Introduction to Japanese Acupuncture
and Moxibustion Treatment Tools
The World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies
WFAS SYDNEY 2013 8th World Conference on Acupuncture (Abstruct)
Japan Tokyo
Seino Acupuncture and Orthopedics Clinic
Asako Murata ・Toshimune Namba・Masaki Yamada・Mitsunori Seino
【Introduction】
In Japan, acupuncture and moxibustion treatments have been performed since around 410 AD, a period of over 1600 years. The acupuncture and moxibustion treatments carried out in Japan are very different from those used in China. I will describe some of the tools used in Japanese acupuncture and moxibustion treatments.
【Main Text】
The main feature of the needles used in Japanese acupuncture is their fine diameter. Moreover, a tool called a “guide tube” has been devised to alleviate pain during needle puncture（skin-cutting切皮時・skin stabbing穿皮時・flicking insertion弾入時）. Tools developed for the treatment of children and physically weak patients are also contributing to advances in treatment methods. In addition, the moxa used in moxibustion treatment is manufactured by a uniquely Japanese technique. This technique removes as many impurities as possible so that the temperature of the resulting moxa is more easily controlled during moxibustion, and so that it burns at a lower temperature than moxa with a high concentration of impurities. This enables the development of techniques that can be used to treat a wide variety of diseases.
【Discussion】
Japanese acupuncture and moxibustion treatment techniques have been passed down through the ages within families known as Lineage of doctors that have provided acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. Together with their various associated treatment tools, Japanese acupuncture and moxibustion techniques have been inherited as a healing art.
【Conclusion】
The acupuncture and moxibustion treatment tools used in Japan today underpin the high-quality treatment techniques provided in this country. It should be remembered that these various treatment techniques owe their existence to the development of such tools. The scientific skills of Japan, a country that prides itself on its commitment to design and manufacture, provide a strong foundation for the clinical settings where acupuncture and moxibustion treatment is performed.