Our clinic aims to convey the appeal of acupuncture to those who have never experienced it before. As with everything, first impressions are crucial.

A positive initial experience can lead to a fondness for acupuncture. Being a natural therapy, there’s no need to worry about side effects.

In this post, we’ll provide an overview of acupuncture in Japan for those who have never tried it, to help you make an informed choice.

Classification of Acupuncture Treatments

You may have already noticed that acupuncture treatments in Japan are diverse. The theories and techniques vary.

Even as an acupuncturist, I can’t fully grasp how other practitioners operate. Much remains unclear until you actually experience it. However, we can broadly categorize treatments as follows:

1. Acupuncture Only or Acupuncture + Manual Techniques

Some clinics offer acupuncture alone, while others combine it with massage-like manual techniques. It’s difficult to conclude which is better, but if you’re seeking an acupuncture specialist, we recommend choosing acupuncture-only treatments. Our clinic focuses solely on acupuncture.

2. Few Needles or Many Needles

There’s no guideline for how many needles to use in a session, so it’s up to the acupuncturist’s judgment. Practitioners generally fall into two camps: those who select fewer, highly effective acupoints to minimize discomfort, and those who use more points to maximize effects, accepting some discomfort as inevitable.

For first-timers, we recommend clinics that follow the former approach. Our clinic strives for maximum effect with minimal acupoints.

3. Traditional Eastern Medicine or Western Medicine Approach

While acupuncture is often associated with Eastern medicine, not all acupuncture is based on Eastern medical principles. For instance, simply inserting needles where there’s pain or stiffness isn’t Eastern medicine – it’s a primitive, basic method without deep theoretical backing.

Clinics practicing Eastern medicine use specific acupoints, each with unique effects on internal organs and muscles. Few acupuncturists in Japan can fully harness the potential of these acupoints. If you want to experience their effects, choose a clinic well-versed in Eastern medicine. Our clinic values Eastern medical principles in our treatments.

4. High-Cost or Low-Cost

In acupuncture, price doesn’t always reflect skill level. Each clinic sets its own prices. Generally, clinics in areas with high property values charge more, while those in less expensive areas tend to be cheaper. Location often influences price more than skill level. You might find high-level treatments at affordable prices or mediocre treatments at premium rates. Our clinic strives to provide value that exceeds our pricing.

What We Pay Attention To

Friendly Approach

First-time patients are often nervous. Our primary goal is to ease this tension. We aim to create a comfortable atmosphere through friendly interactions. Our clinic isn’t a formal place, so please feel free to relax.

Prior Explanation

We always explain what kind of needles we’ll use and what procedures we’ll perform beforehand. There won’t be any surprises during treatment. Feel free to ask about anything that concerns you.

Cleanliness

We maintain a clean clinic environment, prioritizing hygiene. We use disposable needles, opening them just before use and discarding them immediately after. There’s no risk of infection through acupuncture treatment.

No Pressure for Repeat Visits

We welcome one-time experiences. While we’d be happy to see you again if you enjoy the treatment, there’s no problem if you visit just once. We often treat travelers visiting Japan. Consider acupuncture as a unique experience to add to your memories of Japan.