What is Toyohari?
Acupuncture is being increasingly accepted, both by the medical establishment and the general public, as a reputable and safe way of treating a wide range of conditions. Toyohari is a refinement of this 2,500 year old tradition, derived from classical Chinese medical knowledge. These original techniques and methods have been innovatively reviewed in the context of both modern clinical experience and in the context of the times in which we live. Toyohari’s gentle approach, which emphasises touch, was developed in Japan where acupuncture has been uniquely influenced by its four-hundred year old tradition of blind acupuncture practitioners. The treatment is largely based on the practitioner’s ability to feel and work with Qi (pronounced chee), a subtle energy which flows throughout a person’s body and in particular along twelve main channels or meridians. Practitioners use specialised needle techniques, unique to Toyohari, which are very gentle and non-invasive, making it particularly suited to those who are wary of needles.
What makes Toyohari different from other styles of acupuncture?
Acupuncture has evolved and developed in many different historical and cultural contexts since it originated in ancient China. There are many different styles of acupuncture used today. The most common and widely known is TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine).
Toyohari acupuncture, whilst based on similar fundamental principles, is experienced in quite a different way by the patient. It is a gentle yet dynamic treatment using very fine needles and specialised needle techniques many of which are non-insertive. This ability to influence the flow of the energy (or Qi) using such subtle techniques is specifically characteristic to Toyohari. This system was developed in Japan by blind practitioners, as a style of Meridian Therapy acupuncture. For the past four hundred years, visually-impaired practitioners have played a major part in the more recent development of acupuncture in Japan. Because of this, there is a strong emphasis on palpation and feeling the quality of the energy (or Qi) that flows through the meridian system as well as a continuing refinement of extremely delicate techniques. The Toyohari Association in Japan ensures that Toyohari acupuncture is a living tradition where diagnostic and treatment techniques are continuously being re-examined and evaluated in the context of the twenty-first century and its rapidly changing life-style.
What is involved in a Toyohari treatment?
Treatment is a very relaxing experience. Traditional diagnosis involves taking the details of your case, including your past and present medical history. Once on the treatment table, the practitioner will gently palpate the meridians and your abdomen and feel the pulse at the wrist. Treatment involves addressing the root energetic imbalance in order to strengthen the whole body. Just as a tree depends on its roots, once a strong balance is achieved, the branches begin to grow and flourish. Branch treatment addresses the specific presenting conditions for which you have sought treatment. Warming herbs (moxibustion), cupping and other techniques unique to Toyohari are used. You may experience a sensation of warmth and tingling as the points are stimulated. Often people feel a sense of calm and well-being during the treatment itself and immediately afterwards.
Indications for Toyohari
Some people choose acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or to relieve specific pains like osteoarthritis of the knee. Others come because they feel generally unwell but have no obvious diagnosis. Many simply want to enhance their feeling of well-being, and return to acupuncture again and again because they find it so beneficial and relaxing .
Because Toyohari aims to treat the whole person rather than specific symptoms in isolation, it can be effective for a range of conditions and is suitable for all ages including babies, pregnant women and children, and can be used alongside conventional medicine.
Please note that from the 1st March 2011 the Advertising Standards Authority no longer permits practitioners to state or suggest that either acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine can treat specific conditions, regardless of a practitioner’s training or experience. This is despite innumerable clinical trials of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture that have been carried out in many countries over many years. However, if you wish to discuss treatment of a particular condition, then please contact one of our practitioners for further information regarding the treatment of your condition.
Subtle
Toyohari practitioners use non-insertive and specialised needle techniques, unique to this acupuncture style. The treatment is therefore very gentle and non-invasive. Since the treatment is pain free and non-invasive, it is particularly suited to children as well as anyone who is wary of needles.
Individual
A specific characteristic of Toyohari is its focus on gently influencing the flow of the Qi (often translated as vital energy) using these delicate techniques. Diagnostic methods that assess the state of Qi throughout the body enable the practitioner to develop a tailor-made treatment plan suitable for each patient’s particular needs.
Treatment is usually weekly to begin with, although for very acute conditions it may be helpful to come more than once a week. As your condition improves, the sessions are spaced out. Some patients come monthly or once every 6-8 weeks for a health top up or for maintenance.