Japanese Acupuncture
Japanese style acupuncture was developed in Japan by blind acupuncturist Waichi Sugiyama, who discovered a relatively painless approach to acupuncture using a guide tube for needling. This combined with palpation (touch) and moxabustion are the defining characteristics of Japanese Acupuncture.
In summary here are the main features of Japanese Acupuncture:
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Acupuncture needles with guide tubes, creating a virtually pain-free experience. Precise location of points and less needles are used. Thinner needles are used and inserted superficially.
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Palpation of acupuncture points giving both the practitioner and the patient immediate feedback about how the body is responding to treatment.
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Moxabustion is used to enhance treatments on acupuncture points with or without needles.
Moxabustion Heat Therapy
Moxabustion is a heat therapy made from an herb called Mugwort. It is used because of its penetrating heat. There are various forms of moxa in both Japanese and TCM styles of acupuncture. Moxabustion is rolled up like a cigar and heated over the skin, or as rice-size grains that are heated on acupuncture points as an effective heat therapy.
It works with acupuncture by generating more energy and clearing stagnant areas, resulting in relief of symptoms. Some of the health problems treated with moxabustion include: arthritis, back pain, muscle stiffness, menstrual cramps, digestive problems, and infertility.
Electric Stimulation Therapy
E-stim (electric stimulation) is used in various forms with acupuncture to assist in creating increased blood flow and qi (or energy flow) where there is pain and stagnation. It can be used as clips on the acupuncture needles or in the form of etps (electro therapeutic point stimulation).
ETPS is used directly on tight muscles or at acupuncture release points to assist in pain relief. It is an excellent therapy in conjunction with acupuncture and is used safely for children and sensitive patients. E-stim is commonly used for: knee pain, shoulder pain, back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, headaches,
face pain, breaking down scar tissue.
Craniosacral Therapy
The Craniosacral concept focuses on how we function in mind, body and spirit, on very subtle layers of physiology. When a person experiences physical or emotional trauma, it can disrupt the natural rhythms of your body and lead to ill health. This can manifest as physical pain, emotional instability and various other health problems.
The gentle manipulations of Craniosacral therapy access the cerebrospinal fluid that flows in the brain, spine, and throughout the body. This encourages the body's own self-regulating abilities to release these painful experiences on a cellular level, attaining pain relief, health and balance. Some common ailments treated with Craniosacral therapy include: migraines, headaches, back pain, physical and emotional traumas. It is gentle enough for babies, and can have profound effects with no side effects.