ALTER ACU Studio
Tyrševa ulica 15, 2000 Maribor
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Body acupuncture
Acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine where extremely thin sterile needles are inserted through the skin into specific points on the body (acupuncture points) in order to eliminate energy blockages at these points.
According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine the human body is built from meridians (energy pathways) through which the life energy Qi circulates. When the body shifts from a balanced to an imbalanced state due to external/internal causes, the life energy Qi can no longer circulate normally through the meridians. The latter is manifested in blockages at acupuncture points that lie on these meridians and thus, early signs of diseases can appear.
When acupuncture points are stimulation with acupuncture needles, the energy blockades at these affected points are resolved, Qi can circulate normally again and the body returns to its balance.
Auriculotherapy
A special type of acupuncture is ear acupuncture or auriculotherapy. The method was developed in France and is based on the idea that the whole body is reflected on the ear. Extremely tiny special acupuncture needles are placed into the affected points on the ear which remain pinned for several days. These cause an effect through the change of impedance of the stimulated areas in the brain.
The technique can be used alone or in combination with body acupuncture (which is highly recommended due to different mechanisms of action of both methods).
Why acupuncture
Acupuncture is used to solve many problems, both physical and psychological. Are you wondering if it is suitable for you? Here are some examples.
Pain
- Headache
- Migraine
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Painful joints/muscles
- Painful periods
- Chronic muscle cramps
- Fibromyalgia
The person behind this is Vanja Smole, medical doctor, specialist of anesthesiology and intensive care medicine, acupuncturist.
In 2017, Vanja finished studying human medicine at the Faculty of Medicine in Maribor, Slovenia (one year abroad as an Erasmus student in Germany). Afterwards, she continued working in Austria, where she in 2023 became a specialist for anesthesiology and intensive care medicine. In the meantime, she dedicated more and more time to holistic medicine.
Vanja has always been fascinated what the human body is capable of. Further research into this led her to the traditional Chinese medicine and theory of five elements that sees the body on a totally different niveau and which gives many new answers and solutions to treat various imbalances.
After finishing her studies in body acupuncture and auriculotherapy at OGKA (Austrian association for controlled acupuncture and TCM) in Austria, she gained the European diplome for acupuncture. With the achieved knowledge, she first wanted to help solely herself and my family but the work and results impressed Vanja so much that she also wants to help you to gain your health back.
Frequently asked questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
Generally not, it is similar if you sting yourself with something sharp, however the perception depends on your individual pain threshold.
How do the treatments look like?
It depends on the option you choose – a session takes from 45 to 60 minutes; all information is received at the application.
When are the results visible?
On average 6 to 8 treatments are required; if there are no changes after 5, further treatments are cancelled.
Does acupuncture have side effects?
Complications following acupuncture are very rare, including short-term pain/minor bleeding/bruising at the injection site, infections (extremely rare due to the use of sterile material), short-term nausea or vertigo.
Reviews
Staša Trajkovič
»My first try with acupuncture was a year ago. I was pretty nervous before the first session because I didn’t know what to expect, but it was great. I have had many visits with Vanja. The problems I wanted to solve with acupuncture were long-standing migraine headaches, so unbearable that I often had to go to the emergency room to get intravenous painkillers. After about 15 sessions, migraine attacks are much milder and bearable. I am very happy and pleased that I have tried acupuncture.«
Tadej Verbošt
»Vanja has helped me with acupuncture treatments in times of stressful sports and work challenges. In particular, the treatments have been helpful in improving my mood in a state of chronic fatigue and painful sinuses. The integrated treatment has helped me to raise awareness of my own unconscious patterns of functioning and to eliminate them by working on myself. I also use her practical advice on how to use acupressure points to quickly deal with inconveniences during travel and stressful situations. I have more energy, better regeneration and I am calmer at work and through everyday challenges.«
Maša Leš
»I chose acupuncture because no other “conventional” method in the treatment of dermatitis had helped me. On my first visit Vanja found out where the cause of dermatitis was hiding and helped me very successfully after a few therapies. I’m more than happy! I highly recommend acupuncture at Vanja’s, she does this job very professionally and by heart.«
Offer
The following treatments are available:
- body acupuncture
- auriculotherapy
- combination of body acupuncture and auriculotherapy (highly recommended)
- optional: tongue diagnostic and TCM tipology according to the five element theory
Contact
If you would like to book an appointment or are interested to get more information, please enter your contact details in the form and you will receive a reply shortly.