Japanese Acupuncture
Here at Integrative Wellness Center in Oakland, Dr. Ana Hortillosa practices Japanese style acupuncture. Kiiko Matsumoto style acupuncture is a modern approach to traditional Japanese acupuncture, developed by Kiiko Matsumoto, a prominent acupuncturist. It blends classical Japanese acupuncture with a clinical focus and emphasizes palpation-based diagnostic techniques.
Here are some key elements of Kiiko Matsumoto’s style:
Palpation-Based Diagnosis: One of the central features of Kiiko Matsumoto’s style is the heavy reliance on palpation (feeling the body) for diagnosis. Practitioners feel for abnormalities in the patient’s body, such as tenderness, tightness, or areas of heat, which provide clues about the patient’s health condition.
Microsystem-Based Approach: It integrates a system of diagnostic points that can be palpated on various parts of the body, including the abdomen, chest, and back. By identifying changes in these areas, the practitioner is able to understand the energetic state of the organs and systems involved.
Emphasis on the “Hara”: In Kiiko Matsumoto’s style, the abdomen (called the “Hara”) is a crucial area for both diagnosis and treatment. The practitioner palpates the Hara to identify energetic imbalances, which is similar to traditional Japanese acupuncture but with a more refined approach.
Treatment Principles: Treatment often involves a combination of needling, moxibustion (burning of the herb mugwort near the skin), and sometimes manual techniques. Kiiko Matsumoto’s style tends to focus on balancing the energetic patterns in the body, rather than merely targeting symptoms.
Use of “Extra Points”: Kiiko Matsumoto’s method uses a range of “extra points,” which are acupuncture points outside of the classical channel system. These points are specifically chosen for their effectiveness in treating various conditions based on palpation and clinical presentation.
Clinical Focus and Precision: The style emphasizes precision in treatment, with practitioners tailoring acupuncture points and techniques specifically to the individual based on their diagnosis and response to treatment.
This style is often used for both chronic and acute conditions and is known for its effectiveness in treating a wide range of disorders, especially those involving pain, digestive issues, and emotional imbalances.
Overall, Kiiko Matsumoto’s acupuncture style is highly individualized, combining traditional wisdom with contemporary diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. It’s considered both gentle and deeply effective, with a focus on treating the root causes of imbalance rather than just alleviating symptoms.
