There are many styles of Japanese acupuncture. The style described below is that practised and taught by Kiiko Matsumoto.

Kiiko Matsumoto's style of acupuncture is a unique synthesis of classical Chinese Medicine, the teaching of her own Japanese Masters and many years of extensive clinical experience. It is part of an ongoing tradition that Kiiko has inherited from her Masters in Japan and which she continues to develop.

Foremost among these teachers was Master Kiyoshi Nagano, a blind acupuncturist, who is the principle influence on this style. Kiiko has also studied with shiatsu Masters Kuzome and Nasako and this is reflected in her extensive use of palpation techniques.

The classical Chinese texts are the foundation of all acupuncture and this style of Japanese acupuncture is no different. Kiiko has spent many years studying the classical Chinese texts, in particular those dating from the Han Dynasty and then drawing those concepts into her clinical practice.

Because Kiiko has studied many different styles and techniques this means that the practitioner of this style has a range of treatment options to choose from and can more easily adapt the treatment to the patient's needs. Dr Yoshio Manaka, one of Kiiko's teachers said "we must choose the methods that work best...It is important that we be aware that not all methods work at all times; thus we must have other methods we may use in special cases, and be flexible to change our methodology based on the response of the patient." (1)

This flexible and multifaceted approach is a corner stone of Kiiko's style.

(1) From private discussions and notes of Dr. Manaka.
Quoted from Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea.
Matsumoto, Birch p241

Hara
At the core of this style is Hara (abdominal) diagnosis. This diagnosis gives vital information about what is happening at the very core of a patient's energy. To get to the root of the problem one must assess the condition of the root itself.

'The Yellow Emperor asked, "The pulse can be normal, yet sometimes people die, why is this?"
Qi Bo answered, "Each of the twelve meridians has a relationship to the source of the vital energies [the living Qi]. The source of the vital energies is the root origin of the twelve meridians, it is the moving qi between the kidneys. This means that the source of the vital energies is fundamental to the five yin and six yang organs, the root of the twelve meridians, the gate of breathing. It is the source [origin] of the triple warmer. Another name for it is the Shen which protects against evil; therefore Qi is the root of the person. This is why if the root is dying, the stems and branches [meridians and organs] will be drying [drying-out], yet appear normal. The vital Qi is dying on the inside, but is normal on the outside" (2).

Kiiko uses a firm palpation of the Hara's reflexes and a simple method of feedback that allows both the practitioner and patient to be aware of the changes that have taken place during the treatment. The foundation for this style is the Five Element model of the abdomen found in the Nan Jing. Overlaid on top of this classical foundation are other diagnostic areas or reflexes that embrace both ancient and modern understanding.

Hands On
Another main feature of this style of acupuncture is that it is very 'hands on'. Not only is there a lot of palpation used for diagnosis of the Hara, palpation is used to check reflexes in the neck, head and back plus the distal points used for treatment. Many people who come to this style with a background in bodywork find this aspect particularly rewarding and most patients too find the closer contact more comfortable.

Scar Treatment
Poorly healed scar tissue can be a major block to successful healing causing not just problems at the site of the scar but also at secondary locations or organs, by interfering with the meridian flow. Kiiko Matsumoto has pioneered the treatment of scar tissue as a way to unblock Qi and heal problems that have not responded to other treatments.

Unique point Locations
Japanese acupuncture uses many unique points, point locations and indications and these are a feature of this style. In addition the diagnostic feedback method in this style means that each point used will be unique for each patient rather than simply a text book location.

(2) Nan Jing chapter 8, vol.1, p11.
Quoted from Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea.
Matsumoto, Birch p12

Needling
Emphasis in this style is very much on patient comfort. Very thin needles are used with the normal gauge being Japanese no2 (0.18 mm, Chinese 38 gauge). Guide tubes are always used. Needling is not necessarily very shallow like some Japanese styles, but needle stimulation is kept to a minimum, with emphasis placed on correct angle, direction and depth, rather than obtaining a strong "deqi" sensation. This makes for a very 'patient friendly' style of acupuncture, with patients often pleasantly surprised how painless acupuncture can be.

Direct (Thread) Moxa
Thread moxa is used frequently in this style to strengthen treatment. It is used either at the base of the needle or on it's own. It involves lighting tiny 'threads' of super pure moxa placed on top of a spot of Shiunko ointment.

Kyutoshin Moxa
Moxa on the needle - familiar to most acupuncturists - is used to warm larger areas.

Tiger Warmer
The Tiger Warmer is a heated incense pen which allows variable heat and pressure to be applied directly to the body at precise points or larger areas. It is quite simply one of the easiest, safest and most patient friendly methods of treatment using heat.

Ion Equipment
Originally invented by Dr. Yoshio Manaka in the 1950's this method of treatment represents a modern understanding of the healing mechanism of Qi. Special cords pump the ion flow between connected needles. Kiiko Matsumoto's style incorporates both Dr. Manaka's treatment protocols and those of Master Kawai, inventor of the diode ring.

Magnets
These are used during treatment, for healing scar tissue or on patients who are very sensitive to needles. They are frequently used to enhance and prolong the effects of the treatment by applying them at the end of the session as "homework" for certain key points.

Press tack (Enpishin) and Intradermal (Hinaishin) Needles.
These are used in a similar way to magnets at the end of treatment as "homework" for certain key points.

How can I learn this style?
For students in the UK and Europe, Dulwich Acupuncture runs regular introductory weekend workshops, where people can learn the theory and get hands on practice of the techniques. We also invite Kiiko to London at least once a year to teach, on a variety of themes. These classes are naturally more advanced and people often benefit more if they have taken an introductory weekend first. For people in the USA please visit www.kiiko.com where you will find a list of her teaching schedule.

How can learning this style help my practice?
This style offers a very different approach from TCM and Five Element acupuncture in both diagnosing and treating patients. It offers a range of treatment methods, not just needles, allowing a great versatility in the treatment room and also addresses syndromes that are often difficult to treat using acupuncture, such as Blood Stagnation.

The direct feedback method of diagnosis and treatment allows both patient and practitioner to feel confident that a change in the energy has taken place.

It is a gentle and patient friendly style of treatment allowing treatment of even very sensitive patients.

In short Kiiko Matsumoto style treatments give the practitioner many new strings to their bow, which is so important in building a successful practice.

Is it a difficult style to learn?
Like anything it takes time and practice to learn. However, most of the protocols and techniques can be incorporated into and existing practice repertoire very easily. People with a background in body work or who enjoy working closely with their patients will certainly take to this style very easily.

I am shiatsu practitioner, can I learn this style too?
Yes. Although of course you will not be able to use needles, there are a number of other ways of treating eg magnets, tiger warmer or of course any of the points can be used with shiatsu. In fact when Kiiko first came to this country in 1991 she taught at the Shiatsu College.

AOQ....Any Other Questions?

If you have any further questions about Kiiko Matsumoto style of Japanese acupuncture please get in touch:

professional@dulwichacupuncture.co.uk