Japanese & TCM; Chinese Acupuncture

Japanese Acupuncture

Japanese Acupuncture is a lesser known form of Acupuncture in the West, though it is rapidly becoming renowned for its vast effectiveness through its Subtlety & reduced discomfort compared to stronger needling techniques used in TCM style Acupuncture. Its roots lay in the Chinese Acupuncture Classics, texts found to be over 2000 years old, but have been further developed by many Japanese Practitioners over time. This style is more palpation based compared to TCM style in diagnoses of patterns. In some styles, the Pulse & the Stomach (Hara) are palpated to determine certain imbalances or ‘reflex areas’, which can be physically altered by the stimulation of specific points. This change will then allow the body to re-balance & heal itself. After the re-balancing or ‘Root’ Treatment, Symptomatic treatment for the main complaints are addressed or ‘Touched Up’ if needed. Some of the various styles/contributors are listed –

• Meridian Therapy/Five Element Theory – Use of the Pulse and palpation of the channels to determine which organs need re-balancing through certain points. This re-balances the body allowing it to heal any manifestations present
• Yoshio Manaka – Use of Polarity devices & Magnets to stimulate deeper channels which affect Manaka’s theorised X-signal system, a primordial system capable of producing constitutional change
• Shudo Denmei – known for contributions to Meridian Therapy

Further Japanese Acupuncture techniques include:

• Superficial Needling of Points (2-3mm)
• Complete Moxibustion Treatments – NO NEEDLES
• Bleeding/Blood Letting
• Cupping Strategies
• Meridian Based Acupuncture

Japanese Acupuncture – Manaka Protocols

One style of Japanese Acupuncture involves the Manaka Protocols. Its creator Dr. Yoshio Manaka developed a theory based on the ‘8 Extraordinary Meridians.’ Years of research on the Classical texts & Clinical practice, involving the 8 Extra Meridians, led to the X Signal theory, based on a primordial system that stems from Conception & the first division of cells within a biological system. The 8 Extra Meridians have been found to influence this system through specific treatment techniques, involving the palpation of the Pulse & Abdomen for diagnosis & the use of Manaka Ion Pumping Cord strategies in treatment.

TCM – Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM is a broad term used to describe many different treatment techniques for multiple conditions. These techniques include:

• Acupuncture – Insertion of Needles into Acupoints to stimulate Qi movement
• Moxibustion – burning of processed Mugwort plant on the Skin to stimulate the Acupoint (Non Scarring)
• Cupping – use of glass cups which suck onto the skin to move Obstructed Energy & Blood
• Massage (Tui Na) – Manual art of Acupuncture in which Meridians & Points are massaged to stimulate Qi & Blood movement
• Chinese Herbal Therapy – Specific Herbs are chosen depending on each persons individual conditions to stimulate rebalancing in organ functions, thus contributing to a healthy state

Japanese and TCM methods, which is the main style used in Western Countries today, treats a wide range of conditions from Musculo-Skeletal disorders to Organ based pathologies.