What is Japanese Style Acupuncture?

Probably the most significant difference in Japanese style acupuncture and Chinese acupuncture is the size and insertion depth of the needles. The Japanese needles are as thin as a strand of fine hair. The needling technique for Japanese acupuncture is also very shallow and emphasis is placed on the patient feeling as little as possible of the actual needle insertion. Instead the “arrival of Qi” (vital life force) is felt by the practitioner. By paying attention to subtle sensations in one’s hands and body, the acupuncturist is aware of when the point has been activated. Often the patient feels a shift in their entire body rather than a localized sensation.

Many patients prefer this more gentle approach. During the treatment they are able to be fully at ease and not tense up in anticipation of needle pain. This allows the body to remain relaxed and therefore promote the subtle healing process in a more effective manner. Many patients report feeling more “centered” after a treatment.

Also unique to Japanese style acupuncture is the frequent use of direct moxibustion. Traditionally a small amount (around the size of a ½ grain of rice) of moxa (loose dried mugwort from the high altitude Japanese mountains) is burned directly on an acupuncture point. Although this method is very effective in the treatment of many conditions, most practitioners in the West do not practice this style of moxa due to lack of training. When done by a properly trained practitioner, this method is not painful and many patients actually enjoy it. It is extremely therapeutic and now offered at Purity Organic Spa.

In Japanese style acupuncture, the channels themselves are carefully examined to see if any abnormality can be found, in addition to the abdomen and the radial pulse (wrist). The abdomen and pulse are the two areas of the body that give the most detailed information to the overall state of a person's health as well as indicate any specific imbalances within the meridian system. In addition, the injured or painful area of the body is examined thoroughly.

In the abdominal area, information is gathered by feeling for temperature variations, skin texture differences, areas of softness and hardness at different depths, and any other subtle sensations. The pulse is palpated at three positions and three depths on each wrist. The speed, strength, and depth, as well as relative strength and weakness of each position are noted.

All of the information that has been gathered from the questioning, observation, and hands on diagnosis is then put together to paint a picture of an individual's overall health as well as the state of their meridians.

In the Japanese traditional acupuncture points are viewed as a living phenomenon. The anatomical location is considered to be only the starting point. To find the actual point, the practitioner must be able to palpate exactly where it is. Thus, countless hours are spent in the Japanese acupuncture community developing the ability to sense with one’s hands where the “live points” are. Subtle changes in temperature, moisture, and skin resilience, are sought to find the best point.