A VERY BRIEF HISTORY OF JAPANESE ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture has its origins in China, around 200 BC. In 526 BC, acupuncture was brought over to Japan. In the 10th Century, political tension between Japan and China resulted in Japan being cut off from China. With this lack of Chinese influence, the Japanese were able to do their own research and develop their own techniques, becoming more innovative in the ways in which they practiced acupuncture and developing their own style of practice.

Waichi Sugyama—a well-known, blind acupuncturist from the 17th century—continued to develop and promote Japan’s unique style of acupuncture. In addition to starting the first acupuncture school for the blind, he developed the insertion tube, which aided the practitioner by allowing for a less painful way to insert the needle.

As many people know, being blind can increase your other senses, including our sense of touch. These acupuncturists were able to develop and sense more of the subtle energies in the body, which resulted in more refined skills in pulse taking and palpation. This is why today's Japanese acupuncture involves a large degree of palpation.

The use of thinner needles, and the shallow insertion of needles, is a hallmark of the Japanese style. This contributes greatly to Japanese acupuncture being generally less painful.

MoxibustioN

O’KYU OR DIRECT MOXIBUSTION

Moxa—or moxibustion—can be applied directly to the skin by placing sesame sized, rolled pieces of moxa onto shiunko cream. The moxa is then lit using an incense punk; this creates heat and is used to stimulate an acupuncture point. The patient may feel a pinch and/or a deep heating sensation; these are normal and expected sensations, and the skin does not burn. Most patients find moxa very relaxing.

Kyutoshin

Kyutoshin denotes when the moxa is rolled into a small ball and placed onto of the acupuncture needle before being lit. 

SHIUNKO CREAM

Shiunko is a natural herbal cream that can prevent burning or scarring during or after direct moxa. A small amount of cream is placed on the skin before direct moxa is performed.

MOXA

Moxa is derived from the denser part of the Artemisia vulgaris plant, commonly known as mugwort. It can be easily formed and used for applying to the skin and then lit using an incense punk. In traditional Chinese medicine, Artemisia vulgaris is an herb that can be taken internally to warm and increase blood flow.

FACIAL REJUVENATION

Facial acupuncture can help to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. By increasing the production of collagen, the face will appear more youthful and radiant.  A series of ten sessions is recommended for best results.

CUPPING

A quick and effective way to relieve pain and in some cases an exterior attack on the body. Like a common cold. The cups can be left in place or moved around the effected area, with a sliding motion. 

Glass cupping

Heat is applied to the inside of the cup, creating a vacuum. The cup is then quickly placed on the effected part of the body.

vacuum cupping

A cup is placed on the body. A hand pump, is then placed on top of the cup, to create the vacuum.