[Bad Zurzach, Switzerland] The 2026 International Symposium on Acupuncture-Moxibustion of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) was successfully held in Bad Zurzach, Switzerland, from August 13 to 14, 2026. Nearly 300 experts and scholars from countries and regions around the world gathered under the theme “Innovation through Integration in Acupuncture-Moxibustion for Human Health” to exchange the latest developments in acupuncture clinical practice, scientific research, education, international standardization, and innovative techniques.
The symposium featured one main forum, ten parallel sessions, and five workshops, with more than 200 academic presentations, 34 poster presentations, and over 130 research papers. Representatives from the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, WFAS leadership, and leading acupuncture experts from China, Switzerland, and other countries and regions attended the conference and related activities.
01 President and Secretary-General of ATCMAIA Deliver Academic Presentations
Dr. Decheng Chen, President of the American TCM Acupuncture Inheritance Association (ATCMAIA), and Jessie Chen, Secretary-General of ATCMAIA, were invited to participate in the international symposium and each delivered a special academic presentation.
Dr. Chen presented “Methods and Theoretical Framework of Motion Acupuncture for Pain Management,” systematically introducing the clinical approach, technical characteristics, treatment methods, and theoretical framework of Motion Acupuncture Medicine.
He explained that Motion Acupuncture does not simply involve needling the site of pain. Instead, it focuses on muscles, fascia, and functional movement. Through dynamic examination and palpation, practitioners identify key Motion Points, followed by targeted needling combined with needle manipulation involving lifting techniques and movement with the needle retained in place (dynamic needle retention) to help reduce abnormal soft-tissue tension and improve functional movement.
Jessie Chen, Secretary-General of ATCMAIA, presented “A Case Analysis of Motion Acupuncture for Pes Anserine Tendon Injury.” Through a clinical case, she introduced the diagnostic approach, treatment methods, and clinical observations of Motion Acupuncture in managing knee pain and pes anserine tendon-related disorders. Her presentation attracted considerable interest from the attending delegates.
02 On-Site Demonstration Draws Strong Interest
Following his academic presentation, Dr. Decheng Chen conducted an on-site clinical demonstration of Motion Acupuncture at the request of conference participants.
One physician from mainland China had suffered from right frozen shoulder for more than two years. Her shoulder mobility was significantly restricted, and she had considerable difficulty raising her arm. Although she had previously undergone various treatments, the improvement had been limited.
Dr. Chen first performed a functional examination and identified the relevant Motion Points. He then applied Motion Acupuncture, combining needle manipulation with movement while the needles remained in place. Following treatment, the physician reported a marked reduction in shoulder pain, while her range of motion improved immediately. She was able to raise her arm significantly higher than before and expressed great surprise and satisfaction with the immediate functional improvement.
Another participant from Hong Kong had experienced a persistent localized muscular “knot” in his upper arm for more than ten years, accompanied by significant tenderness. As an acupuncture practitioner himself, he had attempted to needle the area on many occasions, but with limited results.
After careful examination and precise localization, Dr. Chen treated the area with a Motion Acupuncture needle, again combining specialized needle manipulation with movement. After the treatment, the participant reported a clear reduction in tenderness, while the texture and prominence of the long-standing muscular knot also changed noticeably.
The demonstration generated considerable interest among conference participants. Many acupuncture practitioners asked questions about Motion Acupuncture needles, treatment techniques, theoretical principles, and training programs. The participant from Hong Kong and his wife expressed particular interest and stated that they hoped to enroll in the Motion Acupuncture online training program for further systematic study.
03 Bringing Motion Acupuncture to a Broader International Academic Platform
Since 1987, the WFAS International Symposium on Acupuncture-Moxibustion has been held more than 30 times and has become one of the most influential international academic exchange platforms in the global acupuncture community.
At this year’s symposium, Dr. Decheng Chen and Jessie Chen, President and Secretary-General of ATCMAIA, respectively, both delivered academic presentations, while Dr. Chen also provided live clinical demonstrations of Motion Acupuncture. Their participation not only strengthened academic exchange between the U.S. acupuncture community and international colleagues, but also introduced the clinical concepts and distinctive technical features of Motion Acupuncture Medicine in the management of pain and soft-tissue disorders to a broader international audience.
From academic presentations and case analysis to theoretical explanation and hands-on clinical demonstration, Motion Acupuncture showcased its distinctive approach of “precise point identification, targeted needling, dynamic needle retention, and immediate clinical verification” on the international academic stage in Switzerland.
With continued international academic exchange, Motion Acupuncture is expected to engage with acupuncture professionals worldwide through international conferences, clinical training programs, and academic collaboration, contributing new clinical experience and innovative approaches to the development and global advancement of acupuncture medicine.