Disaster and Acupuncture and Moxibustion: Expectations, Current Situation and Challenges

Abstract

The 73rd Annual Meeting of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion was held in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan. The symposium "Disaster and Acupuncture and Moxibustion" was held on May 26, 2024, included presentations on the following topics: Disaster and Traditional Medicine (Kampo medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion); support for the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent efforts as a business organization,; the potential of acupuncture and moxibustion to expand through long-term support for disaster relief; the challenges of disaster acupuncture and moxibustion; the non-technical and technical skills required in disaster areas. Finally, we discussed issues and future prospects for disaster-related acupuncture and moxibustion massage. In Japan, where the frequency of natural disasters is relatively high, disaster relief activities are one of the acupuncture and moxibustion activities that can contribute to addressing social issues. This report summarizes the contents of this symposium.