Gentle Needle Techniques: Japanese needle technique is highly refined and subtle, lending a gentler approach to the treatment. In Japanese acupuncture, there is a lot of emphasis on specific needle practices and manipulations to ensure a calming…..

Palpation-Based Diagnosis: Japanese acupuncture places a strong emphasis on touch-based diagnosis, particularly abdominal and meridian palpation, to detect imbalances and guide treatment. This allows the acupuncturist to determine what is going on and where in your body for an individualized treatment, not just a protocol of points from a textbook. Every treatment is different, depending on what is presenting in the body on the day of treatment.

Moxibustion: In Japanese acupuncture, moxibustion (the burning of mugwort) is extensively used and often performed in very small, precise doses. This gentle heat therapy supports circulation and enhances treatment effectiveness. Visit the Japanese moxibustion section to learn more and how to do treatments at home. While moxibustion is also used in TCM, it is often used with a pole. Pole moxa is very smokey and hot, making it less effective and precise.

Focus on the Individual: Japanese acupuncture prioritizes balancing the patient’s overall energy (Ki) and addressing the root cause of symptoms by carefully tailoring point selection. Very rarely are point prescriptions from textbooks used, instead favoring points that directly affect the energy and circulation of the body.