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Japanese Acupuncture |
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Japanese AcupunctureThere are numerous styles of playing a musical instrument like a saxophone or a piano, whether it be jazz, salsa or classical. The different styles may inspire us to dance or just relax, but it's still the same instrument. In a similar manner, although based on the same ancient principles, there are many styles of acupuncture. The style that Joy Carol practises is that of Kiiko Matsumoto. A brief historyAcupuncture is an ancient tradition, which has been practiced continuously in China for at least the last 2,000 years and is still practiced today. What is less known is that many other Asian countries have a long history of acupuncture and have also developed very vibrant and innovative approaches to this ancient healing tradition. Japan is one of those countries with a very dynamic tradition of acupuncture which has taken a markedly different approach to that of the Chinese. Acupuncture was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks in the 6th century, and by the 8th century, government sponsored acupuncture medical schools had been established in Japan and medical knowledge from China continued to be assimilated by the Japanese. However, by the middle of the 10th century, political tensions began to arise between China and Japan and contact with China became increasingly cut off. During this period Japanese physicians began making refinements to the Chinese system and adding their own unique innovations to the medicine. The concept of blind practitioners using needles may initially seem somewhat strange to us in the west. However, it is well known that people who lose one sense have a greater sensitivity within another area. The blind, develop an extra capacity in the fields of sound and touch. In 19th century France and England, piano tuners were frequently blind. In Japan, the practice of acupuncture utilizes the enhanced tactile skill of the blind and provides a profession where they may naturally excel. A large group of blind practitioners continue to influence both the practice and theory of acupuncture and massage in modern day Japan. Japanese Acupuncture todayDespite the diverse styles, there are certain features that clearly define Japanese acupuncture. Also, point location is not always at the exact location prescribed in traditional anatomical charts. Points are found as an excess or lack of energy. The idea that a point would be treated without palpation first is anathema to many Japanese practitioners. The second characteristic of Japanese acupuncture is a unique needle technique. The needles are extremely thin in comparison to those used in Chinese style acupuncture and the insertion much shallower, so are especially suited for patients who are anxious about needles as the treatment is virtually painless. The third characteristic of Japanese acupuncture is to confirm that the needle or moxa technique causes an immediate and noticeable change on that which was used for diagnosis in the first place: the pulse, the abdomen, or the point itself. Kiiko Matsumoto style practitioners expect painful reflex areas on the abdomen to be less painful after correct needling of points chosen on legs or arms. Fourth, other techniques are commonly used to enhance the treatment. Direct thread moxa is often applied to many acupuncture points, with a size anywhere from a hair's width to half a rice grain. Other tools employed include intradermal needles, press balls, and magnets.
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Joy
Pedro