Japanese Acupuncture

What is the history of Japanese Acupuncture?

Acupuncture originated in Mainland China over 3,000 years ago. Historical records show that it was in A.D. 562 (mid-6th century) when a Chinese physician monk officially introduced acupuncture to Japan. Since then, over the past 1,500 years, Japanese acupuncturists have been constantly improving and refining the original methods of acupuncture.

What is the difference between Japanese and Chinese Acupuncture?

Although Japanese and Chinese acupuncture share the same principles, Japanese needles are much finer, and the needling techniques are gentler.

In the 18th century, master of acupuncture, Waichi Sugiyama, invented the guide tube technique for needle insertion. Japanese acupuncturists use a metal or plastic guide tube to insert these very fine needles into the skin, making the insertion very easy and relatively painless. The guide tube technique also helps keep the needles safe and clean during each insertion.

Japanese acupuncturists also take the pulse and diagnose each patient's condition before the needling begins.