First consultation & intake (85 min)
Lily discusses your complaint, medical history and lifestyle. Based on this, she draws up a personal treatment plan. You receive your first treatment right away.
Acupuncture & Back Pain
Acupuncture for Back Pain in Amsterdam
More than 4000 Amsterdammers treated. Lily Chen treats acute and chronic back pain with traditional Chinese medicine — in English, and covered by your Dutch health insurance.
15+ years of experience
Covered by insurance
Zhong & S.C.A.G registered
Back Pain & TCM
Why back pain is so persistent — and what TCM does differently
Back pain is one of the most common complaints in the Netherlands. Whether it is acute muscle pain after an awkward movement or chronic pain that has lasted for months — conventional treatments often target the symptom, not the underlying cause.
From a TCM perspective, back pain arises from stagnation of Qi and blood in the meridians of the back, kidneys or bladder. Cold, dampness, overexertion or emotional stress can all cause this stagnation. Acupuncture resolves the stagnation, restores the flow of energy and activates the body's ability to heal itself.
The treatment
How acupuncture treats back pain
Meridians & acupuncture points
Lily places fine needles on specific points along the bladder and kidney meridians — the energy pathways that run along the entire spine. This activates local circulation and releases muscle tension at a depth that massage alone cannot reach.
Anti-inflammatory & pain relief
Scientific research shows that acupuncture stimulates the production of endorphins and lowers inflammatory markers. Patients often experience noticeable relief after the first or second treatment.
Combination with cupping or gua sha
For back pain, Lily regularly combines acupuncture with cupping or gua sha. The combination releases stagnation in the fascia and restores the energy balance — particularly effective for deep muscle tension and sports injuries.
Conditions
Which back complaints do we treat?
Not sure whether acupuncture suits your complaint? Get in touch — Lily is happy to advise, free of obligation.
Your treatment plan
What to expect at Tianyi
Follow-up treatments (60 min)
Over the following weeks, Lily builds up the treatment. Most back pain patients notice clear improvement after 3–5 sessions. Each session is adjusted based on your progress.
Combination where needed
Depending on your complaint, Lily adds cupping, gua sha or moxibustion. This is always decided together with you.
Maintenance & prevention
After the treatment plan, many patients opt for a monthly maintenance session to prevent relapse.
Pricing
Treatment duration & cost
| Session | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| First visit (incl. consultation & treatment plan) | 85 min | €100 |
| Follow-up treatment | 60 min | €90 |
| Extended session | 90 min | €105 |
Add-ons: Add cupping · +€15 | Add gua sha · +€15
✓ Reimbursed by most Dutch supplementary insurance plans — Zhong NVTCG & S.C.A.G registered. Simply submit the invoice to your insurer after treatment. More about insurance →
Your practitioner
Lily van Wijngaarde-Chen
15+ years of clinical experience with back pain and musculoskeletal complaints
Specialised training under Dr. Cong Zhang — specialist in chronic pain
Zhong NVTCG & S.C.A.G registered
More than 4000 patients treated, including many back pain patients
Reviews
What patients say about back pain treatment
★★★★★ 4.9
★★★★★
"After years of chronic back pain I was sceptical. After 4 treatments with Lily I feel like a different person. The combination of acupuncture and cupping really made the difference."
★★★★★
"I had acute lumbago and could barely walk. After two sessions I was standing upright again. Lily is very professional and takes the time for a proper intake."
★★★★★
"My back and neck complaints have improved enormously thanks to Lily's treatments. And it's great that my insurance reimburses it too!"
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about acupuncture for back pain
How many treatments do I need for back pain?
This varies per person and per complaint. With acute back pain (lumbago), most patients see clear improvement after 2–3 sessions. For chronic back pain, expect a course of 6–10 treatments, followed by maintenance sessions.
Is acupuncture for back pain painful?
The needles are so thin that most patients barely feel them. Some experience a slight tingling or heavy sensation at the needle point — a sign that the treatment is working. Pain is rare.
Is acupuncture for back pain covered by my Dutch health insurance?
Yes, under most supplementary (aanvullende) insurance plans. Tianyi is Zhong NVTCG & S.C.A.G registered — the accreditations your insurer requires. After each treatment you receive an invoice with an AGB code to submit to your insurer.
Can I combine acupuncture with physiotherapy or other treatments?
Absolutely. Acupuncture works well alongside physiotherapy, chiropractic care or regular medical treatment. Let Lily know at intake about any other treatments you are following.
Do I need a referral from my GP (huisarts)?
No. You can book an appointment directly online, no referral needed.
Ready to get rid of your back pain?
Book an appointment today. Your first session is always a getting-to-know-you visit — including intake and a personal treatment plan.