What is Toyohari?

  Toyohari is a form of Meridian Therapy, a highly refined system of Traditional Japanese Acupuncture.  In Japan, many practitioners of this style are blind and have developed extraordinary sensitivity to energy (Ki) through the practice of Ki diagnosis, pulse diagnosis, and non-insertive needling techniques.  The theoretical foundation of Toyohari is derived from the Japanese and Chinese medical classics, in particular the Su Wen, Ling Shu and Nan Jing.  However, much of Toyohari is not a theoretical edifice.  Rather, it is a pragmatic, clinical, intuitive approach to acupuncture practice.  Every theory used in Toyohari practice has been tested and validated through intensive training and clinical experience.   The diagnostic process in Toyohari focuses on meridian relationships, five-phase and yin-yang theory, and the four examinations, with special attention paid to Ki.  Toyohari-style Ki diagnosis centers on feedback from the pulse to monitor the Ki of the client before, during and after treatment.   Treatment centers on supplementing the primary deficiency pattern, or SHO of the patient, and balancing the distribution and circulation of Ki within the meridian system. To accomplish this, the practitioner employs a delicate technique (using fine gold or silver needles inserted superficially or only touched to the skin on "live points") and applies supplementation or dispersion to deficient or excess meridians.  Integral to this style of treatment is a highly refined and effective approach to assessing and treating Ja Ki or unhealthy Ki.  

What happens in an acupuncture treatment?   There are two parts to each session: diagnosis and treatment.  In actual fact, of course, they are inseparable, but on the first treatment they are more clearly defined.   The Diagnosis   Initially, it is important for me to understand the context of your complaint in relation to you as a person.  This involves some conversation and my taking details of both your medical and your life history.   From this, my intention is to diagnose and treat any detectable underlying imbalance, as well as to treat the complaint itself. (This is why acupuncture is so good at remedying those nebulous complaints of general unwellness, as well as providing preventative medical care.) Traditionally this is known as treating the "root" (after which the treatment of the "branch," or the complaint itself, is made easier).  To do this, I palpate the radial pulse and the abdomen, the backs of the calves, and some of the meridians and points themselves, looking for particular patterns of imbalance.   The Treatment   Often, a set of two or four points are treated, often in the lower legs and forearms or wrists.  These needles may be connected to each other. People often find this part of the treatment profoundly relaxing.   More often than not, the treatment will involve some " toyohari " treatment, during which I select and treat a few points with a silver needle. The aim of this is to balance the meridians. It involves some concentrated work on my behalf, but is great for the patient, because the needle never penetrates the skin.   After this, I may insert some needles in sensitive points in the back (we all have them!), and sometimes burn moxa on the handles of these needles. This is generally experienced as being extremely pleasurable and relaxing, like lying on a beach in the sunshine.  Alternately, I may just do more "toyohari" treatment on the back.    

Benefits of Japanese Meridian Therapy   It provides an instant measure of effectiveness. The palpatory diagnostic methods in this style of acupuncture offer the practitioner an instant measure of the effectiveness of their treatment.  Both the acupuncturist and the patient will have instant feedback about how well the treatment is working because the same reflexes which are used to determine the best treatment also gauge the effectiveness of the treatment.   It's a totally new way to look at patients. This unique style of acupuncture offers a totally new way to look at patients.  It combines classical Chinese medical principles with modern pathophysiology in a way that facilitates understanding and brings out the best in both the old and the new.   There is a technique suitable for any patient. Within the treatment methods used in this system of acupuncture, there is a technique suitable for any patient.  As a rule the needling methods are shallow and virtually painless, using the smallest gauge needles available.  However, for the patient for whom needling is contraindicated, there are numerous noninvasive techniques that are highly effective.  The use of diodes, magnets, and other techniques give the practitioner many options with which to treat the most difficult patient.   There is no more guesswork. In many ways this style of acupuncture takes the practice of acupuncture from the ambiguous realm of theory into the direct experience of reality.  There is no more guesswork. In this system, we treat what we feel.  If the reflex is not present, or if specific treatment points do not significantly change the reflex quality, then a more viable treatment option must be found. Both practitioner and patient always have an immediate indication as to the effectiveness of the treatment.