt at both wrists on three levels — that may sound unusual, but it gives concrete information about how your system is functioning at that moment. The tongue gives insight into balance in the body and possible patterns in energy, digestion and recovery. Based on the consultation and assessment, I explain the plan and the treatment. You set the pace. During treatment you lie quietly for about twenty minutes. Many people doze off. A follow-up appointment usually takes 45 minutes.
You are not the only one — at least a quarter of my new patients find it nerve-wracking. There is room for that. I always start with explanation. I show you the needle, let you see how thin it is — you can bend it with one finger — and you decide when we start. Many people say afterwards: "Is that all? I barely felt anything." Depending on what you need, gentle or needle-free methods are also possible, such as acupressure, ear seeds, laser acupuncture, moxa, cupping or a pressure probe.
Acupuncture and Cesar Exercise Therapy
Because I work with both acupuncture and Cesar Exercise Therapy, I can look at symptoms from two angles. Sometimes the body has become so tense or sensitised that movement does not yet land well. Acupuncture can help create calm and space first. Other times, treatment brings relief but symptoms return because posture, breathing or daily movement patterns stay the same. Then Cesar Exercise Therapy gives direction to what you can change yourself.
The aim is not always combining — it is choosing carefully what your symptoms ask for at that moment. I make that choice with you during the intake and adjust when your body shows something different.
Frequently asked questions
Many people notice an initial change within five to seven sessions, but this depends on the nature, duration and complexity of the symptoms.
Acupuncture may be reimbursed partly through supplementary health insurance. It is not covered by basic health insurance. Always check your own policy conditions.
No, you can make an appointment directly.
Always. All needles are sterile, single-use and disposed of safely after treatment.
Dry needling and acupuncture are two different methods with a different view and goal. Dry needling focuses mainly on muscles and trigger points. Acupuncture looks more broadly at the relationship between body, nervous system, tension and overall balance. Because of my background in posture and movement therapy, there is attention both to the musculoskeletal system and to the broader balance in the body.
Reimbursement depends on your supplementary health insurance
I am registered with the recognised professional association NVA. Because of this, acupuncture treatments may be eligible for partial reimbursement through supplementary health insurance with many Dutch health insurers. The amount reimbursed differs per health insurer and policy. You usually pay at the practice and submit the invoice to your health insurer yourself. Always check your own policy conditions.
Nervous or not sure yet?
You do not need to know straight away whether acupuncture is right for you.
Afraid of needles, unsure about your symptoms or curious about combining acupuncture with Cesar Exercise Therapy? Send your question calmly. I will think it through with you.
Would you like to discuss your situation?
You do not need to know exactly which treatment is right. Send me your question; I will think it through with you personally.
or call 06-30035299Praktijk in Apeldoorn — op woensdag ook in Vaassen. Bekijk beide adressen