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Dr. Mindy Boxer – What Japanese Acupuncture Can Do for You

If Acupuncture is new to you, you might not know that there are different forms of acupuncture. While Chinese acupuncture is a bit more mainstream here in the West, Japanese acupuncture is becoming renowned for its effectiveness.

Traditional Japanese acupuncture (which includes Meridian Therapy) is defined as “an imbalance in qi and blood flowing in the meridians which is considered to be the cause of disease.” The aim is to regulate the flow of both qi and blood.

Its roots are in Chinese acupuncture but there are some differences. Read on to learn what those are so you can see if Japanese acupuncture is right for you.

Needles

The first difference involves the types of needles used. Both Chinese and Japanese needles are often made from the highest grade surgical stainless steel, however Japanese needles are typically much finer than their Chinese counterparts. This is great news for patients who experience minimal pain or discomfort.

Depth

In the Japanese style of acupuncture, needles are inserted at a shallower depth than in Chinese acupuncture. This is due to a difference in philosophy as Chinese practitioners’ believer the body’s energy (or qi) is reached through deeper insertion and stimulation, where Japanese practitioners believe this same energy is found closer to the surface.

Tailored Treatment

Often, in Chinese acupuncture, a practitioner will place needles in certain channels of the body and leave them there for a desired amount of time, depending on what is being treated and the severity. The practitioner may leave the room and begin work on another patient.

However, in Japanese acupuncture, importance is placed on the correct dosage for each patient. What this means is that diagnostic indicators are constantly monitored to make sure the desired changes are occurring within the body. This means the practitioner is present and working with the patient for most of the session to make sure the desired outcome is achieved.

“Alive Points”

Perhaps the biggest difference between the two types of acupuncture is in the treatment of what Japanese acupuncturists term, “alive points.” Unlike Chinese acupuncture where a fixed anatomical location on the body is treated, Japanese practitioners will use palpation along the meridian to find an “alive point” requiring treatment.

Two Styles

There are two main styles of Japanese acupuncture. The Toyo Hari involves palpation of the pulse, stomach (Hara) and channels along certain areas of the body to determine what needs to be re-balanced. Then, gold, silver stainless steel and/or Moxa are used to stimulate the flow of energy at active or “alive” points on the body. Sometimes, with this style of Japanese acupuncture, there is no insertion of needles at all.

Manaka involves the use of polarity devices and magnets to stimulate deeper channels. This style is often helpful in treating liver conditions.

There are other different techniques used including contact needling, simple insertion, sparrow pecking (once the needle reaches a certain depth it is repeatedly moved up and down by a few millimeters), twisting, flicking, and electro acupuncture just to name a few.

If you are considering Japanese acupuncture, talk to me about your health goals. I can answer your questions and will do a full health history to determine the best course of treatment for you.   I have been practicing Japanese Sryle Acupuncture for over 25 years!

 

Dr. Mindy Boxer is a holistic practitioner who has grown into her specialties in an organic way. Understanding a range of disciplines allows her to integrate the wisdom of Ancient healing in combination with the most recent innovations in Scientific research. This dynamic blend has enabled Dr. Boxer to help patients in the prevention and treatment of disease for over 25 years.
At age 15, Dr. Boxer began her lifelong practice of Yoga & Meditation, read many Nutrition books, began Juicing her Vegetables, and explored and all Raw Diet.  Recognizing the importance of Nutrition in overall health, she earned her Ph.D. in 1986 in Nutrition and Human Behavior, providing her with a solid foundation to counsel and educate patients on how to attain health and vitality.
Her informative Lectures and appetizing Cooking Classes were the perfect forum to educate the community about the effects of food on Mood and Behavior, as well as in innovative ways to balance Body Chemistry in order to achieve overall well being.
Sensing a need to expand her training and understanding of the human body as a whole system, Dr. Boxer continued her studies in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine,  and in 1993 earned a Masters Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. She is licensed by the Medical Board of the State of California in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and is also licensed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.
These diverse disciplines give Dr. Boxer a unique view of the human body and how to keep it functioning in an optimal manner. Her practice of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Functional Nutrition have a profound effect on Hormonal balance, Rejuvenation, and Immune system enhancement.

Dr. Boxer has a particularly keen understanding of Women’s Health issues including Gynecological irregularity, PMS, Fertility, IUI & UVF support, Healthy Pregnancy & Delivery, and Menopausal issues. Her interest in the human body as a dynamic system has given her the understanding to deal with such problems as improper Digestion and elimination, Cancer Support, Allergies, back pain, tight neck and shoulders, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory distress, chronic fatigue, Insomnia, Stress, Anxiety and Depression.
She has also studied the art and science of Homeopathy, earning her Diplomate in Homeopathy from the Hahnemann College of Homeopathy in 1995. This allows her to treat the whole person — physically, mentally, emotionally.
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