Acupuncture: Japanese Toyohari

Acupuncture is an ancient healing science and art that taps into our own natural healing abilities, promoting balance, recovery, rejuvenation and wellbeing. It is part of the system of Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM), which originated in China and took root in Japan more than 1,500 years ago.

Known in Japanese as Hari-kyu, and as Zhen-jui in Chinese, the term acupuncture is comprised of two characters meaning needling and moxibustion, which together help to restore homeostasis to the body, mind and spirit.

Very fine needles are inserted into the qi energetic stream, either into the body or just above the skin. Most clients don’t experience any pain or discomfort during an acupuncture session with me.

Moxibustion is the burning of the herb mugwort or artemisia and works to balance and harmonise the body. Together, needling and moxibustion can assist the body-mind and spirit to rest, recover and to heal. Other tools (see below) may also be used to balance the qi, blood, yin and yang.

Moving the body, mind and spirit towards homeostasis, or balance, is the cornerstone of Traditional East Asian Medicine and Hari-kyu. In this holistic approach, the whole health of the person assessed, the underlying cause of the imbalance is identified and treated, supporting a return to balance, health and wellbeing.

Japanese Toyohari acupuncture or East Asian Needle Therapy, is based on assessing the state of the ki (energy) (qi in chinese) through the energetic channels of the body. Toyohari is a very dynamic and powerful, yet gentle style of treatment and in most cases is completely painless. Most people find a Toyohari acupuncture session very relaxing. Non-insertive methods are available and especially suitable for babies, children, people with very low energy and the elderly.

A variety of treatment tools are used to promote healing. These include: sterling silver and stainless steel needles; Toyohari non-insertive tools; moxibustion; and cupping. Dietary therapy is also available as part of a standard consultation, to help speed up the healing process.

Acupuncture needles

In Toyohari acupuncture, very fine sterling silver needles are used, which are non-insertible. These manipulate the qi on the skin level.  Sterilised one-time-use stainless steel needles may also be inserted to a depth of 1-2 millimetres. Sensations and the movement of qi may be felt within the body and is normally pain free.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture may also be performed where slightly larger stainless steel needles may be inserted perpendicularly into the body, or inserted horizontally underneath the skin. Stronger needling sensations may be felt.

Toyohari tools

The Toyohari system uses special non-insertive tools (see header image) which manipulate the qi on the skin level.  These tools come in a variety of materials such as gold, silver and copper. These tools also produce gentle sensations within the body. They can be used for everyone and are especially useful in the treatment of babies and children, as well as people who are who are weak or frail and who need very gentle treatment. Non-insertive tools are also used for those who have an aversion to conventional acupuncture needles.

Moxibustion

In Oriental Medicine, the term acupuncture includes both needles and moxibustion. Acupuncture is therefore the application of both needles and moxibustion to promote health and wellbeing.

Moxibustion is the burning of the herb Mugwort, or Artemisia, which is used to regulate the blood.  Used together, needling and moxibustion regulate the qi and blood of the body to treat imbalances of the body, mind and spirit.
Moxibustion is warming, nourishing and harmonising for the body-mind. It disperses cold and resolves damp and phlegm. Western studies have shown that it can activate our immune function, enhancing lymphocytes and other natural killer cells.

Cupping

Stagnation in the body retards the flow of qi and blood, creating pain and discomfort. Cupping can reduce pain and discomfort by moving deep blood stagnation, and is therefore can be useful in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. It can also help  treat a number of other conditions including constipation and some respiratory conditions.

Dietary therapy

Food can make an enormous impact on our health and wellbeing. Chinese Medicine dietary therapy focuses on the qualities of the food we eat – thermal properties (warming, cooling, neutral), qi movement and Five Element associations. Eating to nourish and support specific organs in the body can dramatically assist in healing and promoting wellbeing. Once your primary pattern of imbalance has been diagnosed, dietary suggestions can be made, including which foods to include and which foods to avoid. Eating in accordance with each season is also encouraged.