Acupuncture

Acupuncture

According to Traditional Chinese medicine, there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body. These points, or meridians, conduct energy known as qi (or Ch'i). Qi regulates spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance and is influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang. When yin and yang are balanced, they work together with the natural flow of qi to help the body achieve and maintain health. Acupuncture is believed to balance yin and yang, keep the normal flow of energy unblocked, and restore health to the body and mind.

Japanese Medicine
Chinese medicine was first introduced in Japan to the imperial court in the 5th century. It is believed that traveling monks and physicians from Korea and China introduced the concepts and practices of Chinese medicine to Japan, with detailed diagrams of certain practices by the Chinese doctor Zhi Cong around 560 A.D.

Many of the oriental methods are based on the principles of Chinese medicine and the flow of energy through certain points, or meridians, in the body. In Oriental medicine, focus is on the preventative, rather than on the cure. There are some distinctive features in Japanese medical practices, such as the use of smaller amounts of more refined ingredients in their herbal traditions and various bone-setting methods which are specifically Japanese.

In acupuncture, fine needles (in "Japanese acupuncture" the needles are considerably thinner than other forms of acupuncture) are inserted into selected points. In Shiatsu (acupressure), finger pressure is applied with the hand, rather than with needles, to massage specific points that correspond with the acupuncture points. Shiatsu is a very effective, and easy to apply, Japanese massage technique.

Acupressure is the older of the two techniques, but took back-seat when the Chinese developed the use of needles and electricity. Self-acupressure, such as Acu-Yoga and Do-In utilize the same points, only these methods are, as the name implies, "self" imposed.

Various styles of Oriental bodywork have developed over the centuries, primarily through hands-on experience, and instinct. In addition to the two methods noted above, there is also the Jin Shin healing tradition, which also utilizes touch to restore the internal flow of energy. Both Jin Shin Jyutsu, and Jin Shin Do are registered trademarks.

Jin Shin Jyutsu was developed in Japan by Jiro Murai, who rediscovered the ancient qi (known as chi in Chinese medicine) flow of energy. He used his own body to map out a system of healing points. Practitioners of this method will use the pulse to diagnosis and identify energy blocks. The difference between what is practiced here in the States and what is practiced in Japan is that American practitioners tend to use less pressure on the points and there is no application of massage-like movements.

Jin Shin Do, Bodymind Acupressure was developed by a California psychotherapist and incorporates Taoist breathing techniques, acupuncture theory, Japanese finger pressure techniques, and an understanding of how tensions in different parts of the body affect each other.