Acupuncture is often thought of as a Chinese practice, but as it spread to other countries, such as Japan, it developed new variations. If you are looking for “acupuncture treatment near me”, then the possible benefits of Japanese-style acupuncture are not just physical, but could also impact your mind and spirit.
What is traditional Japanese acupuncture?
The first acupuncture practitioners were based in China, where they developed the method of using tiny needles, inserted at specific points in the body, to treat illness by unblocking and rebalancing the flow of qi, or energy. In the 6th Century, some of these practitioners travelled to Japan, where locals took the techniques and modified them to incorporate aspects of Japanese medicine, culture and philosophy.
In the traditional Japanese style, more attention is paid to diagnosis, or hara, through the palpitation of the abdomen. In Chinese acupuncture, diagnosis often involves examining the pulse and the tongue. The needles used in the Japanese style are even finer and are not inserted as deeply into the skin. Acupuncture treatments are often combined with Japanese herbal remedies, known as Kampo, and an acupuncture session may also include moxibustion, or the burning of mugwort near the skin.
What do we mean by holistic healing?
A holistic approach takes into account all factors affecting a system so in medicine it is about considering the person as a whole: their physical health and their mental and spiritual wellbeing. It does not merely try to treat a single symptom but looks at the underlying causes of any pain or stress and attempts to relieve them all. This may provide more long-term, sustainable results, as the patient will be strengthened in every aspect of their life.
What are the specific benefits of Japanese acupuncture?
One reason that acupuncture is so popular is that it can provide benefits to your body and your mind at the same time. It has been used as a form of pain relief, alleviating everything from headaches and migraines to chronic back and joint pain to stomach aches and other gastrointestinal issues. It has also been used to relieve the symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety, helping patients feel more relaxed.
This is possible because of the way acupuncture can stimulate blood flow and encourage the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This includes the release of endorphins: hormones that both reduce pain and provide a boost to your mood. The combination of reduced pain and improved mood allows you to relax, clears your mind so you can focus better, and may also have a positive impact on your quality of sleep, which in turn allows you to heal even more. This can make you more resilient in preparation for any new challenge you may face.
Conclusion
People may choose Japanese over Chinese acupuncture because it is less intrusive. The needles are smaller, the insertion is shallower, and there is less manipulation once they are under the skin, meaning reduced potential stress or pain to patients, particularly those less comfortable with needles. The diagnostic process also ensures that practitioners can fully identify the cause of your problem or problems and, therefore, provide the most appropriate treatment.
By treating both physical pain and psychological or emotional distress, Japanese acupuncture takes a holistic approach, meaning it treats the whole person, not just a few symptoms. This may lead to more long-term benefits to overall well-being.