Toward the Tokyo Declaration of Japanese Acupuncture and Moxibustion

Abstract

Japanese acupuncture and moxibustion is characterized by its diversity, a diversity which has been created by accepting the knowledge and techniques of foreign origin and ingeniously applying Japanese mentality to convert those techniques to conform to the culture and climate of Japan. Because of its diversity, Japanese acupuncture and moxibustion are considered to be effective complements to and easily integrated with various kinds of modern medicine in such a way that they are considered to be suitable medicines for the 21st century.
International standardization is progressing in the world in this age of globalization. This trend also affects standardization in the medical field, including acupuncture and moxibustion, as evident by the drafting of acupuncture standards for ISO.
However, to promote sound development of acupuncture and moxibustion, it is more important to promote academic exchange that respects the characteristics of the therapy in each country than to promote standardization. Therefore, I believe that dispatching information on the characteristics of Japanese acupuncture and moxibustion both inside and outside the country will contribute to the overall improvement of medicine and blaze a new trail in the field of acupuncture and moxibustion. The Tokyo Declaration (draft) dispatches these concepts to the outside world as well as within Japan.