What is Japanese Meridian Therapy?
Japanese Meridian Therapy differs from other styles of acupuncture in these unique ways:
- Emphasizes palpation. It has evolved since the Edo Period in Japan, which began in the 1600s, when Japanese acupuncture was a profession practiced largely by the blind. In fact, one of the primary influences in Japanese acupuncture today is Master Nagano, who is blind. This is how the palpation in Japanese acupuncture has evolved to such an extraordinary level of sophistication. The palpation involves systematic sequences which both establishes a diagnosis and suggests treatment options for the patient. The diagnosis and treatment strategies follow one another in one circular motion—like a dance. It is quite lovely. For example, I touch a reflex area on your abdomen, such as below your navel for your adrenals. If that is tender, I then touch a kidney point, lower on the meridian. While holding that kidney point, I recheck the reflex on your abdomen. If it improves, it gives both of us an immediate indication of the effectiveness of treatment.
- Instant Feedback. One of the most amazing things about this type of treatment is that both myself and the patient will have instant feedback to how well the treatment is working because the same reflexes which are used to determine the best treatment for a patient are also the gauge by which the treatment can be assessed. It takes the practice of acupuncture from the ambiguous realm of theory into the direct experience of reality in the treatment room, which can be really profound for both of us. I treat what I feel, which means that I treat the reflexes found—the patient and practitioner always have some immediate indication as to the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Holistic approach. This style seeks to address the root cause of a problem. For instance, I could treat you for low back pain by directly needling into your lower back—which may help alleviate the symptoms temporarily, but not completely. But with this approach, I will also treat you for any structural imbalances that may be creating tension in your lower back, such as having uneven hips, or eating sugar, which can contribute to muscular pain. By looking more deeply into the structural or constitutional imbalances which often underlie a patient’s acute and symptomatic complaints, I am able to give a more complete and lasting treatment.
- Eclectic Methods. I offer innovative methods tailored to each individual, such as diode rings, chains and magnets. These are helpful when I can’t needle because it is too sensitive to a patient, or to a child, but it also helps the prolong the efficacy of a treatment. And I will often give you magnets to take home with you, to press on certain points, to help prolong the treatment. The needling methods are shallow, using the smallest gauge needles. There are many non-invasive techniques that can be used, such as diodes and magnets. Many of these techniques are appropriate for children.
