In the United States, acupuncture has become popular as an effective treatment for a wide range of physical problems. But most people don’t realize that acupuncture also has a long history in the treatment of mental and emotional disorders. For depression, Bi-polar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), acupuncture combined with nutritional supplements can be very effective, either as an alternative to drug treatment or as a supporting therapy.

The ancient physicians of China and Japan considered depression to be a form of Qi deficiency or Qi stagnation. The Qi, or Life-energy is either deficient or not flowing evenly throughout the body. The result is a subjective experience of weakness, fatigue, lack of motivation, sadness or even despair. In this ancient system of medicine, the lungs and the organs of digestion are considered the most important organs involved in the generation and distribution of Qi. Therefore, in treating depression, we focus attention on the Qi meridians associated with these two organ systems.

It’s interesting to compare this ancient perspective with western science which views depression as a deficiency or imbalance in brain chemistry…with particular emphasis on the neuro-transmitter serotonin. The importance of serotonin is underscored by the fact that almost every anti-depression drug is designed to increase serotonin levels in the brain. But if we ask how serotonin is produced in the body, we get a surprising answer…one which points back to the ancient physicians of China. Researchers have found that as much as 80% of our serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, as a by-product of digestion.

Likewise, a common characteristic of depression is fatigue, which we know to be a combined function of digestion and respiration. Again, this supports the ancient view, i.e., that the lungs and the organs of digestion are the foundation of mental health.

In Japanese style acupuncture, we use specific points and acupuncture techniques that lift the spirits and re-establish a normal flow of Qi in the body. In addition, there are a number of dietary and lifestyle changes that can help to increase energy and elevate the mood. If you suffer from mild to moderate depression, here are a few suggestions that can make a significant difference within a few weeks.

1.    Take a concentrated fish oil supplement which provides at least 5 to 1 ratio of  Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) to Eicosapentanoic acid (EPA). DHA is a major building block of brain tissue and has a proven track record as a safe and effective treatment for depression and ADHD. In Great Britain and Europe, many doctors are using DHA supplementation to replace conventional drug therapy for mild to moderate depression.

2.    Aerobic exercise for 20 minutes, at least 5 days per week, is extremely valuable to help balance blood chemistry and remove toxins. If regular exercise is not part of your daily routine, it is important to begin carefully and build up to 20 minutes gradually over 2 or 3 months. Discuss exercise with your health care professional in order to design a program that is best suited to your condition.

3.    Certain prescription and OTC drugs can contribute to depression. If you are taking a pharmaceutical drug, find out if depression is one of the possible side effects and discuss with your doctor.

4.    Likewise, recreational drugs are major causes of depression for many people. Marijuana, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, narcotics, cocaine, amphetamines and alcohol, can all disrupt normal brain chemistry and deplete serotonin levels.

5.    A diet for depression has to be specifically designed to fit each individual. But in general, it would be helpful to eat more fruit and vegetables and reduce sugar, fried foods, junk foods and highly processed foods.

Precautionary Note: Severe clinical depression is a serious disorder. If you believe that you may be severely depressed or have difficulty working and maintaining your daily routine, consult with a medical doctor who is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of depression.

In the alternative health community, as a result of current interest in Japanese acupuncture, there is also a renewed interest in one of the most ancient of medical practices: cupping, or the application of suction cups to the body.  We really don’t know where cupping originated. Some say the practice began in China where archaeologists have found evidence of cupping dating back to 1000 B.C.  However, the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, describes the systematic use of cupping by the early Egyptians, as far back as 1550 B.C.  In both of these ancient societies, cupping was highly respected as a treatment for disease and as a method of routine health maintenance.

The ancient Greek physicians also practiced cupping extensively.  Hippocrates (c. 400 B.C.) used cupping for both internal diseases and structural problems.  A later Greek physician, Galen (c. 150 A.D.), wrote extensively about cupping as a means to reduce fevers and move stagnant blood.  Cupping continued as a practice throughout Asia, the Middle East, Europe, England and even in America up into the early 20th Century.

In the early days, cups were made of animal horns or bamboo.  Later, they began to be made out of pottery and today, cups are usually made of glass or plastic.  Typically, cups are round vessels, 1″ to 3″ in diameter, and are applied to the body with vacuum suction.  The vacuum is created either by means of heating the air inside the cup or by a mechanical pump.  The result is that the cup sticks to the body and creates a local area of low pressure, which causes the blood to gather under the cup near the surface of the body.

From a western scientific perspective, cupping creates pressure in the local tissues by drawing blood to the surface from areas underneath.  Through this process, fresh blood moves into the areas below the surface.  The result is an immediate improvement of circulation in the affected area.  It has been found that cupping affects the circulation 4 inches below the surface of the skin where the cups are applied.  As a result, cupping can directly influence the health of the underlying tissues and internal organs.

In traditional Japanese medicine, the body’s subtle energy or “qi”, always follows blood and vice versa.  So, if we move the blood in a particular direction, we are also moving the “qi” energy.  Therefore, cupping not only improves the circulation of blood but also of the “qi” energy.  Nothing helps to unblock stuck energy and relax tight muscles faster and more deeply than cupping.  Also, it is believed that cupping improves the function of the internal organs and is indicated for a whole array of digestive, respiratory or gynecological problems where stagnation of “qi” energy or blood is indicated.  For example, if a patient is suffering from congestion in the lungs, cupping the back will often reduce the congestion substantially.  Or, if a patient is suffering from abdominal cramps, cupping on the abdomen can bring immediate relief.

The general benefits of cupping are improved circulation, purification of blood, regulation of the autonomic nervous system and an overall cooling effect.  In addition, cupping reduces pain and swelling and speeds the natural healing process in the specific areas of application.  Cupping therapy is effective in the treatment of painful joints and muscles, digestive disorders, headaches, respiratory disorders, some skin conditions such as boils, eczema, etc., facial paralysis, weakness of the muscles, high blood pressure and common colds.

One of the side benefits of cupping is that it feels great.  The mild pulling sensation helps to release the muscles and calm the sympathetic nervous system, thus allowing a deep relaxation to move through the whole body.  It is not unusual for a patient to fall asleep while the cups are on, waking up afterward feeling relaxed and refreshed.  Cupping therapy is available from most acupuncturists as well as some massage and shiatsu practitioners.

Precautionary Note: Cupping therapy should be preformed by a trained practitioner. Cupping should not be performed on the abdomen or low back during pregnancy or near surgical incisions within one year of surgery.  Cupping is contraindicated in cases of allergic skin disorders, burns, severe edema, extreme fatigue, low blood pressure or bleeding disorders of any kind.  Also, cancer patients with an active tumor or patients who are taking blood thinning medication should avoid cupping therapy.

I recently lifted a large bucket of water incorrectly and felt a painless “pop” in my lower back. I assumed that I had pulled a muscle. Over the next 3 weeks, I tried to stretch it out and applied several healing techniques but my symptoms progressively got worse. Finally, I had severe pain in my right leg, a symptom known as sciatica. Then, I knew that I had herniated a disc.

A herniated, or bulging disc is when the soft tissue between the vertebra becomes injured and swollen and begins to exert pressure on one of the spinal nerves. In some cases, the tough outer surface of the disc can tear or break, allowing the soft inner nucleus to be extruded out of the disc and into the vertebral recess and the spinal canal. It’s a very painful condition but in 90% of the cases, a herniated disc will heal on it’s own, over 6 to 8 weeks of conservative treatment. During that period, the body’s natural healing energy goes to work, dissolving the herniated tissue and repairing the disc that remains in tact, a process called resorption.

To help reduce pain and buy time while the body heals, a steroidal epidural injection can be very helpful. This is a process of injecting a small amount of steroidal anti-inflammatory into the injured area to reduce inflammation and swelling and make the healing process considerably more comfortable.

Acupuncture can also help to speed the process of resorption. In the case of an acute injury like this, I recommend treatments every 3 or 4 days. When applied correctly, acupuncture will ease the pain and help to direct the body’s healing energy to the affected area in the back. In Japanese style acupuncture, after an injury like this, we treat the Kidney and Liver channels as well as local points along the lumbar spine.

Other important healing techniques are cold packs to reduce inflammation, and complete bed rest for the first 2 or 3 days. After about 3 days, it’s best to resume a reduced schedule and try to stay vertical as much as possible. Walking is the exercise of choice (lots of it) and sitting is to be kept to a minimum. After 2 or 3 weeks, a gentle stretching program is recommended. After 6 to 8 weeks, it’s important to begin a strengthening program to prevent recurrance. In most cases, injury to the spinal discs is due to weak back muscles.

For a health care practitioner, an injury like this is very humbling. It reminds us that we really don’t know as much as we thought. And it helps to make us more compassionate with the suffering of others. Pain is a great teacher and helps to bring us down to earth and come face to face with our mortality and the frailness of the human condition. At times, we all have illness or injury which serve as an important “reality check” for us all.

When I moved to Portland from Kauai, I was pleasantly surprised to find such a wide interest in Acupuncture and oriental medicine. There are hundreds of very qualified acupuncturists in Portland. And if you’re interested in Japanese style acupuncture, and related modalities, there are a number of excellent practitioners from which to choose.

Bart Walton, L.Ac. - NW Portland - (503) 939-5805
Bob Quinn, L.Ac. -  NE Portland - (503) 313-5355
Dennis Boyles, L.Ac. - SE Portland - (503) 261-1076
Philip Queeley, L.Ac. - SE Portland - (971) 563-7532
Tracy Thorne, L.Ac. - SE Portland - (503) 481-6702

Shiatsu is another Japanese therapy that is not well known in the U.S. But in Portland, we are fortunate to have several excellent practitioners. Here are a few of the shiatsu practitioners that I am aware of thus far.

Akira  Imai, LMT - SE Portland - (503) 233-2236
Bart Walton, L.Ac. - NW Portland - (503) 939-5805
Jennifer Steele, L.Ac. - N Portland - (503) 957-5478
Tina Rea, LMT - SW Portland - (503) 913-2756
Xavier Preciado, LMT - NW Portland - (503) 224-7224

In particular, I’ve had shiatsu treatments from Jennifer Steele and Akira Imai and they are both excellent. If you are interested in acupuncture and shiatsu combined in the same treatment, as commonly practiced in Japan, I am the only practitioner I know who is doing that. But maybe we will get some comments about others. If I find out who is doing that in Portland, I will include their names and phone numbers in future posts.

To find out more about Japanese style acupuncture and shiatsu in Portland, there are several other articles on this blog, which go into greater detail about these modalities, and how they differ from Chinese style. Or, please visit my main web site at www.JapaneseHealingArts.com

Many people think all acupuncture is the same but actually, Japanese style is quite different from Chinese or Korean styles. In particular, perhaps the defining characteristic of Japanese style acupuncture lies in the art of needling.

There are many styles of needling, even within the framework of Japanese acupuncture. In general, Japanese style refers to thinner needles and lighter stimulation. Over the centuries, Japanese practitioners have learned that a very responsive level of Qi energy lies on, or just beneath the skin surface. As a result, we believe that it’s not necessary to needle deeply or to generate strong stimulation in order to achieve results. And, moreover, strong stimulation can be draining and contra-indicated for many patients.

My acupuncture teacher, Dr. Shudo Denmei, developed a particular needling technique which he calls “super-superficial insertion”, or SSI for short. I consider SSI needling a major breakthrough in the art of acupuncture. It is so effective, quick and completely painless, I don’t feel I’m exaggerating when I say that it’s revolutionary.

In SSI needling, the needle is set just on the skin surface. The needle is rotated very fast in ¼ turns…perhaps as many as 400 rotations per minute. Within a few seconds of applying this technique, the practitioner will feel a definite Qi sensation in the fingers. This sensation is what the classical acupuncture texts refer to as “the arrival of Qi” and indicates that the body’s Qi energy has arrived and accumulated at the point. Once the Qi has arrived, the practitioner can move on to the next. In this way, 10 or more points can be effectively needled in about10 minutes.

SSI needling technique is excellent for chronic pain, fatigue, depression, digestive disorders and for local pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints. This style of treatment is also effective for a wide range of emotional and psychological disorders. People who are sensitive, elderly or small children can all benefit from this style of needling since it is painless and not draining.

If you’ve had acupuncture but didn’t like the needle sensation, you should try acupuncture from a Japanese practitioner who uses this style of needling.

As an acupuncture and shiatsu practitioner in Portland, one question I am frequently asked is, “How does Japanese acupuncture differ from Chinese style?” The short answer is that they both share the same theoretical basis but they differ in their technique and application. The long answer could fill several volumes. But here are a few of the more basic differences.

In Japanese style acupuncture, we believe that the body’s most responsive “Qi” lies on, or just beneath, the skin surface. From this perspective, it is unnecessary to needle deeply or to produce a strong needle sensation. Also, in Japanese acupuncture thinner needles and fewer needles are used in a typical treatment. In short, Japanese style follows the premise that “less is more”. It is only necessary to offer a gentle reminder and the body’s own healing abilities will do the rest.

Another difference between Japanese and Chinese acupuncture involves the use of several other modalities such as moxibustion, shiatsu (acupressure massage), cupping, intradermal needles and ear seeds. While traditional Chinese acupuncture may include these modalities, they typically do not hold the same importance in day-to-day practice as they do in Japanese style treatment. In Japan, for instance, it’s commonly held that moxibustion and shiatsu share a synergistic relationship with acupuncture. Typically, one or both are included, along with acupuncture, in almost every treatment.

Another unique feature of Japanese style is the tradition of treating both the front and the back side of the body in the same treatment. In Japan, it is widely considered that both the yin and the yang sides of the body should be addressed in a complete treatment.

In Japanese style acupuncture, we apply “direct” moxibustion, by means of small “rice grain” size cones of mugwart (Artemisia Vulgaris). Traditionally, these small cones are burned directly on the skin and the heat is controlled with a bamboo tube. In Chinese style acupuncture, moxibustion is not as common and when it is used, it is applied as “indirect” moxibustion, by means of a moxa stick which is lit and held close to the skin.

Another modality which is very popular in Japanese style is the use of intradermal needles. These are small (almost microscopic) sterile needles which are inserted horozontally about 0.5mm - 1.0mm beneath the skin. A piece of tape is then placed over the needle and it is worn continuously for 2 or 3 days. Likewise, ear seeds are small grains, about 0.5mm in diameter, which are taped on specific acupuncture points in the ear in order to gently stimulate the points for a day or two.

These are just a few of the more basic differences between Chinese and Japanese acupuncture. If you are seeking a therapy in order to stimulate the body’s own healing potential, without harmful side effects, both styles are excellent. To learn more about Japanese style acupuncture and shiatsu in Portland, please visit my main web site, Japanese Acupuncture and Shiatsu.

In Japan, it’s generally accepted that acupuncture and shiatsu share a synergistic relationship and the two are often combined in the same treatment. But in the west, shiatsu is relatively unknown and most people associate it with massage. Actually, shiatsu is a complete system of bodywork, based on the ancient principles of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.

Sometime around 1000 A.D., the Chinese visited Japan and brought their medicine, including the practice of acupuncture. At that time, the traditional Japanese Anma massage was already well established as a safe and effective method of bodywork. Over the course of time, it was natural that these two systems would evolve together into a completely new form of therapy. The result of this meeting was shiatsu, which literally means, “finger pressure”.

Shiatsu consists of rhythmic, single point pressure applied with the hands and fingers, along the traditional “Qi” energy meridians of the body. Shiatsu is simple, safe, non-invasive and at the same time, very helpful in the treatment of many common disorders of our modern society.

Based on research in Japan, it has been documented that shiatsu helps to calm the sympathetic nervous system and improve the function of the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, lymph nodes, endocrine glands and internal organs. In addition, it has been shown that shiatsu assists the body in eliminating toxins and metabolic waste.

Our nervous system is designed to shift back and forth between sympathetic and parasympathetic functions, several times a day. Problems arise when we become stuck in one function for too long. In our modern society, the overwhelming tendency is to become stuck in the sympathetic function. Over time, this chronic over stimulation of the sympathetic nerves can lead to problems such as insomnia, hypertension, headaches, dizziness, muscular pain and stiffness, nausea, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and other gastro-intestinal disorders. Because of its profound calming effect on the sympathetic nerves, shiatsu is particularly helpful in treating these kinds of disorders.

Shiatsu also has a profound cleansing effect, helping to flush toxins from the body. The deep pressure, applied along the trunk and limbs helps to loosen accumulated toxins and move them into the proper channels to be neutralized and eliminated.

In most of Asia, it’s widely recognized that the body, much like a car, needs routine maintenance for optimum health and longevity. The effects of daily wear, accumulated toxins and especially stress, weaken all the systems of the body and accelerate the aging process. Shiatsu helps to reverse this process by relaxing the peripheral nerves and muscles and helping the body release stress and accumulated toxins. After a treatment, we feel lightness in the limbs, renewed energy, and an overall sense of well-being. In addition, most people experience improved digestion and deeper sleep. This is why I recommend that my clients receive shiatsu on a regular basis.

Because the strong Japanese influence in Portland, we have access to authentic shiatsu combined with Japanese style acupuncture. And there are some excellent practitioners who offer shiatsu on a stand alone basis. If you like bodywork but have never experienced authentic shiatsu, you are in for a treat.

To learn more about Japanese style acupuncture and shiatsu in Portland, please visit my main web site, Japanese Acupuncture and Shiatsu.

While acupuncture itself is over 2,000 years old, the use of acupuncture to reduce physical cravings is a fairly recent development. In the early 1970’s, Dr. H. L. Wen, a neurosurgeon in Hong Kong, was studying the effects of acupuncture on post surgical pain. Coincidentally, he found that stimulation of certain points on the ear dramatically relieved withdrawal symptoms in one of his patients who was a long-term heroin user.

After learning about Dr. Wen’s discovery, the Lincoln Center in the South Bronx and the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic in San Francisco began using acupuncture as part of their standard treatment for addiction. Following the success of these two treatment facilities, the technique was further developed and eventually became known as the “5 Needle Protocol”, referring to the 5 main points used in the ear. In 1985, Michael O. Smith, M.D. founded the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) in order to promoted the use of this protocol as a cost effective treatment for drug and alcohol users.

More recently, acupuncturists in clinical settings have been using the same protocol to treat a wider variety of addictive behaviors. Whether the addiction is of a physical or so called psychological nature, there are certain common behavioral and biological mechanisms at work. For patients who are otherwise healthy but want to stop smoking or lose weight, the 5 Needle Protocol works equally well to stop the cravings and reduce the symptoms of withdrawal.

Exactly how acupuncture works to reduce cravings is still under study. But it appears that stimulation of certain points in the ear has a direct influence on the brain to calm the nervous system and break the neuro-biological connections between the substance and the behavior. The result is like pushing the re-start button on a computer. The person gets a break from the constant craving and experiences greater freedom to reestablish a new behavior pattern.

In the 5 Needle Protocol, the 5 basic points are used with other key points to direct the emphasis of the treatment. For example, for appetite control or food cravings, there is a special point that dramatically stops the craving for oral sensation, which helps to make the treatment more profound and longer lasting. Likewise, for smoking cessation, there is a special point that reduces craving for sensation in the lungs and nasal cavity.

In clinical practice, I have seen the 5 Needle Protocol work on hundreds of patients. From my experience, the key to dealing with an addiction, or any negative habit pattern, is to use two or three supporting therapies simultaneously. To stop smoking, I suggest a gradual reduction method combined with acupuncture and licorice root, both of which help reduce the cravings. Likewise, most weight loss cases respond very well to a course of acupuncture combined with appropriate exercise and a proven, gradual weight loss program such as Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig.

Acupuncture for addiction, is not a magic bullet. Several follow up treatments may be required during the withdrawal period. And it is not a substitute for the desire and focus needed to change a well-established habit pattern. Nevertheless, over the course of several months, acupuncture can provide the extra support people often need to make important and life saving changes in their lives. If you have a serious addiction or simply want to curb your appetite or stop smoking, acupuncture can reduce the cravings and provide an important support to your new goals.

Precautionary Note
Licorice root can cause fluid retention and elevated blood pressure. The deglycyrrhizinated form of licorice will usually not cause these problems. In case of edema or high blood pressure or where estrogen is contraindicated, you should consult with your health care provider before using licorice.

Please visit my main site Japanese Acupuncture and Shiatsu for more information about acupuncture and shiatsu in Portland, Oregon.