GENTLE INFLUENCES MAKE GREAT WAVES

Chinese Origins

• The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic.
• The human being as microcosm of the universe.
• Inner and outer influences on human health.

History in Japan

• Acupuncture initially, as it was in China, was medicine for the elite.
• Chinese imitators to Japanese innovators.
• Acupuncture survives the Meiji period of modernization.
• The blind doctors.

Qi is...?

• Expansive term, what the universe is made of.
• Density of qi.
• Qi as information, and the channels as their pathways.
• Health and the zheng qi.

Japanese Style Acupuncture

• Differences between Chinese and Japanese techniques.
• Stimulation dosage, local and global effects, constitutional considerations.
• Root treatment vs branch treatment.
• Feedback indicators from the radial pulse and the abdomen.

Moxibustion - Mugwort Fire

• Japanese "pure gold moxa," gentle but penetrating heat, minimal smoke.
• Zhenjiu, acupuncture's copilot, supplementation vs regulation.
• Uses for pain, fatigue/exhaustion, improved immunity.

Conclusion

• Acupuncture and moxibustion keeps you healthy by supporting your body's innate healing and regulatory capacity, the "upright qi."
• Japanese acupuncture emphasizes patient comfort, careful palpation, and continuous monitoring of the body's response to treatment.
• This style is therefore well suited to those with a more sensitive constitution, or those suffering from deep exhaustion due to stress or long illness.