2026 WFAS International Acupuncture Conference: A Venue for Acupuncture Research Exchange in Switzerland
In August 2026, the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) International Conference was held in Bad Zurzach, Switzerland. WFAS is an international academic organization in which acupuncture-moxibustion related societies and researchers from various countries participate. At this conference, researchers and clinicians from different countries gathered to share research findings and clinical experiences related to acupuncture treatment. Presentations covered topics including pain and neurological disorders, the biological mechanisms of acupuncture and electroacupuncture, and various clinical approaches, providing an opportunity to observe how acupuncture medicine is being researched in different countries.
Dr. Hyocheong Chae, the chief director of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic, also participated in this WFAS International Conference and personally presented research findings. The following is an account of Dr. Hyocheong Chae’s participation, personally compiled by him, detailing what he saw, heard, and felt at the conference.
WFAS International Conference Report
From August 12th to 16th, the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) International Conference was held in Bad Zurzach, a city in Switzerland. At this meaningful event, where acupuncture researchers and clinicians from approximately 40 countries gathered, I participated as the Planning Director of the Korean Acupotomy Medicine Society and had the opportunity to present my research.
The topic I presented was ‘Acupotomy Treatment for the Occipito-Cervical Junction.’ This presentation explained that these three seemingly disparate symptoms — headache, cervicogenic dizziness, and cognitive impairment — can actually originate from a mechanical problem in the area where the back of the head meets the neck. Acupotomy is a specialized acupuncture technique using a needle with a tiny blade-like tip, which helps release stiff and adhered tissues and relieve pressure (decompression) around nerves and blood vessels. I presented clinical research results showing a significant reduction in pain for headache patients through treatment that relaxes and decompresses the suboccipital region, as well as signs of improvement observed in patients complaining of cognitive impairment, to researchers from various countries.
Amidst the questions and keen interest that followed the presentation, I was able to confirm that our acupotomy treatment is globally advanced.
The most impressive lecture I attended at this conference was a research presentation on how electroacupuncture stimulation can inhibit tumor growth. The fact that acupuncture treatment is being scientifically explored not only for pain control but also in the realm of cancer research made me realize how much the scope of acupuncture medicine is expanding. Moving around the conference venue, I was reminded of something new: meeting researchers from various countries and sharing our research and experiences not only involves exchanging knowledge but also broadens my worldview and deepens my perspective on clinical practice. Questions that I would not have encountered if I had stayed only within the clinic lead to new considerations for better treatment.
This broadened perspective and learning ultimately benefit our patients in the clinic. Amidst the advancements in acupuncture medicine that the world is noticing, I will continue to research and collaborate to provide even better treatments. Dr. Hyocheong Chae, Chief Director
Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in Suji-gu pursues evidence-based medicine and integrative medicine.
This post was written directly by the medical staff of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic to provide medical information, in compliance with Article 56(2) and Article 57(3) of the Medical Service Act. The duration and outcome of treatment may vary from person to person, so please consult a qualified practitioner before beginning treatment.
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