Chinese v. Japanese Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of conditions. In recent decades, acupuncture has gained popularity in the West, with millions of people turning to this ancient healing art to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Artist’s imagining of an early, blind Japanese acupuncturist. Acupuncture was a common occupation for the blind in Japan. This is large part of the channel palpation aspect of the Japanese style.
Acupuncture is not a one-size-fits-all therapy, and different styles of acupuncture have evolved over time, each with its own unique approach and techniques. In this article, we will explore the basics of two widely practiced styles of acupuncture: Chinese acupuncture and Japanese acupuncture.
Chinese Acupuncture vs. Japanese Acupuncture: What's the Difference?
Chinese acupuncture and Japanese acupuncture share many of the same fundamental principles and concepts, such as the use of needles to stimulate specific points on the body and the belief in the existence of an energy flow known as Qi. However, there are several key differences between the two styles.
Needling Techniques
The most significant difference between Chinese acupuncture and Japanese acupuncture lies in their needling techniques. Chinese acupuncture typically uses thicker needles that are inserted deeper into the skin and are manipulated more vigorously to achieve what is known as “de qi” sensations (the arrival of qi). In contrast, Japanese acupuncture uses thinner needles that are inserted more superficially and are manipulated with a lighter touch, in this approach the arrival of qi is felt more by the practitioner than the patient. Japanese acupuncture also places more emphasis on gentle needling techniques designed to produce a more subtle sensation.
Meridians
Another difference between the two styles is the use of meridians. Chinese acupuncture relies heavily on the concept of meridians, which are pathways in the body through which energy flows. In contrast, Japanese acupuncture may place less emphasis on the meridian system and focuse more on palpating and needling specific points on the body.
Diagnosis
Chinese acupuncture typically involves asking detailed questions about the patient's symptoms, examining the tongue, and feeling the pulse. In contrast, Japanese acupuncture also involves palpating various points on the body to assess tenderness and other physical signs.
Treatment Philosophy
Chinese acupuncture, “TCM” specifically (please see our blog on the difference between TCM and Classical Chinese medicine) often focuses on treating specific conditions or symptoms, with a strong emphasis on correcting imbalances in the body's energy flow. In contrast, Japanese acupuncture often seeks to balance the body as a whole, with less emphasis on treating specific conditions or symptoms.
Location of Needling Points
Japanese acupuncture may place more emphasis on needling points that are located in the hands and feet, as well as on the ears and scalp. Chinese acupuncture, on the other hand, may focus more on needling points located along the traditional meridian pathways.
Historical Evolution of Japanese Acupuncture
Acupuncture was first introduced to Japan from China in the 6th century, and initially, Japanese acupuncture closely followed the principles and techniques of Chinese acupuncture. However, over time, Japanese acupuncture developed its own distinct approach, with a focus on gentle needling techniques, a less rigid approach to the meridian system, and an emphasis on treating the whole person rather than specific symptoms.
One important figure in the development of Japanese acupuncture was Waichi Sugiyama, a blind acupuncturist who lived in the 17th century. Sugiyama is credited with developing several innovative acupuncture techniques, including the use of thin needles and the insertion of needles at shallower depths. His techniques were designed to be gentler and less painful than traditional Chinese techniques, and they helped to lay the foundation for the unique approach to acupuncture that would later become known as Japanese acupuncture.
Another influential figure in the development of Japanese acupuncture was the physician and Another influential figure in the development of Japanese acupuncture was the physician and acupuncturist Yoshio Manaka, who lived in the 20th century. Manaka was a proponent of a more holistic approach to acupuncture, which focused on balancing the body's energy flow through a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle modifications.
Manaka also developed his own unique approach to acupuncture, which he called "Meridian Therapy." This approach involved the use of specialized needles that were coated with herbal extracts, as well as the use of electronic devices to stimulate specific acupuncture points.
Today, Japanese acupuncture continues to evolve and grow, with practitioners all over the world using a variety of techniques and approaches to treat a wide range of conditions. Whether you choose Chinese acupuncture or Japanese acupuncture, the most important thing is to find a qualified and experienced practitioner who can help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Whichever style is being employed - acupuncture is a powerful and effective form of traditional medicine that has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions. While Chinese acupuncture and Japanese acupuncture share many of the same principles and techniques, they also have important differences that reflect their unique histories and approaches to healing.
If you’d like to learn more about what style might be a good fit, feel free to reach out or set up as session!
