Japanese Acupuncture
Japanese Acupuncture stems from the Chinese system of Acupuncture and has been part of the Japanese medical culture for over 1400 years. Up until the mid-ninth century, all medical knowledge from China was openly assimilated, but due to political problems, contact with China was curtailed, forcing Japanese physicians to begin refining and developing their own ideas and methods.
It is from this development that Japanese acupuncture places greater emphasis on palpation for diagnosis and treatment. Methods such as abdominal or Hara diagnosis and gastrocnemius palpation form important diagnostic tools, which have become less relevant in TCM style acupuncture.
At Bendigo Chinese Medicine, we offer two different styles of Japanese Acupuncture.
MANAKA PROTOCOLS
Manaka Protocols utilise what is called the X-System (X being the unknown factor). The theory is that during embryogenesis, there is an underlying system that is in play (the X-System), which becomes redundant once the nervous, endocrine and 12 Regular Meridian systems’ become established. The X-System utilises the 8 Extra Meridians to send information throughout the body.
Using the techniques employed by the Manaka Protocols, this X-System is engaged to balance the 8 Extra Meridians. Manaka Protocols bypass the usual effect of TCM style acupuncture in stimulating the nervous and endocrine systems by using very subtle stimulation to engage only the X-System.
The first two steps of a Manaka style treatment involves the balancing of the Yin and Yang aspects of the body with the use of acupuncture, moxibustion and polarity tools to redirect accumulations of negative and positive ions. These steps of the treatment deal with the underlying cause of the problem.
The third step of treatment further brings into balance the 8 Extra Meridians, with the use of Sotai. Sotai is a gentle style of exercises used to alleviate structural imbalances by switching on functional muscle groups that are not engaging when needed. Once these muscle groups are being engaged when they should, muscle groups that are overcompensating are able to relax. The result is an increase in the range of movement and a decrease in pain and stiffness.
These steps are then followed by Symptom Control, where tools such as needles, moxibustion, intradermal needles, press balls, press needles and polarity devices are utilised to treat the presenting symptoms. Symptom control usually produces immediate and noticeable changes, while balancing of the Yin and Yang and use of Sotai deal with the underlying cause of the problem, working to prevent the recurrence of symptoms.
When required, Home Recommendations may be given, including dietary advice, self treatment with various forms of moxa, press needles, or self-sotai.
Kylie Freemantle is trained in Manaka protocols.
EAST-ASIAN NEEDLE THERAPY
East-Asian Needle Therapy involves a refined set of techniques and tools. This style of treatment was developed and refined by the blind acupuncturists of Japan, with a heavy emphasis on touch and palpation. What sets it apart from other forms of Acupuncture is 'non-insertion' needling. Needles and blunt metallic tools are held on the surface of the skin, rather than being inserted.
Treatment is divided into two phases:
1. Root treatment - information is obtained via questioning, palpation of the pulse, abdomen and Acupuncture points. The pattern of imbalance is identified, 'active' treatment points are selected and 'non-insertion' needling is performed. Abdomen and pulse will be re-checked to monitor progress before moving onto the next stage.
2. Symptom control - The root pattern is supported by gently inserted or non-inserted needles. Areas of weakness or tension on the back, abdomen and neck may be addressed using a variety of specialized techniques, including moxibustion and cupping.
Japanese acupuncture is suited to a broad range of conditions. It is most advantageous when used in a series of treatments (6 to 8) to obtain more lasting results.
Ceda Jarick is trained in East-Asian Needle Therapy
It is from this development that Japanese acupuncture places greater emphasis on palpation for diagnosis and treatment. Methods such as abdominal or Hara diagnosis and gastrocnemius palpation form important diagnostic tools, which have become less relevant in TCM style acupuncture.
At Bendigo Chinese Medicine, we offer two different styles of Japanese Acupuncture.
MANAKA PROTOCOLS
Manaka Protocols utilise what is called the X-System (X being the unknown factor). The theory is that during embryogenesis, there is an underlying system that is in play (the X-System), which becomes redundant once the nervous, endocrine and 12 Regular Meridian systems’ become established. The X-System utilises the 8 Extra Meridians to send information throughout the body.
Using the techniques employed by the Manaka Protocols, this X-System is engaged to balance the 8 Extra Meridians. Manaka Protocols bypass the usual effect of TCM style acupuncture in stimulating the nervous and endocrine systems by using very subtle stimulation to engage only the X-System.
The first two steps of a Manaka style treatment involves the balancing of the Yin and Yang aspects of the body with the use of acupuncture, moxibustion and polarity tools to redirect accumulations of negative and positive ions. These steps of the treatment deal with the underlying cause of the problem.
The third step of treatment further brings into balance the 8 Extra Meridians, with the use of Sotai. Sotai is a gentle style of exercises used to alleviate structural imbalances by switching on functional muscle groups that are not engaging when needed. Once these muscle groups are being engaged when they should, muscle groups that are overcompensating are able to relax. The result is an increase in the range of movement and a decrease in pain and stiffness.
These steps are then followed by Symptom Control, where tools such as needles, moxibustion, intradermal needles, press balls, press needles and polarity devices are utilised to treat the presenting symptoms. Symptom control usually produces immediate and noticeable changes, while balancing of the Yin and Yang and use of Sotai deal with the underlying cause of the problem, working to prevent the recurrence of symptoms.
When required, Home Recommendations may be given, including dietary advice, self treatment with various forms of moxa, press needles, or self-sotai.
Kylie Freemantle is trained in Manaka protocols.
EAST-ASIAN NEEDLE THERAPY
East-Asian Needle Therapy involves a refined set of techniques and tools. This style of treatment was developed and refined by the blind acupuncturists of Japan, with a heavy emphasis on touch and palpation. What sets it apart from other forms of Acupuncture is 'non-insertion' needling. Needles and blunt metallic tools are held on the surface of the skin, rather than being inserted.
Treatment is divided into two phases:
1. Root treatment - information is obtained via questioning, palpation of the pulse, abdomen and Acupuncture points. The pattern of imbalance is identified, 'active' treatment points are selected and 'non-insertion' needling is performed. Abdomen and pulse will be re-checked to monitor progress before moving onto the next stage.
2. Symptom control - The root pattern is supported by gently inserted or non-inserted needles. Areas of weakness or tension on the back, abdomen and neck may be addressed using a variety of specialized techniques, including moxibustion and cupping.
Japanese acupuncture is suited to a broad range of conditions. It is most advantageous when used in a series of treatments (6 to 8) to obtain more lasting results.
Ceda Jarick is trained in East-Asian Needle Therapy