When I tell people that I practice Japanese acupuncture, they often surprised. Most people assume that acupuncture is exclusively a Chinese modality. Although Chinese acupuncture sits within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) system, the form that is practiced today is, to some extent, actually quite modern. During Mao Tse Tung’s rule, the original form of classical acupuncture, known as Meridian Therapy, was modified to align with herbal medicine and the organ or Zang Fu system. The focus of an acupuncture treatment became centred around the function of the acupuncture points. This was a significant move away from the original Meridian Therapy, which focused on balancing the energies of the meridians (energetic pathways).
Chinese acupuncture is taught in a standardised way, so you can experience very similar acupuncture treatments across the world. Although based in TCM, acupuncture taught at the post-graduate level in Japan isn’t standardised, so there are a variety of forms taught and practiced, each with their own distinct characteristics.
I discovered Toyohari in the last semester of my Traditional Chinese Medicine degree. I had been looking for an elegant system of acupuncture that would give the best possible results for my patients, and provide fulfilment and satisfaction for me. When I found Toyohari, a light switched on inside me, my heart sang, and I knew I’d found my passion and path.
What is Japanese Toyohari Acupuncture?
Toyohari, or East Asian Needle Therapy, is an elegant, highly refined form of Japanese acupuncture, based on classical Chinese Meridian Therapy. It is a very gentle, yet powerful treatment that is suitable for a wide range of people and health conditions.
How does it work?
The aim of a Toyohari treatment is to regulate the channels – our body’s energetic pathways – so that the entire body, mind and spirit can move towards balance. This activates the body’s self-healing abilities.
Toyohari treatments are holistic and follow a three-part system which includes a root treatment, supportive treatment and symptom treatment. A variety of tools and techniques are utilised, depending on the needs of the patient.
Ongoing clinical research by senior Toyohari practitioners in Japan and Europe ensures that our system addresses modern health issues and aims to continually improve treatment methods and outcomes.
Characteristics
The main characteristics of Toyohari that differ from Chinese acupuncture include:
- the application of the Five Phase system
- the needles and tools used
- needling techniques
- palpation or gentle touch
- abdominal diagnosis
- the way moxibustion is used, and
- a unique treatment feedback system.
1. Five Element System
The Five Element system is the cornerstone of diagnosis and treatment in Toyohari. This system incorporates and connects various natural phenomena such as the elements (fire, earth, metal, water and wood) and climate (summer, autumn, winter and spring) with our body, mind and emotions. The Five Element system enables practitioners to take a holistic view of the body-mind in relation to its environment and leads to the recognition of patterns of disharmony within the body-mind and appropriate treatment.
In Chinese acupuncture, diagnosis is based primarily on the Zang Fu or organ system, with only a minor consideration towards the Five Phases.
2. Needling techniques
Toyohari treatment centre around the use of non-insertive needle techniques. This is possible because with Toyohari techniques, the Ki (or qi) can be accessed just above the surface of the skin. Needling beneath the skin is not required to achieve a therapeutic effect. For me, Toyohari techniques deliver much better patient outcomes than standard Chinese acupuncture treatments.
Practitioners of Toyohari spend years developing and refining their needling techniques. Life-long learning is one of the hallmarks of a dedicated Toyohari practitioner.
The non-insertive tools are based on the Chinese classical 9 needles outlined in the Chinese classic the Nan Jing. Only four of the needles were meant to be inserted into the body, the remaining were used just above or on the surface of the skin.
If needle insertion is used in a Toyohari treatment, it is usually only done to a level of 1-2 mm in depth. Needles are typically finer and sharper than those used in Chinese acupuncture. Treatment is gentle and enjoyable.
In Chinese acupuncture, needles are always inserted into the body, usually between 0.5 to 1cm in depth. Needles are manipulated to create a sensation in the patient, which may be uncomfortable for a short period of time.
3. Gentle touch
Palpation and gentle touch plays an important role in Toyohari diagnosis and treatment. This element was refined for blind practitioners in Japan and is nowadays used by both sighted and blind practitioners. Through palpation, Toyohari practitioners are able to assess the state of the channels, which informs both diagnosis and treatment. Palpation as used in Toyohari is very refined. We look for subtle differences on the skin such as texture, temperature, softness or hardness.
In Chinese acupuncture, palpation is only used to locate a point, not to ascertain the qualities of the channels and or points.
4. Pulse
In Toyohari, we read the pulse in nine positions, assessing the speed, depth and quality of the pulse. The reading of pulse is this way aligns with the meridian-therapy focus of diagnosis and treatment. We also use the pulse to assess the effect that needling has on the channels.
In Chinese acupuncture, the pulse is also read nine positions but also feels for other characteristics such as whether the pulse feels choppy, fine or big.
5. Abdominal diagnosis
Abdominal, or Hara diagnosis is used extensively in Toyohari. It is used to make an initial diagnosis, but to also confirm that positive changes have occurred throughout and at the end of treatment. Very light touch is applied over the abdomen to assess the state of the various channels.
Hara diagnosis and treatment is not utilised in Chinese acupuncture.
6. Moxibustion
The word for Acupuncture includes two characters, one for needles and another for moxibustion. Moxa was traditionally seen as an integral part of treatment. In Toyohari, moxibustion (moxa) is used in most treatments. We used different grades of moxa and a variety of techniques to achieve different outcomes.
In Chinese acupuncture, moxa is mostly used when the patient is suffering from internal cold or with certain deficiencies.
7. Unique feedback system
The pulse is uniquely used in Toyohari as a feedback system. Throughout a treatment, Toyohari practitioners will check the pulse again and again to ensure that treatment is continually improving the pulse quality of the patient.
In Chinese acupuncture, the pulse is usually felt as part of diagnosis and is not used during treatment. There is no expectation that the pulse will change immediately upon needling and its generally not used to assess the efficacy of a treatment.
If you are interested in finding out more about Toyohari and how it could help you, see my acupuncture page. You can also book in for a treatment.
If you’re an acupuncturist interested in training in Toyohari, visit the Australasian Branch of the Toyohari Association website.
