Japanese Acupuncture Healing Potential
By Alan | March 8, 2010
One of the greatest challenges facing me as a practitioner of Japanese acupuncture is effectively communicating it’s clinical diversity and power.
I believe the best way to do that is to inform you about some of the clinical case histories and challenges confronting those seeking treatment to rectify their specific disharmony, illness, pain or as often occurs in the case of elite sports people, optimize their performance potential.
Here are just a few examples of this potential, I trust these scenario’s will assist you in understanding some of the potential benefits of Japanese acupuncture.
Following is an excerpt from an e-mail kindly sent to me by a patient who has experienced significant health benefits from ongoing treatment.
This patient is a marine biologist who has recently traveled to San Francisco to spend a few months working with her colleagues stateside.
Hi Alan,
How are you? I hope you’ve been out in the water? I’m surfed out trying to get as many surf’s in as possible before heading to San Fran and hasn’t it been beautiful!
I just wanted to say thanks so much for your treatments, they have helped me enormously and I will miss coming in to see you over the next few months. The last treatment was fantastic – it seemed to clear away the nerve tingling and I felt a lot stronger. I wasn’t sleeping as well though but that’s probably to be expected with all the excitement around going overseas.
I’d love to continue acupuncture in San Francisco so if you do have some contacts for me I would really appreciate it. It has helped me beyond words so I’d love to keep it up and I will be sure to come see you again when I get back. I think half of the treatment is your presence and zest for life!
Hope you have a fantastic next couple of months and I’ll look forward to seeing you again when I get back!
As a practitioner this is a very satisfying and welcome communication indeed.
The correspondent works in a very demanding and results orientated field, often experiencing high levels of stress in an effort to meet externally imposed deadlines.
An entirely different perspective arises in discussing the clinical outcome for a patient who was diagnosed as suffering from a molar pregnancy, a condition whereby miscarriage is a 90% certainty.
Without going into details, after several treatments she is now very happily 23 weeks pregnant with an apparently healthy baby on the way according to her medical specialist.
In yet another case, the patient presented with an extremely painful and expansive episode of the shingles.
Whilst no miracle cure was at hand, there can be little doubt that regular Japanese acupuncture treatment aided in his full recovery from this debilitating condition in a relatively short amount of time.
A number of the physiotherapists with whom I practice at the Queensland Sports Medicine Center have sought treatment recently for difficulties in maintaining an extremely busy work schedule and focused fitness training as a result of impeded immune function.
Basically the more intense the training regime and the busier they were at work, the more often they were suffering from colds, flu’s and accompanying lethargy.
It is of no surprise to me that their condition appears to improve relative to the regularity of their treatment?
I often work in conjunction with the physiotherapists in an effort to bring about a more rapid and complete recovery of our patients.
One example of such cooperation is the work we have been doing to assist an ex-Australian cricketing legend prepare for the forthcoming IPL cricketing tournament in India.
Amongst other aspects of treatment, I believe Japanese acupuncture has been extremely beneficial in defusing much of the physical stress related to his increased training regime and the mental anguish associated with a making a decision regarding his involvement as a result of the security status of the tournament and concerns for his personal safety.
As well as recharging his energetic battery, Japanese acupuncture treatment also provided an extremely welcome refuge from the myriad of questions and potential outcomes that assuaged his mind during this most difficult of decision-making scenarios.
Last but not least, Emma Snowsill is the reigning Olympic Gold Medalist in the sport of Triathlon, an event that includes a 1500m swim, 40k bike ride and a 10k run.
Against the best female tri athletes on the planet, that implies insanely fit individuals with extra ordinary motors sharpened to a cutting edge by the hardness of competition and intense training, all striving to be at the absolute peak of their game for the ultimate reward for a competitive athlete, Emma won her gold medal in emphatic fashion at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
March 2010 and Emma has been struggling with persistent immune related problems for several months, including a diabolically compromised energetic status and repetitive breakdowns in her health resulting in continual colds and flu’s, a situation that saw her training regime severely compromised.
Over the last few months she has been receiving regular Japanese acupuncture treatment and her condition has improved markedly, to a point where she has recently been able to resume full training.
I believe regular weekly treatments have helped Emma accelerate her training regime whilst maintaining a robust immune status.
By way of explanation, Emma missed a treatment a couple of weeks ago, whilst continuing to accelerate her training regime she flew to Melbourne where she was subjected to a radical climate change, the end result was that she attended clinic last Wednesday suffering from a sore throat, streaming sinuses, increased lethargy and she was justifiably concerned that her health was about to crash again.
In short, after three treatments Emma left for Abu Dhabi today to attend the http://www.laureus.com/awards/ in good health, no runny nose, sore throat greatly improved and energetically much stronger.
I’m sure you’ll agree this is a preferable option when one is partaking in international travel and will see her able to enjoy this landmark event to the fullest.
As a practitioner of Japanese acupuncture the reality is that a majority of people through no fault of their own are totally ignorant of the diversity and power of this ancient healing modality.
Whilst most people are aware that acupuncture has the potential to help with neck, back, shoulder, knee, hip and ankle injuries and pain, headaches etc, most have little or no idea of its clinical diversity in the hands of an experienced and competent practitioner.
Alan
Alan Jansson is an internationally recognized teacher and practitioner of Traditional Japanese Acupuncture. For well over a decade, independent of and in conjunction with Masakazu Ikeda sensei and Edward Obaidey, Alan has presented, convened and hosted more than 40 Traditional Japanese Acupuncture workshops in Australia, New Zealand and USA. Driven by a strong desire to promote the consumer friendly nature, clinical efficacy and potency of Meridian Based Traditional Japanese Acupuncture, Alan is a staunch advocate of practically based workshops and draws upon his 25 years clinical experience and 14 years post and undergraduate teaching in a concerted effort to lift the bar globally in the clinical application of this most amazing medical art.
Join him in Exploring the Art of Acupuncture in the 21st century at : http://www.Worldacupuncture.com
Topics: Case Studies, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Japanese Acupuncture Education, Patient, Practitioner's Perspective, Pre and Post Natal, Pregnancy, Preventative Treatment, Sports Performance Enhancement, Stress and Anxiety, Testimonials | No Comments »
Japanese Acupuncture and TCM
By Alan | February 24, 2010
Japanese Acupuncture is distinctly different in application from it’s 2nd cousin TCM.
In response to a question posted on the http://worldacupuncture.com forum I am re running this blogpost in an effort to distinguish the difference in the application of Japanese Acupuncture and TCM.
Although each of these styles has merit, Japanese Acupuncture is unique in it’s ability to promote well-being in patients such Sarica, the subject of the video in this blogpost.
I believe the results speak for themselves and maintain that heavy duty needling could deflate a patient in such a tenuous energetic position.
25 years of clinical experience definitely confirms for me that judicious Japanese acupuncture can provide huge impetus towards better health in people of all ages.
There are many examples and in some cases video on this blog of positive clinical outcomes for children of all ages and adults of all shapes and sizes.
http://www.worldacupunctureblog.com/category/clinical/pre-and-post-natal
http://www.worldacupunctureblog.com/category/infant-acupuncture
According to Traditional East Asian medical physiology and philosophy, from conception to birth the child or children require an enormous amount of energy and nourishment from the mother to go from being a twinkle in the eye to a fully mature fetus.
In Traditional East Asian medicine the energetic impetus for this growth is provided by what we call the mothers Kidney energy and in some instances, depending upon her constitution, lifestyle and general health this scenario can cause a significant energetic imbalances in new mums.
In Traditional East Asian medical physiology the Kidneys provide the energetic basis upon which all metabolic and physiological functions depend.
In addition once the child is born a majority of mothers provide the sole nourishment, keeping production up to speed is the responsibility of Spleen/Pancreas meridian/organs.
Hence when there is an imbalance as a result of a combination of any of the above factors the affect can be extremely diverse and widespread.
Often appearing to be totally unrelated from an orthodox Western medical perspective, the symptoms are often intimately related when viewed from an Traditional East Asian medical perspective
In my experience most mums presenting with post natal health difficulties suffer from a significant imbalance in either or both of these functions, an imbalance reflected by various symptoms .
Including:
Post Natal Depression of varying degrees and severity.
Exhaustion.
Irrational fits of anger and an extremely short fuse.
Lactation difficulties, both quality and quantity.
And the list goes on‚
Regarding the suitability of Japanese Acupuncture for infants and children, my experience has shown that our medicine can provide an extremely effective adjunct to orthodox medical care, in many cases providing essential relief where orthodox medical applications are hamstrung in their ability to do so without the use of powerful and sometimes unsuitable medication.
I am not saying that acupuncture can replace pharmaceuticals only that in many instances there is huge potential to reduce dosage and dependence.
I believe all questions are most appropriately answered via clinical outcomes.
The ability to walk the talk not just talk the talk is of the utmost importance.
Certainly any modality that can reduce our culture’s dependence upon long-term medication for behavioral problems has to be a positive!
Below is a video of a significant portion of a Japanese Acupuncture Treatment for Post Natal Depression and Spinal Surgery.
Watch Acupuncture for Post-Natal Depression in Educational | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
Many thanks to Tatania Rubio who specializes in treatment for pregnancy, childbirth and infant acupuncture, for making her clinic space available for this treatment and some excellent camera work!
I recommended Sarica pursue a consistent and committed daily to thrice weekly treatment regime tonifying Ki.3 – Liv.3- GB.40 plus 7 – 9 cones of Tonetskyu or Rice Grain Moxa on ST.36 for the next 6 months.
Below is an email I recently received from Sarica.
I love her dedication and also the power of Japanesel acupuncture to significantly help folk in her situation.
hi there, alan,
so good to hear from you…you’ve been big on my mind, as i’m deep
with appreciation for your help, care and guidance, so i appreciate
your checking in on me. i’ve been faithful with the self-treatment,
including the moxa, and the biggest thing i’ve noticed is that my
brain and spirit are returning. i’d really been struggling with
fighting negativity, and that has improved tremendously. also, my
energy is more sustained, though i’m not pushing too hard with
exercise–just doing about half of what i think i can, and that keeps
me from feeling shaky and overdrawn afterward. finally, i feel like
i have a lot more control over my frustration and anger–i’m not
owned by it as i was, and that is improving my relations with and for
the kids day by day. honestly, i can’t thank you enough 
.
how are you? so looking forward to seeing you again–that was too
short! and i do hope to practice with you next time around…
you take care, now!
love,
Sarica
Warning!!! Not every Post Natal Depression patient presents with Liver Yang Deficiency Syndrome in the same way that not every Liver Yang Deficiency Patient presents with Post Natal Depression.
Alan Jansson is an internationally recognized teacher and practitioner of Traditional Japanese Acupuncture. For well over a decade, independent of and in conjunction with Masakazu Ikeda sensei and Edward Obaidey, Alan has presented, convened and hosted more than 40 Traditional Japanese Acupuncture workshops in Australia, New Zealand and USA. Driven by a strong desire to promote the consumer friendly nature, clinical efficacy and potency of Meridian Based Traditional Japanese Acupuncture, Alan is a staunch advocate of practically based workshops and draws upon his 25 years clinical experience and 14 years post and undergraduate teaching in a concerted effort to lift the bar globally in the clinical application of this most amazing medical art.
Join him in Exploring the Art of Acupuncture in the 21st century at http://www.Worldacupuncture.com
Topics: Case Studies, Infant Acupuncture, Japanese Acupuncture Education, Needling, Patient, Post Surgery, Pre and Post Natal, Stress and Anxiety, Student, Understanding Acupuncture, Video | No Comments »
New Japanese Acupuncture Videos
By Alan | February 11, 2010
This months Japanese Acupuncture Videos show the refined clinical skills of the one and only Stephen Brown!
Stephen is a renowned author, translator and Japanese Acupuncturist!
His translations of Dr Shudo Denmei’s groundbreaking works, “Japanese Classical Acupuncture: Introduction to Meridian Therapy” and “Finding Effective Acupuncture Points” are an enormous contribution to Japanese Acupuncture education in the English-speaking world.
Stephen Brown's Japanese Acupuncture/Meridian Therapy Workshop
Stephen graciously allowed World Acupuncture to film some of his marvelous Meridian Therapy workshop in Brisbane, 2009.
We are honored to share the footage with you!
Here are the links to the first 2 of 4 videos we will be publishing this month highlighting Japanese Acupuncture/Meridian Therapy palpation, diagnosis and treatment session performed by Stephen himself.
February is Stephen Brown Month at World Acupuncture!
7/2/10: VIDEO: Stephen Brown Demonstrates Meridian Palpation In Japanese Acupuncture.
http://www.worldacupuncture.com/members/205.cfm
In this video, Stephen begins his diagnostic procedures with meridian palpation on the four limbs and the radial pulse.
14/2/10: VIDEO: Stephen Brown Demonstrates Abdomen Palpation In Japanese Acupuncture.
http://www.worldacupuncture.com/members/206.cfm Note: This link will only become active on 14/2/10.
In this video, Stephen demonstrates his abdominal diagnostic procedures.
Stephen Brown's Japanese Acupuncture/Meridian Therapy Workshop
Stephen Brown is also an associate editor of the North American Journal of Oriental Medicine. You can subscribe to the excellent NAJOM by following this link: http://www.najom.org/membership.html
More videos will be released later in the month
All the Best in Practice,
Alan
Alan Jansson is an internationally recognized teacher and practitioner of Traditional Japanese Acupuncture. For well over a decade, independent of and in conjunction with Masakazu Ikeda sensei and Edward Obaidey, Alan has presented, convened and hosted more than 40 Traditional Japanese Acupuncture workshops in Australia, New Zealand and USA. Driven by a strong desire to promote the consumer friendly nature, clinical efficacy and potency of Meridian Based Traditional Japanese Acupuncture, Alan is a staunch advocate of practically based workshops and draws upon his 25 years clinical experience and 14 years post and undergraduate teaching in a concerted effort to lift the bar globally in the clinical application of this most amazing medical art.
Join him in Exploring the Art of Acupuncture in the 21st century at http://www.Worldacupuncture.com
Topics: Japanese Acupuncture Education | No Comments »
Japanese Acupuncture Workshops in 2010
By Alan | February 7, 2010
The Japanese acupuncture workshop schedule for 2010 is taking a more defined shape as we move inexorably into a very enticing year.
For those living and practicing Japanese Acupuncture locally please click on the following link to access the calendar for this year’s Japanese acupuncture workshop and study group schedule.
http://www.worldacupuncture.com/public/mgcal.cfm?calID=1&cmonth=02/07/2010
There is a strong possibility that I will be presenting a Japanese Acupuncture workshop in Prague later this year, Renata is working diligently to this end.
At this stage October is looking the most likely possibility.
I am also in discussion with Catherine about the possibility of presenting a Japanese Acupuncture Workshop in Melbourne sometime in 2010.
Kayomi has contacted me asking when and where I will be presenting my next workshop in the United States.
Subject to sufficient interest the most probable location for a Japanese Acupuncture workshop in the United States in 2010 would be San Diego, the timing more than likely would be late July.
This is an opportune time to mention that Masakazu Ikeda sensei will be presenting a Japanese Acupuncture workshop in San Francisco in March.
I highly recommend his workshops, I believe that they are an essential ingredient for those of us serious about taking our acupuncture practice to the next level, that has certainly been the case for me.
Tying myself down long enough to write this blog post has been somewhat excruciating and I would liken the experience to catching an unwilling greased pig.
Not withstanding that the surf has been pumping since last Wednesday, I’ve just returned from the Luminate 10 festival on the South Island of New Zealand,6 days of perfectly clear blue skies, radiant sunshine, crystal moonlit nights a chilly 2000 feet up in the mountains.
I was treated to an incredible musical banquet lasting 108 hours, the variety and quality of the music was quite outstanding and has left me in awe of the diverse nature of humanity and our creativity.
I captured a couple of thousand images that I have been beavering away editing since my return.
Below are a few images that hopefully reflect the harmony and diversity of Luminate 10.
As always I wish your great prosperity in your practice.
Kind Regards,
Alan
Looking Down From Takaka Hill towards Golden Bay
Fiery Circles
Full Moonscape
Virtual Star
Edoardo, DJ extraordinaire, delivered a sumptuous set of supremely danceable toons
Zen Mechanics, Wouter's birthday set after being stung by a bee for the first time was nothing short of mind blowing
Pan Electric, Chillin out in the chill zone. playing guitar. I discovered upon my return that I had 2 off Matt's albums, amongst the best music for clinic that I have found
Alan Jansson is an internationally recognized teacher and practitioner of Traditional Japanese Acupuncture. For well over a decade, independent of and in conjunction with Masakazu Ikeda sensei and Edward Obaidey, Alan has presented, convened and hosted more than 40 Traditional Japanese Acupuncture workshops in Australia, New Zealand and USA. Driven by a strong desire to promote the consumer friendly nature, clinical efficacy and potency of Meridian Based Traditional Japanese Acupuncture, Alan is a staunch advocate of practically based workshops and draws upon his 25 years clinical experience and 14 years post and undergraduate teaching in a concerted effort to lift the bar globally in the clinical application of this most amazing medical art.
Join him in Exploring the Art of Acupuncture in the 21st century at http://www.Worldacupuncture.com
Topics: Alan's Life and Travels, Japanese Acupuncture Education, Music and Festivals, New Zealand 2010 | 1 Comment »
Student of Japanese Acupuncture in China
By Alan | January 18, 2010
Greetings on yet another immaculate summers day down unda at Rainbow Bay.
A short post today with a link to one of 3 recent videos kindly provided by our intrepid videographer, Japanese Acupuncture student, soon to be practitioner, Andrew from deep in the heart of China.
Andrew, World Acupuncture videographer AKA. Ninja
VIDEO
This slow insertion technique is officially claimed to have been invented by professors at the Guang Xi Traditional Chinese Medicine University. Interestingly it resonates with classical principals such as that clearly outlined in the Nan Ching to not harm the defensive ki when treating the nutritive qi.
To view the video in it’s entirety please click on the link below.
http://www.worldacupuncture.com/public/200.cfm
Hope you enjoy.
Kind Regards,
Alan
Alan Jansson is an internationally recognized teacher and practitioner of Traditional Japanese Acupuncture. For well over a decade, independent of and in conjunction with Masakazu Ikeda sensei and Edward Obaidey, Alan has presented, convened and hosted more than 40 Traditional Japanese Acupuncture workshops in Australia, New Zealand and USA. Driven by a strong desire to promote the consumer friendly nature, clinical efficacy and potency of Meridian Based Traditional Japanese Acupuncture, Alan is a staunch advocate of practically based workshops and draws upon his 25 years clinical experience and 14 years post and undergraduate teaching in a concerted effort to lift the bar globally in the clinical application of this most amazing medical art.
Join him in Exploring the Art of Acupuncture in the 21st century at http://www.Worldacupuncture.com
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Japanese Acupuncture,Meridian Therapy preferred by elite tennis professional
By Alan | January 11, 2010
A warm welcome, especially to our Japanese Acupuncture/ Meridian Therapy/ Traditional Acupuncture colleagues ensconced in the depth of a freezing cold winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
It has taken me some time to get into gear for 2010.
The latter part of our spring and the first part of summer saw Rainbow Bay buffeted by unrelenting onshore winds and we were all but surf less for almost 10 weeks.
However, I’m absolutely delighted to report that since the 1st January we have seen some pretty constant offshore winds, presenting us with some pristine surfing conditions.
Last Wednesday was the highlight when I gorged myself on head high waves and a number of 200 m rides.
Along with the socializing often equated with our summer holiday season, the lush surfing conditions made tying myself to a desk and writing well-nigh impossible, my apologies.
To make up for my erroneous ways I have included a few images taken yesterday and this morning of Rainbow Bay in today’s blog post.
I hope you enjoy.
The View from my balcony at Rainbow Bay, Australia
Rainbow Bay, Gold Coast, Australia
Nothing like a bit of Didgeridoo to brighten up an already splendid morning
Beachgoers lapping up the sun at Rainbow Bay
Local surf instructor Davo and assistant preparing for another busy day
Japanese Acupuncture/Meridian Therapy preferred by Elite Tennis professional
In clinic last week Olga, a talented Ukrainian professional tennis player in town for the Brisbane lead up tournaments to the Australia open came into see me for Japanese acupuncture treatment.
By way of history she had received three Japanese acupuncture treatments about the same time last year.
Obviously she enjoyed the experience and derived some benefit from her treatment.
Olga lamented the lack of practitioners of similar style acupuncture on the world tennis circuit.
As a result I have undertaken to refer her to appropriate colleagues in the relevant cities in which I have a connection.
So far we have the Prague, Tokyo, New York and San Diego tournaments covered.
If you or someone you know practices Japanese acupuncture/Meridian therapy and the WTP world tour will be visiting your/their city at some time in 2010, http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tournaments/Event-Calendar.aspx , please email me alanatworldacupuncturedotcom and in turn I will send Olga your contact details.
Olga’s Treatment
Due in the main to the incredibly intense training regime and tournament schedule Olga adheres to, her symptoms and pulse I diagnosed her as Liver deficiency and used a Liv.8 – Ki.10 Root treatment, shunting GB.34.
In conjunction with her inherited constitution, a blending of lung, liver and kidney deficiencies, Olga naturally tends towards liver deficiency as a result of the extraordinary athletic effort required to become an elite tennis player, a sport that involves an unbelievable amount of intense running especially at the professional level.
The variations in the hardness of the surfaces upon which she trains and plays exact a severe toll upon her reserves of energy and her body’s cooling system, which according to traditional thinking is the primary responsibility of the Kidney complex.
It would be difficult to argue that the Kidney energy also plays a vital role in the harmonious function of the liver, enabling the liver to thoroughly cleanse the blood thus enhancing recovery from intense activity and literally preventing a meltdown.
Constant legwork during training plus an arduously regular competition places a huge load on three leg yin meridians contributing enormously to the load placed primarily on the Kidney and Liver Meridians.
In addition to the more internal workings of the Kidney and Bladder, the meridians are adjacent to each other at the insertion of the Achilles tendon on the heel.
Olga’s left Achilles tendon was the most adversely affected and palpation revealed areas around Ki.9, Sp.9 and the gallbladder meridian on the upper leg were exceptionally tender and tight.
After addressing the constitutional deficiencies via the root treatment I inserted the indicated back-shu points including ondan or moxa needle applied to BL.23.
Significant points of tenderness around the insertion of the Achilles tendon were located and either needles or rice grain moxibustion applied.
I also closely examined her lower legs for indurations and treated accordingly.
Olga specifically stated that no other treatment that she had come across was anywhere near as effective as Japanese Acupuncture/Meridian therapy including the use of cortisone and anti-inflammatory medication.
No more need be said!
We appreciate your interest and take your commitment to ‘Exploring the Art of Acupuncture’ seriously, having said that we are practitioners and students of Traditional Acupuncture first and foremost.
Our shortcomings in technology are many, we know we have a lot of room for improvement at http://worldacupuncture.com and will make every effort to continue to do so throughout 2010.
Kind regards,
Alan
PS.
Please feel free to ask questions and give feedback any time, thank you.
WORLD ACUPUNCTURE VIDEO UPDATES
Here are the latest updates for http://worldacupuncture.com
Our Chief Videographer, Andrew Beencke, is representing in China for the World Acupuncture Crew!
You can find the first of his reports here:
A Meridian Therapist in China, Week 1: Love at First Bite
http://www.worldacupuncture.com/public/193.cfm
Other video updates for members this January include:
7/1/10: VIDEO: Super-Superficial Needle Technique: Japanese Acupuncture Skills Training.
http://www.worldacupuncture.com/members/196.cfm
Takashi Furure has studied acupuncture extensively in Japan and is a highly skilled practitioner. In this video, he demonstrates a super-superficial insertion technique.
14/1/10: VIDEO: Japanese Acupuncture Treatment for Fatigue, Poor Appetite: Part 1.
http://www.worldacupuncture.com/members/197.cfm Note: This link will only become active on 14/1/10.
Alan treats a student for fatigue and poor appetite. Japanese acupuncture is particularly effective for these common problems. In this video, Alan demonstrates the use of foot pulses to differentiate between Spleen and Kidney deficiency. First of two videos.
21/01/10: VIDEO: Glandular Fever Sequelae: Theory and Treatment in Japanese Acupuncture: Part 5.
http://www.worldacupuncture.com/members/195.cfm Note: This link will only become active on 21/1/10.
The fifth and final video in our Glandular Fever series. Further indepth theoretical discussion of treatment strategies is contained within!
28/1/10: VIDEO: Japanese Acupuncture Treatment for Fatigue, Poor Appetite: Part 2.
http://www.worldacupuncture.com/members/198.cfm Note: This link will only become active on 28/1/10.
Second and final video in this series. There is an interesting discussion of the various kinds of Yang deficiency syndromes and a demonstration of scatter needling. There is also an unusual root treatment.
You are welcome to enjoy this month’s videos! On behalf of the World Acupuncture Crew, I sincerely wish that this last year of the decade is a prosperous one for you all.
Kind Regards,
Alan
Alan Jansson is an internationally recognized teacher and practitioner of Traditional Japanese Acupuncture. For well over a decade, independent of and in conjunction with Masakazu Ikeda sensei and Edward Obaidey, Alan has presented, convened and hosted more than 40 Traditional Japanese Acupuncture workshops in Australia, New Zealand and USA. Driven by a strong desire to promote the consumer friendly nature, clinical efficacy and potency of Meridian Based Traditional Japanese Acupuncture, Alan is a staunch advocate of practically based workshops and draws upon his 25 years clinical experience and 14 years post and undergraduate teaching in a concerted effort to lift the bar globally in the clinical application of this most amazing medical art.
Join him in Exploring the Art of Acupuncture in the 21st century at
http://www.Worldacupuncture.com
Topics: Case Studies, Japanese Acupuncture Education, Rainbow Bay, Sports Performance Enhancement | 2 Comments »
Japanese Acupuncture and 3 cases of over zealous application
By Alan | December 13, 2009
As Christmas approaches down under style, the stress of tying up all the loose ends in addition to an extraordinary dry and hot spell of weather has seen a number of my patients present to clinic energetically deflated.
3 of these patients were diagnosed as Liver yang deficiency syndrome, that is where the Ying and Yang aspects of the liver meridian and organ are exhausted.
In this scenario the patient feels overwhelmed and they have great difficulty in dealing with many of the day-to-day details that they might normally taken in stride.
In addition in many cases they have a poor appetite, cannot think straight and although they are absolutely exhausted, many of these patients have great difficulty in relaxing and in some situations suffer from various degrees of insomnia.
In the past week on3 separate occasions patients have returned after the previous treatment complaining of overwhelming fatigue and exhaustion immediately after treatment.
I’m sure you’ll agree that this is not an ideal scenario, my clinical ideal being that patients feel relaxed and invigorated after each treatment.
One of the patients is a medical practitioner with a very delicate constitution, without going into great detail she has been diagnosed amongst other things with multiple sclerosis.
Another has been in constant pain after complicated surgery on her lower back and in the instance of patient has an ongoing history clearly demonstrating blood deficient.
In all instances these patients are relatively new clients, undergoing Japanese acupuncture treatment for a month or less.
The anomaly in each of these situations is that the patients had experienced significant beneficial results from previous treatments and it is a unique experience for me that three patients should feel exhausted immediately after treatment in the space of one week.
In each instance I re diagnosed the patient to confirm that my original diagnosis was still correct.
After an exhaustive examination I was satisfied that my diagnosis of liver yang deficiency was correct, this could only mean one thing, I had over zealously treated all of them.
The root treatment for each of these individuals was the same, Kidney 3, Liver 3 and Gall Bladder 40, in one instance with the addition of Spleen 1.
The back shu points were very similar in all instances and rice grain moxibustion was applied to the point Governing vessel through.
What this meant to me was that in my endeavor to assist them I had fallen into the trap of more is better.
In the case of liver yang deficiency syndrome this is most definitely not what we or the patient want!
So I bit the bullet and utilized the same treatment in all cases, however in each instance I shortened the treatment time by at least 10 minutes meaning that each of the patients lay prone with the back shu points in position for no more than 15 minutes and I increased my awareness of depth of needling, focusing on more intention and less depth.
Whilst chastened by the fact that all three patients had responded so poorly to my previous treatments I was determined to rectify the situation immediately.
It is with relief that I can report that in all three cases the patients felt significant improvement in their energetic well-being, mental acuity and emotional outlook immediately after treatment.
Phew, the trials and tribulations of refining my skill and awareness in the practice of Traditional Japanese acupuncture remain constant and challenging and it is with a sense of gratitude to Masakazu Ikeda sensei that I write this report.
His guidance through many workshops and visits to Japan has helped me immeasurably to deal with situations such as the one I’ve just outlined.
His ability to recognize when the patients require the most gentle of touches in addition to his highly refined clinical skills have set the bar very high indeed.
Had I not had the privilege of witnessing and in some instances experiencing the benefit of his acupuncture intelligence, I have no doubt at all that all of the patients mentioned would be languishing in the squalor of overwhelming lethargy and fatigue at a time when the demands on each and every one of us are so great.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest and commitment in refining and developing your critical acumen and skills in the practice of Traditional Acupuncture.
I wish you and yours a peaceful, joyous Christmas and great prosperity for the New Year.
Kind Regards,
Alan
A few images of me pursuing a recreational past time that puts a smile on my face follows.
Alan Jansson is an internationally recognized teacher and practitioner of Traditional Japanese Acupuncture. For well over a decade, independent of and in conjunction with Masakazu Ikeda sensei and Edward Obaidey, Alan has presented, convened and hosted more than 40 Traditional Japanese Acupuncture workshops in Australia, New Zealand and USA. Driven by a strong desire to promote the consumer friendly nature, clinical efficacy and potency of Meridian Based Traditional Japanese Acupuncture, Alan is a staunch advocate of practically based workshops and draws upon his 25 years clinical experience and 14 years post and undergraduate teaching in a concerted effort to lift the bar globally in the clinical application of this most amazing medical art.
Join him in Exploring the Art of Acupuncture in the 21st century at : http://www.Worldacupuncture.com
Topics: Alan's Life and Travels, Case Studies, Coolangatta, Japanese Acupuncture Education, Practitioner's Perspective, Rainbow Bay, Surfing | No Comments »
Stephen Brown’s Inspirational Japanese Acupuncture workshop
By Alan | November 23, 2009
Stephen Brown’s inspirational Japanese Acupuncture workshop is still fresh in my mind.
Stephen Brown demonstrates the Art of Traditional Japanese Acupuncture to a Captive Audience
The Walkabout Creek function center deep in the hills in pristine eucalyptus forest country northwest of Brisbane, a magical location discovered by eminent traditional acupuncturist/herbalist, East Asian medicine educator and now successful workshop convener, Greg Bantick was a superb venue for this groundbreaking Japanese Acupuncture workshop.
In conjunction with John Thompson, veteran Brisbane Traditional Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine practitioner, long time convener and supporter of Japanese acupuncture workshops in Australia, they persuaded the translator of Shudo Denmei’s beautiful books, Japanese Classical Acupuncture: Introduction to Meridian Therapy and Finding Effective Acupuncture Points
Mr. Stephen Brown presented a beautifully integrated Japanese Acupuncture workshop, effectively communicating with and demonstrating to a captivated audience including undergraduate students with absolutely no experience of Traditional Japanese Acupuncture and experienced practitioners of this highly refined East Asian medical art.
His eloquent treatments were absolute testimony to the fact that Stephen Brown walks the talk!
Using his vast shiatsu/bodywork experience in conjunction with Traditional Japanese Acupuncture and Moxibustion skills honed by more than 25 years of clinical practice, Stephen inspired us with beautifully crafted treatment demonstrations.
His obvious Japanese Acupuncture and moxibustion skills were complemented by extraordinary palpation skills, acute sensory awareness, tactile finesse and energetic empathy.
Stephen Brown gathering meditative poise whilst administering Japanese Acupuncture treatment
BIG gratitude to Stephen ‘The Liberator‘ Brown for taking the time and making the effort to come on down under to share his invaluable clinical acumen and unique insights into the practice of Traditional Japanese Acupuncture!
Some of the very happy attendees at Stephen Brown's 'Explorations in Meridian Therapy' Workshop
To Greg Bantick and John Thompson for putting their shoulder to the wheel and their heads on the block to make this watershed event in Traditional Japanese Acupuncture education down under a reality, our heartfelt thanks
Their effort and commitment to the development of our skill and understanding in the East Asian medical art/sciences of Traditional Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine is truly inspirational.
All the best in life and practice,
Alan Jansson
PS.
World Acupuncture uncovered some unique perspectives about Traditional Acupuncture when we talked with these eminent practitioner/educators in 3 state of the art interviews.
Stephen Brown, Greg Bantick and John Thompson, with a cumulative clinic experience of over 75 years discussed their clinical background, unique perspectives on the current state of Traditional Acupuncture, East Asian Medicine and the future potential of our ancient medicine in the West.
As a subscriber to the world acupuncture updates, you will know as soon as we have the video of the interviews up and running online.
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Members of http://worldacupuncture.com will be able to view some of the outstanding highlights of Stephen’s workshop in the not-too-distant future.
Alan Jansson is an internationally recognized teacher and practitioner of Traditional Japanese Acupuncture. For well over a decade, independent of and in conjunction with Masakazu Ikeda sensei and Edward Obaidey, Alan has presented, convened and hosted more than 40 Traditional Japanese Acupuncture workshops in Australia, New Zealand and USA. Driven by a strong desire to promote the consumer friendly nature, clinical efficacy and potency of Meridian Based Traditional Japanese Acupuncture, Alan is a staunch advocate of practically based workshops and draws upon his 25 years clinical experience and 14 years post and undergraduate teaching in a concerted effort to lift the bar globally in the clinical application of this most amazing medical art.
Join him in Exploring the Art of Acupuncture in the 21st century at http://www.Worldacupuncture.com
Topics: Acupuncture Family, Japanese Acupuncture Education, Needling, Palpation, Practice Building, Practitioner's Perspective, Student, moxibustion | 3 Comments »
Stephen Brown Japanese Acupuncture Workshop in Brisbane, Australia this weekend
By Alan | November 17, 2009
I hope to see you there, I am sure it will be an awesome workshop.
If you can’t make then I hope you hav a gud 1.
Lotsa,
Alan
Explorations in Meridian Therapy
with Stephen Brown
“Stephen is one of the finest exponents of traditional Japanese acupuncture
and allied arts. He is a gifted teacher and guide. Take every opportunity to
study with him.” Greg Bantick
Meridian Therapy is the dominant form of traditional acupuncture in Japan. This system is based on the Nanjing (Classic of Difficulties) and the five phases relies on refined pulse taking and palpation skills combined with subtle needling techniques.
This workshop will introduce the theory, palpation techniques, and five phases treatment strategies of Meridian Therapy.
Shudo Denmei, one of the leaders of Meridian Therapy in Japan, has a refined and simplified approach.
Stephen Brown, the leading exponent of the Shudo style, will teach the refinements in Meridian Therapy. In addition, Stephen will also present some of Shudo Demei’s symptomatic strategies using super‐rotation insertion, moxibustion, and intradermal needles.
This workshop will provide ample time for hands‐on practice for a working understanding of Meridian Therapy.
Friday participants will learn:
Stephen will share some of his personal clinical experience with an emphasis on self‐care,
including Sotai and qi gong. He will demonstrate how to use these in treatments.
Weekend participants will learn:
‐an introduction to the history of Meridian Therapy and its stylistic variations
‐pulse diagnosis for diagnosis and treatment.
‐how to palpate and accurately locate points requiring tonification
‐super‐rotation insertion techniques for tonification and dispersion
‐how to palpate and needle symptomatic points on the back, neck and shoulder
Where: Walkabout Creek – Banksia room – Brisbane Forest Park
60 Mt Nebo Road, The Gap, Qld www.walkaboutcreek.com.au
When: November 20, 21 and 22, 2009 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Cost: Friday only $140 AACMA Member $10 discount
Saturday & Sunday $330 AACMA Member $10 discount
All 3 Days $430 AACMA Member $10 discount
Stephen Brown, L. Ac. graduated from Japan Central Acupuncture College in Tokyo in 1983 and obtained his license to practice shiatsu, acupuncture, and moxibustion in Japan.
In 1984 he continued his study in Beijing, China. He moved to Seattle in 1986 and is currently teaching at the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine.
He is also a practitioner and teacher of traditional exercises for health including yoga, taichi, sotai, and qi gong.
A native speaker of Japanese he has translated many texts and has served as an interpreter for international seminars and conferences.
He is a founding member, and one of the editors of the North American Journal of Oriental Medicine devoted to traditional Japanese medicine.
Recommended Reading:
Introduction to Meridian Therapy By Shudo Denmei & Stephen Brown
Locating Effective Acupuncture Points By Shudo Denmei & Stephen Brown
CONTACT:
John Thompson
28 Mackay Street
Windsor, Qld 4030
Phone:(07) 3857 7733
Topics: Acupuncture Family, Japanese Acupuncture Education | No Comments »
Japanese Acupuncture relieves my Acute Lower Back Pain Immediately
By Alan | November 12, 2009
Last Monday week an innocuous incident saw me dropped by a severe case of lower back pain.
Years of pre-acupuncture physical toil, harvesting potatoes and picking fruit has taken it’s toll on my body, leaving me with a susceptible lower back.
For the last 5 years regular acupuncture treatment and heightened awareness of no can do activities has kept me relatively pain free n easy.
However whilst taking off my wetsuit on this fateful day, I casually used my foot rather than my hands to drag down the leg of said suit.
Big mistake!
I knew I was in trouble straight away but hoped that my severe lower back pain would resolve quickly.
Alas, days end saw me bent over like an old man and unable to straighten without significant pain and discomfort, severely compromising my ability to get in and out of my vehicle.
In addition I found it impossible to sit for more than a few minutes at a time, severely disrupting my ability to publish blog posts, write emails and update http://www.worldacupuncture.com product pages as promised.
Ugh, not a pretty site.
The following day was an unofficial public holiday in Australia for the running of a horse race, known as the ‘Melbourne Cup’.
Phew, no clinic enabled me to gingerly travel to the residence of my long time assistant and resident tonetskyu (rice grain moxibustion) expert Andrea.
She generously applied tonetskyu and inserted some intra-dermal needles close to the most painful points.
I experienced some relief and was able to get a better nights sleep and travel to work the next day.
My colleague Nick then applied acupuncture as pictured below in conjunction with a Kidney root treatment.
Again I enjoyed sufficient relief to complete a very busy day in clinic.
The situation was complicated by the fact that my daughters and I were to travel some 300 km on Friday to visit old family friends on their property in the hills behind Coff’s Harbour on the mid North Coast of New South Wales.
Of more immediate concern was my ability to travel 200 km to and from my rooms in Brisbane not to mention being able to treat the many patients booked in for treatment on the Thursday as a result of the aforementioned unofficial public holiday on Tuesday.
Fortunately my assistant on the Thursday morning Andrew, an accomplished student who had been diligently practicing his traditional acupuncture skills throughout the year gave me another treatment.
Utilizing the marks that I had asked Nick to make on the previous day; Andrew skillfully administered an identical treatment.
Suffice to say that I made it through the day and got home in one piece, albeit slightly bent.
My daughters arrived that night and we awoke on Friday morning to the news that our destination, Coff’s Harbour had experienced a massive deluge of rain overnight and flooding was rampant.
To complicate matters the intense low pressure system that was contributing to such an extraordinary rainfall was going nowhere and the rain was forecast to continue for the next 24 to 48 hours making our planned journey more than a little perilous.
Add to that my extremely suspect lower back condition and we were experiencing some degree of trepidation, a situation not remedied by a phone call from my close friends in the eye of the storm strongly suggesting that we abandon our journey.
Our friends communicated some significant concerns about our safety, especially gaining access to their property.
This assessment was based on the fact that at the time of the phone call access to and from the property had been cut off by rising floodwater’s.
Nevertheless, my daughters and I rarely have exclusive time together and decided to cast caution to the wind and make the trip.
Thankfully all went well and we had a fabulous although extremely wet weekend.
The moral of the story is that fortune favors the bold and traditional acupuncture was incredibly effective, resolving my pain and discomfort sufficiently for me to travel such a distance and negotiate some hair-raising creek crossings, enjoy a wonderful party and arrive home in much better shape than when I departed.
To cap it off, I went for my first surf since injuring my back yesterday enjoying some pristine conditions at my local break at Rainbow Bay a little over a week after suffering from an extremely nasty dose of acute lower back pain, from my perspective as a patient a very good result indeed!
I hope all is well with you and yours.
Kind regards,
Alan
PS.
The following images should give you some idea of our adventurous weekend in addition to showing me on the treatment table for a change.
- Japanese Acupuncture helped resolve my Acute Lower Back Pain dramatically
Thumbs up as I receive a Japanese Acupuncture treatment for severe acute lower back pain
- Deep in the Hills behind a very flooded Coff’s Harbour, Australia
- Jose, movin a few engine breaking rocks
- Floodwater’s at Coff’s Harbour turned the road into a voluminous cascade of H2O
- What causeway, at least the water level is down from the previous day?
- Debris hanging over the fence gives some idea of the volume of water from the previous night
- Contented cattle grazing upon the rolling hills behind Coff’s Harbour
- Once was a proud road sign
Locals discussing strategies to re establish contact with the outside world. Note: The size of the rock the fellow in the background is moving
First car through post flooding
A safe haven high in the hills behind Coff's Harbour
Alan Jansson is an internationally recognized teacher and practitioner of Traditional Japanese Acupuncture. For well over a decade, independent of and in conjunction with Masakazu Ikeda sensei and Edward Obaidey, Alan has presented, convened and hosted more than 40 Traditional Japanese Acupuncture workshops in Australia, New Zealand and USA. Driven by a strong desire to promote the consumer friendly nature, clinical efficacy and potency of Meridian Based Traditional Japanese Acupuncture, Alan is a staunch advocate of practically based workshops and draws upon his 25 years clinical experience and 14 years post and undergraduate teaching in a concerted effort to lift the bar globally in the clinical application of this most amazing medical art.
Join him in Exploring the Art of Acupuncture in the 21st century at http://www.Worldacupuncture.com
Topics: Alan's Life and Travels, Elsewhere in Australia, Lower Back Pain, Patient's Perspective | No Comments »