A Study of Classical Techniques of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Japan : With Emphasis on Abdominal Palpation and Needle Tapping

Abstract

Studying traditional techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion in Japan is indispensable both when tracing the history of acupuncture and moxibustion in Japan as a traditional form of medicine and when using acupuncture and moxibustion to deal with diverse diseases in modern Japanese people. Japanese techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion have been gradually evolving since the Muromachi Era. Techniques were developed, tailored to Japanese cultural and racial characteristics. Among these techniques, abdominal palpation and needle tapping, developed by the Mubun School, are particularly noteworthy and deserve world-wide attention. The author recently investigated the methods and views of various classical schools of acupuncture and moxibustion in Japan, emphasizing study of abdominal palpation and needle tapping and exploring common features of these techniques across different schools. The author found that abdominal palpation is suitable for detecting vertical or horizontal shifts in Qi (vital energy) and Ketsu (nourishing energy) in the human body, and that when applying abdominal acupuncture, it is essential to restore the balance of Qi and Ketsu in each direction around the umbilicus.