The technics of the clinical application of the acupuncture which had been originated from China and transmitted to Japan via Korean Peninsula in the 6th Century (in the era of Asuka in Japan) were adapted thereatter for the constitution and physical strengths of Japanese people.
The metallic material for this therapy was improved to a softer and finer one made of gold or silver, and the “tubular acupuncture” was later designed in order to reduce the pains at puncture and make the treatment much easier.
A variety of technics for acupuncture were subsequently developed for practical application in anticipation for the even more effective reactions of living bodies, and 18 varieties of technics of Sugiyama's acupunctural series would be one of the most representative technics.
The author has been so far experimentally studying over many years on the relationship between the kinetic behaviours of circulation in living bodies and the author's analyses of the empirical technics employed to date.
It was felt that it is essential to maintain a constant level of vibrating and rhythmical stimuli for a cdrtain period of time to the exquisite applications of the acupuncture.
Hence, the author came to apply since 1965 the pulse generator, an apparatus to generate shock waves with a monostabilized multivibrator circuit using lower voltages, to patients with complaints of peripheral pains, attaining good results.
The author subsequently carried out experiments on the relationship between the acupunctural electrodes and the frequencies as well as the time of the stimuli on the basis of the concept of Chinese system for anesthesia with acupuncture, and developed a specific system applicable against the chronic cases, particularly pains, in which the conventional acupunctural therapy could show only limited effects and hardly any efficacy could be anticipated.
Thus, the “method of Tokyo University of Education” could be developed and has been clinically applied since.
The anesthetic method thus developed is characteristic in its joint application with the conventional acupunctural therapy, and should be basically applied to the cases with fixed and chronic systems.
The patients with chronic diseases are, with few exceptions, affected by systemic complaints of the mental, characteristic, and acutonomic nerve ataxia.
In order to cope with these complaints, acupunctural therapy of the conventional type is adopted, but the one with joint application of the acupunctural anesthesia is recommended for those with chief complaints of pains or spastic paralysis.
The clinical practice and the results of the therapy on the basis of the above-mentioned system against 27 cases with cervicohumero-carpal syndromes, 25 cases with lumbago syndromes, 45 cases with paraesthesia due to cerebrovascular disturbances (sequellae of SMON disease), and 10 cases with spastic paralysis due to cerebrovascular disturbances were as described hereunder.

View full abstract

The ancient acupuncture-moxibustion therapy may be explained as excitement (physiological reaction) produced through stimulation.
The system of treatment to a certain extent is based on this experimental stimulation-reaction date, however this, system is yet incomplete.
It is essential that we not assume the superiority of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy at its present level, but rather continue our efforts toward increasing the accuracy and correctness of this style of therapy.
If research or the collection of data is condudted in the future in the rambling manner that it has been until this time we can not expect any great leaps forward In the development of this field.
We were given an unexpected close-up look into the fact that it is possible to utilize acupuncture anesthesia, the phenomena by which the pain threshhold of a certain area of the body can be raised significantly when stimulation is administered in the proper area, in various surgical procedures. This procedure, the application of continuous electrical stimulation to a needle inserted at an acupuncture point is also applicable in the realm of acupuncture therapy.
As the history of electrical acupuncture is short, there are still various aspects and problems in this area which are not completely understood however it is known that problems which regular regular acupuncture therapy cen not solve are in some cases responding to electrical acupuncture therapy.
This is one of the merits of this new method, There are also various deficiencies in this method, for example, it reduces the amount of human contact between the patient and therapist, it reduces the level of acupuncture skill or technique, it may cause the possible impairment of conditions, etc.
The main difference between regular acupuncture therapy and the new electrical acupuncture therapy is that the former utilizes a stimulation for a short period of time while the latter utilizes a continuous stimulation over an extended period of time. Also the latter makes use of electrical energy which is inherent to the human body and is the most proper means for stimulation.
At this time, based on the experience with acupuncture anesthesia I would like to speak about what it is necessary to reexamine in regard to acu-moxa therapy, using the combination of three elements, extended periods of continuous stimulation, a small number of points and exactness in my approach to find a solution for this problem and a new method.

View full abstract

1 One important way to promote basic study of acupuncture.
Acupuncture anesthesia (A. A.) has lately attracted world-wide attention, It is, I suppose, because we are compelled to change or renew current theories concerning acupuncture, due to the fact that it is capable of anesthetizing sound nerves as well, thus making major operations performable, while customary theories about acupuncture therapeutical efficacy are mostly based on homeostasis of human body.
This fact not only offers a new, great footing on which to further explicate the mechanism of acupuncture, but also exerts a strong influence upon theories of pharmacalogical anesthesia which seems to make it less difficult to investigate mechanism of acupunture from the standpoint of nerve physiology.
2 Psychological factors and A. A.
Pain is closely related with psychological factors, which would be one of the reasons why the study of pain is so difficult to advance, Several years ago, when A. A was introduced into Japan for the first time, we were likely to have imagination or misunderstanding that psychological factors might play a more important role then physical ones in effecting A. A., especially so considering the ideological situation in the People's Republic of China.
Now for scientific investigation of the matter, we have had some tests about suggestibility or hypnotic effects of A. A, in coopertion with psychiatrists and with the help of students of Osaka Acupuncture and Moxibustion College. As a result we concluded that the effect of A. A. has no correlation with suggestibility of the tested people but it might be affected to some extent by hypnotism.
3 A. A. and clinical acupuncture Now even major operations have become performable with A. A., it is obvious that much can be expected from A. A, against minor pains. But compared with customary methods, it has both merits and demerits.
For example there are several cases in which it was effective against some incurable diseaes, such as trigeminal neuralgia, post-herpetic neuralgia and etc. Also our group reports that a few cases of spastic wryneck against which there seems to be no adequate remedy found so far have been treated with some success by means of A. A. To sum up I should say A. A. is faster in soothing pains but less effective against slight pains than ordinary methods.

View full abstract

Based on the results of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of dizziness and unsteadiness (body tremors) I would like to report my findings concerning these ailments and related meridians.
Meridian imbalance was diagnosed using pulse diagnosis and a special device the Tanomimeter (hereafter referred to as TM) which I developed myself.
Case 1: K. M. Female 72 years
The patient, when lying flat on her back reported that it was impossible for her to lift her right arm as this process proved too painful. Acupuncture sedation techniques were administered along the right Triple Heater Meridian and the patient was soon able to raise the arm, however when she rose from the bed she reported dizziness and unsteadiness. Pulse diagnosis revealed a deficiency in the Triple Heater Meridian, Tonification techniques were administered at right TH-5 and TH-3. This treatment resulted in relief of the symptoms, thus it was concluded that in this case symptoms were a direct result of Triple Heater deficiency.
Case 2: Y. M. Female 46 years Meniere's Disease
The patient had difficulty walking due to unsteadiness. Even when the patient lay flat on her back and turned her head to the right symptoms were observed, Pulse diagnosis revealed Triple Heater deficiency and Lung excess, Using the TM readings of 21 (right TH) and 37 (right LU) or a difference of 16 was obtained, Acupuncture sedation was administered at LU-6. Readings after treatment were 24-25 or in other words the difference had been reduced to a negligible 1. Pulses also balanced and spontaneous symptoms were relieved to the point that the patient was able to walk home.
This case shows unsteadiness to have been the result of disharmony between the Lung and Triple Heater meridians.
Case 3: Y. S. Male 65 years Dizziness
The patient reported dizziness occurred when he moved his head in a left forward-downward direction, TM readings showed a difference of 23 between the left and right Liver meridians, Moxibustion was administered to no avail at right LV-2. Moxibustion was then administered at right HT-3. As a result the difference in readings was reduced to 15 indicating slight improvement. Moxibustion at right LU-8 however reduced the difference to a negligible 1 indicating cure.
From the above cases we learn that unsteadiness is directly related to the Triple Heater meridian and dizziness to the Liver meridian, and that treatment of these ailments must include balancing of the disturbed meridians

View full abstract

Purpose: To study the effectuating mechanism by acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, the auther chosed “GO-koku; II-4 (CO)” out of a number of the points, and observed the influence of acupuncture in this point on dermic temperature at some other points.
Material: Acupuncture needle No. 4(length 48mm, diameter 0.17mm).
Apparatus: Thermister MGA III-219 (dermic thermometer, made by Nippon Koden).
Method: The electrodes of Thermister were mostly attached to 3 points between each metacarpal bones in back of hand (P. Q. R.)
After measurement of temperature in these points for 10 minutes, the needle was inserted in “Go-koku” for 10 minutes. After the needle was taken off, the measurement was continued for 10 minutes more.
Inserted point was selected in an triangular area which was formed by 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones. Then the needle was inserted in one of five points in this area.
In every time of the experiments, the fluctuation of dermic temperature at each point was observed by measurement for 30 minutes.
Result: -are as follow-By this experiment on the influenced points' (P. Q. R) dermic temperature, especially the fluctuation of the temperature was remarkable in P or Q point of the 3 points and the other hand, erythema and edema in the experimental hand were observed.

View full abstract

When an electric current flows in an electrolytic solution, electrolysis occurs at both poles. In the living body as well, when electrical current passes through a needle inserted into the epidermis, electrolysis at this point results in corrosion.
When low-frequency electrical apparatus is used with the differing factors of waveform, time of electrical flow, distance between positive and negative poles and amount of current, what degree of electrolysis will be produced? With an experimental case utilizing positive-negative spike waveform, and a control case utilizing positive squarewave, differences in the waves were observed and the resulting electrical corrosion was noted.
(1) Among the factors of electrical corrosion (frequency, time of electrical flow, distance between poles), the amount of electricity most influences the degree of electrical corrosion.
(2) If a positive square wave current passes through the needle, breakage of the needle may occur on the needle.
(3) The positive-negative spike waveform, when compared to the positive square waveform, results in almost no electrical corrosion.

View full abstract

As at the present Western medicine offers no dependable cure for chronic hepatitis there are presently many patients suffering from this disease over a long period of time. We have examined the possibility of curing chronic hepatitis using Chinese medical techniques involving a combination of herbal medicine and acupuncture-moxibustion therapy. At this time we would like to report our results.
We have conducted our examinations on 34 patients during the past year. One problem encountered was the analysis of tretment results. In terms of Western medicine there are liver function tests or biopsy by which results can be examined, however, in Eastern medicine analysis is based principally on the patient's subjective symptoms, for example, abdominal swelling or bloatedness, aching of arms and legs, tiring easily, etc.
Research was conducted by dividing the patients into two groups. To one group only herbal medicine was administered. To the other group herbal medicine was administered together with acupuncture-moxibustion therapy. Results were analyzed both through examination of subjective symptoms and liver function tests.
Results
1. Better results according to data from the liver function tests as well as in relief of subjective symptoms were observed in the group to which both acupuncture-moxibustion therapy and herbal medicine were administered.
2. Formerly it was stated that chronic hepatitis patients usually display symptoms in Eastern medicial terms of liver deficiency however, our results based on pulse diagnosis and observation of subjective symptoms revealed that most patients showed spleen-pancreas deficiency. This phenomenon is not completely understood however we may explain it in the following way. Liver disorder which occurs perhaps leads to a disorder in portal circulation and thus also circulatory problems occur in the intestinal wall which may cause the abdominal swelling, also the relation with the spleen and pancreas should be noted.

View full abstract

1. Acupuncture-moxibustion therapy must involve the use of the least number of points possible to produce good treatment results. I would like to report the results of treatment using Chinese needles at GB-26.
2. GB-26 is located on the Gall Bladder Meridian, however it is also the point at which the Gall Bladder Meridian intersects with the extraordinary meridian, TAIMYAKU, thus insertion at this point stimulates both the Gall Bladder Meridian and the TAIMYAKU meridian. Consequently, nerve functions and circulation in these areas are regulated. Anatomically and physiologically, this point has been found to be effective in the treatment of gynecolgical disease.
3. Horizontal insertion was performed in the direction of CV-4 to the depth at which 1-2cm. of the needle body remains above the skin. Depending on the individual patient's constitution, 0.32mm. (Diameter)-9cm. (Length), 0.32mm.-10cm., or 0.32mm.-12cm, Chinese needles were selected. Needles were left stationary for 10-20 minutes then withdrawn.
4. A. Concerning the acupuncture sensation (TOKKI) and its peripheral movement, it was found that the sensation was fastest in the area near the point of insertion (hypogastrium) and slower as the distance from the point increases (feet, etc.).
B. Concerning points of induration and tenderness, comparison of such areas before and after treatment revealed that insertion relieved these symptoms. Change was observed in the hypogastrium within five minutes of tresatment, in the lower legs within fifteen minutes.
C. Concerning peripheral sensitivity, though insertion was performed by more than one therapist, changes upon insertion were great.
D. Concerning skin temperature, it was observed that immediately after treatment temperature dropped, however, the drop was soon followed by a rise in temerature which after thirty minutes measured 0.6°-1°C. This condition continued 3-5 days after needle withdrawal, then returned to normal. It was observed however that by administering treatment at 3-5 day intervals it was possible to maintain the skin temperature and that after several treatments this temperature became constant and remained so.
5. Results were observed in the treatment of irregular menses, hypothermia, endometritis and about ten other diseases.
6. Results of treatment of 45 cases were as follows; 22 cases-excellent, 17 cases-good. Poor results were observed in no cases.
7. In closing then, the insertion at GB-26 results in stimulation over a wide area of the body and affects lower portions of the body to a greater extent than the upper portion.

View full abstract

Generally I believe that it is almost impossible to cure new difficult diseases without depending on newly developed theories. About twenty years ago I began to believe that if the ancient Chinese medicine were to be further developed and a suitable hypothesis stated rather than adapting a theory of modern medicine, then the ancient Chinese medicine is administered based on that hypothesis, effective treatment should be possible. Several hypotheses such as the intracutaneous needle and visceral hyperemia theory, the pain and tissue fluid theory, and the body fluid theory have been developed. I applied the body fluid theory to modern difficult diseases. Following are two examples of my experience with the treatment of leukemia.
Case 1: Female, 20 years. The patient's condition was diagnosed as leukemia at a municipal hospital. The condition of the patient's blood began to improve from the very first treatment, After 19 treatments she was declared completely cured by the head of the hospital and has shown no relapse of symptoms for the past five years.
Case 2: Male, 12 years. The patient's condition was diagnosed by a medical doctor as leukemia and tic's disease. Western medical treatment served only to impair conditions. After seven acupuncture treatments the leucocyte count dropped from 14000 to 7000. Other symptoms were completely alleviated after 20 treatments, There has been no relapse of symptoms in the past three years.
In addition I would like in the future to report my results with the treatment of cancer, epilepsy, purpura, leukoderma, muscular dystrophy, etc. I would appreciate the comments and criticisms of my colleagues.

View full abstract

It has been said that colorblindness is incurable however today we often hear of cases which have been cured.
I am not claiming to have found a cure for colorblindness but would like to report at this time that in several cases it was observed that the patients after treatment were able to read the color chart which they had not been able to read before treatment. These included one case of complete color blindness and several partial cases. Research Methods
A #3, 40mm. needle was inserted to a depth of 3mm. and left stationary for thirty minutes at SOTOYOCHI, located about 10mm, lateral to TH-4. The patient was asked to examine the color chart 30 minutes later and results before and after treatment were compared. If even slight improvement was observed treatment was continued until significant results were observed.
Results of Studies
Twenty-five patients were treated using only the above treatment method at SOTOYOCHI. Of these cases complete cure was observed in twenty cases. Treatment did not result in cure in one case and was discontinued before results were observed in the remaining four cases. In other cases ST-2, BL-3 and new Eye Points were also used therefore these cases were excluded from this report.
Conclusion
In most cases after treatment patients were able to pass the self defense force eye examination. (The self defense force is closed to those suffering from color blindness.)
Concerning the relationship between this color blindness point and the eye we can make the following statements.
1. According to the meridian theory, a branch of the Lesser Yang Triple Heater Meridian of the Arm reaches the eye. This same meridian is responsible for general metabolism balance thus the possibility exists of it affecting and correcting incomplete body growth and development.
2. From the point of view of the Hirata Zones' theory, this point lies in the kidney and large intestine zone which is also said to be the responsive zone for the eyes thus we can assume the possibility of producing effective treatment.
3. From the point of view of the molecular theory it may be assumed that the insertion of the needle causes a curative effect in the tissue cells.
As yet findings are not conclusive however it has been admitted in ophthalmological research that defects in the chromosomes do not necessarily indicate hereditary problems, thus we can see the need for color blindness therapy.

View full abstract

The basis of acupuncture-moxibustion therapeutical research are clinical examples. At this time we will investigate the clinical examples of acupuncturist, Bunshi Shirota.
In Bunshi Shirota's work, “Clinical Examples of Practical Acupuncture-moxibustion Therapy”, 547 cases including 262 various diseases are described. It used to be believed that the range of diseases to which acu-moxa treatment is applicable was limited however as we examine the wide range of diseases listed here we find it necessary perhaps to alter our concept on applicable diseases. However, looking at these examples from another point of view, it can not be overlooked that most of them represent chronic diseases in the stable stages, or that indications were that acupuncture therapy effected stabilizing reactions. In other words what we find rather than applicable are applicable stages of disease. Moreover in many cases what was reported was not complete cure but rather alleviation of symptoms. For this reason it is necessary to examine the reported necessary treatment period. Doing so we discover that except for cases in which cure was reported within a week, most cases required about a year of treatment.
His treatment method involved the addition or elimination of two or three points from the basic treatment points. Moxibustion therapy was principally administered with acupuncture therapy used to supplement treatment.
The chief characteristic of treatment was that in most cases moxa-points were marked on the patient's body so as to enable him to administer moxibustion treatment to himself at home, necessitating a high degree of cooperation between between the therapist and patient. This represents the ideal form of therapy for chronic diseases.
Examining the treatment philosophy, if acupuncture-moxibustion therapy is considered a stimulation dependant on the body's own power to heal itself (homeostasis), this is thoroughly correct. In other words, it can be said that he clearly understood in what areas acupuncture-moxibustion could be most effective.
As indicated above, treatment was examined through various examples. This work in that it offers insight into the foundation of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy, stands as a great contribution to the science of acupuncture.

View full abstract