Acupuncture therapy is usually thought of as a form of Chinese traditional medicine, albeit modified by modern Western approaches. It is true that acupuncture originated in China, but when it was brought to Japan, it developed its own distinctive features, leading to the spread of a uniquely Japanese style.

The history of Japanese acupuncture

It is unknown exactly when humans began to practice acupuncture, but it is believed it originated in China. It is one of the oldest forms of traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese monks then travelled to neighboring countries such as Korea and Japan, bringing their medical practices with them.

When acupuncture reached Japan in the 6th Century, it began to integrate into pre-existing Japanese traditions, developing its distinctive character. Another major factor in its unique development occurred in 1635, when the government of Japan decided to close the country’s borders, blocking international trade and the sharing of ideas. For the next 200 years, until the borders opened again, Japanese acupuncturists developed their techniques in isolation, independent of the rest of the world.

Modern acupuncture often relies less on talk of qi and meridians and instead looks to science to explain how needle insertion can stimulate blood flow, change the balance of your hormones and encourage the body to heal itself. Nevertheless, many acupuncturists still study traditional ideas, including the Japanese approach.

Differences between Japanese-style acupuncture and other acupuncture therapy

The underlying principles of Japanese-style acupuncture are similar to those in the Chinese form. It is about rebalancing the body and its flow of energy through the insertion of needles, either alone or alongside other traditional therapies such as moxibustion. To do this, it uses almost identical acupoints, the positions on the body where the needles are placed.

One of the most distinctive aspects of acupuncture in the Japanese tradition is the focus on minimizing intrusion. In this regard, it tends to use fewer needles than Chinese acupuncture, and the needles it uses are much thinner and do not penetrate as deeply into the skin. They are also manipulated less after insertion. To facilitate this gentler approach, it was a Japanese practitioner who developed guide tubes to allow more precision in needle placement. This technique was developed for and by a blind acupuncturist, but its usage has spread.

Another distinctive aspect of Japanese-style acupuncture is palpitation, known as “hara”. In Chinese acupuncture, evaluation of the body and diagnosis of its ailments often relies on inspection of the tongue and analysis of the pulse. In the acupuncture context, palpitation is when the acupuncturist places their hands on your body, most often on your stomach, to physically assess your health by feeling any tenderness or disturbance. It is important to share any medications, implants or medical conditions that may impact your treatment, as well as if you are pregnant. It is always wise to talk to your doctor before you pursue any form of acupuncture.

Other treatments

It is common for acupuncture, whether Chinese or Japanese, to be practiced alongside other traditional forms of medicine, including herbal remedies. In Japan, one of the most common complementary therapies is moxibustion, when the herb moxa, a form of mugwort, is burned near your acupoints. You can also pursue acupuncture treatments alongside conventional medical and surgical interventions.

There are similarities between Japanese and Chinese acupuncture, as they have some common origins, but over the years, they have developed separately. If you are pursuing acupuncture treatment, it is worth discussing with your practitioner which form of acupuncture is most appropriate.