Japanese Acupuncture

Acupuncture originated in mainland China over 3,000 years ago, possibly around theYellow River region in the northen part of China. Because of its geographic proximity, it is believed that acupuncture was introduced to and practiced in Korea and Japan as far as back in the pre-historic age or before the time of Christ. Historical records shows that it was in 562 or mid 6th century when acupuncture was officially introduced to Japan by a Chinese physician-monk who brought 160 volumes of medical books, including acupuncture books and diagrams (later he became a Japanese citizen). Since then Japanese acupuncturists have been constantly improving and refining the original styles of acupuncture for the past 1,500 years. We share more or less the same principle with our Chinese counterpart. However, the Japanese needles are much shorter and finer, and the needling techniques are gentler. The most distinctive difference is that Japanese acupuncturists use a metal
(or plastic) guide tube to insert such fine needles into the skin so that it makes the needle insertion very easy and painless. (Guide tube insertion technique was first started by Waichi Sugiyama in the 18th century.) This technique helps to keep needles clean during insertion too.

By taking advantage of advanced modern science and technologies, Japanese acupuncturist have invented a wide variety of new types of acupuncture needles.

It is also a Japanese company SEIRIN that started manufacturing pre-sterilized disposable acupuncture needles for the first time in the world in 1980. Currently SEIRIN's impeccable quality needles are dominating the world market of acupuncture needles, and it is helping to popularize the use of a guide tube for needle insertion, even among Chinese acupuncturists. Our clinic uses only hygienic, disposable SERIN needles.