Key differences between Japanese and Chinese Acupuncture...

Chinese medicine, and more specifically acupuncture, made its way to Japan through Korea in the 6th century, and has been practiced there since then for over 14 centuries (1). For the most part, when the average person thinks of acupuncture, they automatically lump China in with it.

However, Japan has practiced this medicine for 14 centuries, and over time a difference in practices and techniques were developed, making for a very different art and philosophy towards acupuncture.

Below are the key differences in practice between Chinese acupuncture and Japanese Acupuncture...

The size of the needles: The Japanese tend to use smaller and finer needles than Chinese Acupuncturists, as a result of which, the pain is considerably reduced. Japanese Needles are thinner and sharper than their Chinese counterparts. This gives them a much kinder passage through the skin resulting in little to no pain.

Needling Techniques: Japanese acupuncture tends to use finer needles than Chinese acupuncture and the needling is more surface-level and not as deep. Chinese needles tend to be slightly thicker, and the needling is deeper and stronger. For fiirst-time acupuncture patient's who are worried about needles, Japanese acupuncture might be the style to try first because it tends to be more comfortable for the patient.

Diagnosis: Chinese acupuncturists use the patient’s pulse, tongue, and face to make their diagnosis. Japanese acupuncturists rely more on palpatory findings of the pulse, abdomen, back and meridians. They also look at the tongue, but do so more to tell what’s going on in the stomach and from there make their diagnosis, Conover said. An interesting fact: In Japan, acupuncture and massage were originally the profession of the blind. This is what makes palpatory findings the hallmark of the Japanese style.

The reliance on touch: Japanese acupuncture practitioners rely on touch rather than on sight to decide on the entry points for the needles. Every acupuncture point is palpated before the needle is inserted.

The use of Moxa: Derived from the mugwort plant Japanese acupuncturists use moxibustion as part of their acupuncture routine. This technique involves warming the acupuncture points by burning moxa above the skin before the needles are inserted.

Deciding on the best acupuncture form is a matter of personal choice, as always, Acupuncture is a patient-centered approach, and deciding what sort of treatment each individual requires. Japanese Acupuncture is a much gentler method and is an amazing form of Acupuncture.

Contact us to speak further with our Acupuncturist or to book and appointment, or alternatively, book online here.