Most people who come to my acupuncture clinic in Portland, are expecting to be treated with needles. Most people don’t realize that there are several non-needle techniques, which are frequently used in Japanese acupuncture. In fact, a Japanese style acupuncturist will sometimes do a complete treatment without using a single needle.

One of the most common of these “non-needle” techniques is moxibustion, a form of heat therapy in which the dried herb Mugwort (artemisia vulgaris), is burned on, or near, the skin in order to stimulate and warm specific points and to trigger a number of healing reactions. Moxibustion is at least as old as acupuncture, with records of the practice dating back many centuries B.C. Although it may sound painful, moxibustion actually feels very comfortable for most patients and the therapeutic effects are significant.

Japanese scientists have found that stimulation from moxibustion, at specific points, can dramatically boost the body’s immunity and trigger other profound healing effects. In clinical practice, we find that moxibustion is effective for painful or stiff muscles and joints, arthritis and certain auto-immune disorders. In addition, I have found that moxibustion lifts the spirits and is very effective for many types of depression or fatigue.

Another important tool of the acupuncturist is cupping: the application of suction or vacuum cups to the surface of the body. Like moxibustion, cupping goes back thousands of years.  Cups are small glass bowls (1″ to 3″ in diameter) which are applied to the body with vacuum suction.  The vacuum is created either by means of heating the air inside the cup or by mechanical pump.  The suction from the cup causes the blood to gather at a particular site near the surface of the body, thus affecting circulation.

Nothing helps to relax stiff and tight muscles faster and more deeply than cupping. Also, cupping influences the function of the internal organs and is indicated for a wide array of digestive or gynecological problems which are caused by blood stagnation. For example, if a patient is suffering from congestion in the lungs or abdominal cramps, cupping will bring almost immediate relief.

Finally, shiatsu is perhaps the most common non-needle technique used my acupuncturists. Many people think shiatsu is a form of massage, but actually it’s quite different. 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.

So, for readers who might be attracted to acupuncture but are nervous about needles, moxibustion and cupping are some of the alternative methods that an acupuncturist might use. And who knows?  After you experience some of the benefits of these ancient techniques, you may want to try the needles.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

In Portland, we have some of the finest practitioners of natural healing along with some of the most advanced western medicine available in the U.S. For example, Japanese acupuncture and shiatsu are readily available in Portland and are often used side-by-side with conventional western modalities. From this perspective, Portland is really where East meets West and represents the best of both worlds.

In an article titled, “Acupuncture, a Powerful Integrative Oncology Tool“, researcher Jack Bleeker shows how acupuncture and other natural healing modalities are becoming mainstream as complimentary treatments along with conventional western medicine in the treatment of cancer. Below is a segment of his article.

“Integrative Oncology is the combination of “mainstream” care and evidenced-based complimentary therapies to control cancer-related pain and symptoms [source: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Integrative Medicine]. Complementary therapies, while not given the attention that more traditional cancer therapies may receive, are perhaps equally important while undergoing treatment for certain types of cancer. Patients diagnosed with difficult to treat malignancies will often use these types of therapies in conjunction with traditional treatment options, which include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiology, to form a more comprehensive and effective treatment regimen. Among the most effective alternative therapies utilized by those diagnosed with cancer is acupuncture.

Acupuncture has long been utilized as a general pain reduction method for thousands of years, originating in the Far East and gradually being utilized throughout the world. Effective cancer treatment often depends on the patient’s ability to not only defeat the cancer through various methods but to also maintain their health and mental spirit throughout the course of treatment.

Often, the symptoms and effects of the cancer itself on the body are insignificant compared to the pain and other side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation are often fatigued, experience a lack of appetite and weight loss, and may become depressed.  For cancer patients experiencing these and other side effects, acupuncture is extremely beneficial. According to the ancient theories of Chinese medicine, “qi,” or “life energy,” flows through energy channels within the body known as meridians. These channels connect the body’s internal organs, and if these meridians become “blocked,” or an individual’s qi cannot flow properly, disease will set in. Acupuncture is said to relieve blockages and restore the natural flow of qi, and ultimately restoring one’s health.

Cancers such as mesothelioma, which are often unable to be removed by surgical means, are often treated with some combination of chemotherapy and radiation [the combination of chemo drug Alimta® and anti-cancer drug Cisplatin® is a popular treatment for cancer patients with mesothelioma]. While these potent drugs can be effective in eliminating some of the tumor mass and growth, they also profoundly affect the health of the surrounding tissue. Symptoms experienced by those undergoing mainstream cancer treatments include fever, nausea, and debilitating pain.

Patients who undergo acupuncture in conjunction with mainstream cancer therapies have experienced dramatic reductions in pain and feel that their energy and mental wellbeing was restored. Cancer patients who feel energized, are pain-free and have a solid state of mind are more likely to withstand traditional methods of cancer treatment and have an increased survival rate. Acupuncture is said to be so effective, in fact, that the World Health Organization [WHO] has recognized acupuncture as a successful intervention for adverse reactions to radiation and chemotherapy. The National Institute of Health [NIH] also agreed that acupuncture may relieve nausea and pain experienced by cancer sufferers, and the organization supports acupuncture clinical trials.”

Jack Bleeker, Research Coordinator
June 17, 2009

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

As a Japanese acupuncture and shiatsu practitioner in Portland, people often ask if acupuncture and shiatsu will help with this or that particular problem. The answer is usually “yes…but”. The “but” is that while acupuncture and shiatsu are excellent treatments for a wide range of specific health issues, they are also extremely beneficial for overall health maintenance.

Medical studies in Japan have shown that acupuncture and shiatsu help to balance the autonomic nervous system because they specifically calm the sympathetic nerves.  During acupuncture and shiatsu, the entire autonomic system relaxes, allowing the peripheral blood vessels to expand and nourish the body on a deep cellular level. At the same time, toxins are released and flushed from the cells throughout the body. This effect alone allows the body to release stress and make hundreds of corrections on a chemical and cellular level.

In this country, people understand the benefits of having their car serviced on a routine basis, even if there are no particular problems. It’s called routine maintenance. But what most people don’t understand is that the body too needs routine maintenance in order to reduce stress, eliminate toxins and correct imbalances in the circulation of qi energy and blood. And these benefits are cumulative with regular treatment.

So, yes, acupuncture and shiatsu are very effective for specific disorders such as headache, anxiety, depression, acute or chronic pain, insomnia, stomach or intestinal problems, fatigue and fibromyalgia, just to name a few. But in my opinion, the most important benefit of acupuncture and shiatsu is the overall relaxation and balancing of the autonomic nervous system. This is why I recommend regular acupuncture and shiatsu as part of everyone’s routine health care program.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

Insomnia is becoming a major health problem in our modern society. And here in the Portland, the problem is particularly pervasive in the summer when daylight arrives as early as 5:00 A.M.

There are many possible reasons for insomnia. But in all these cases, the common factor is too much activity in the brain at night, during sleep time. In traditional acupuncture terms, the heat in the body is not grounded and is rising to the head at night. In western medical terms, there is an over stimulation of the sympathetic nerves leading to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system.

Japanese acupuncture and shiatsu work well together to balance and ground the body’s energy and often this is enough to restore a normal sleep pattern. But sometimes, a client will come to me after years of sleep disturbance and several other therapies. In cases like this, insomnia is usually more stubborn and in addition to acupuncture and shiatsu treatments, I will suggest diet and lifestyle changes and possibly herbal supplements for a brief period, to help correct the imbalance.

If you have difficulty getting a restful night’s sleep, here are a few home remedies that can be helpful.

1) Diet – For many people it’s important to avoid all stimulants, particularly after the noon meal. Aside from the obvious stimulants such as coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks, certain spices stimulate the nerves or create heat in the body, which can disturb our sleep. Try to avoid spicy foods or at least try to eat them in the middle of the day, so that by bedtime, their effect has diminished. In the evening, eat a lighter meal and avoid fried, broiled or greasy foods, alcohol, black pepper, cayenne, ginger, cloves and garlic. Also, try to keep salt to a minimum.

2) Supplements – People with insomnia often have a calcium and/or magnesium imbalance. First, I suggest magnesium citrate (200 mg in the morning and 200 mg before bed). If magnesium alone does not help after a few days, add 200 to 400 mg calcium at bedtime, either in the form of coral calcium or calcium citrate.

3) Exercise – Of all the self-help advice, nothing is more effective than daily exercise in order to balance the body’s energy, improve the circulation and assist in the elimination of toxins.  If you have a serious health condition, it is important to exercise carefully and not over do it.  Discuss exercise with your health care professional in order to design a program that is best suited for your particular body type and condition. But for sleep problems, avoid exercise after 6:00 P.M.

4) Hot Footbath – Soak the feet and ankles in a bucket or tub of hot water for 20 minutes before bed.

5) Foot Rubbing – Before bed, sit cross-legged, or in a chair, and stroke one foot at a time (with the opposite hand) lengthwise and with medium to strong pressure, at least 200 strokes.  Use two drops of sesame oil on each foot during this process.  Then put on some old socks and go to bed.

6) Avoid napping during the day, avoid eating after 7:00 P.M., avoid exercise after 6:00 P.M. and avoid hot baths. (Warm baths are fine but hot baths are counter productive)

7) Above all, if you can’t sleep for a few nights, don’t worry. No one ever died from insomnia. Even if you just lay quietly in a dark room for 6 to 8 hours, you are getting more rest than you might imagine. And the next day, you’ll probably function better than you think.

If you have tried these suggestions and still can’t sleep, a series of acupuncture and/or shiatsu treatments can be very helpful. Or consult with an Ayurvedic or Chinese herbalist.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

As an acupuncturist in Portland, I am often asked what kinds of disorders respond well to Japanese acupuncture and shiatsu. I am usually forced to answer this question in a few words, which leaves many important points unaddressed. So I’d like to take this opportunity to answer this question more thoroughly and explain some of the finer points of the benefits of acupuncture.

As in most cities, there are many styles of acupuncture in Portland. I practice Japanese acupuncture and shiatsu. (More information about this particular style of acupuncture is discussed on other articles on this blog.)All styles of acupuncture are based on the classical Chinese theory that the body and spirit are made up of different forms of Life-energy, or “qi”, combined with the five elements. This “qi” energy nourishes the body and maintains proper health through a complex network of channels or meridians. In addition, we know from empirical observation that “qi” energy follows the blood. If the “qi” energy becomes stagnant, the blood will become stagnant and vice versa. When the “qi” energy and blood circulate freely through the meridians, we enjoy good health and a positive attitude. Disease occurs when the circulation of “qi” and blood are impaired due to stress, negative emotions, improper diet, insufficient rest, environmental toxins or seasonal changes.

Acupuncture evolved over the course of many centuries as a method to stimulate and regulate the circulation of “qi” and blood in the body. From this standpoint, it can be argued that acupuncture will help the body to resolve any imbalance or disorder. If we can improve the circulation of “qi” and blood, it stands to reason that the body will respond favorably. I have been continuously amazed to see how well people respond to acupuncture for a wide range of disorders from pain syndromes to infertility to digestive disorders.

From another perspective, it has been documented that acupuncture is effective in calming the sympathetic nervous system and improving the function of the endocrine glands and internal organs.

The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic and the parasympathetic functions. These two systems are designed to work together like two sides of a balance. The sympathetic system helps the body to function in states of stress or excitation. When the sympathetic system is dominant, the body’s attention is focused on the peripheral muscles and nerves in order to react appropriately in a “fight or flight” situation. When the parasympathetic system is dominant, the body’s attention shifts to the internal organs and in general, the body prepares to relax and replenish its energy. At any given point in time, either the sympathetic or parasympathetic mode is dominant. Our nervous systems are designed to shift back and forth between these two modes of functioning, several times a day.

Problems arise when we become stuck in one mode for too long. And in the stress of our modern society, the overwhelming tendency is to become stuck in the “fight or flight” or sympathetic mode. Over time, this chronic over stimulation of the sympathetic nerves can lead to problems such as hypertension, headaches, dizziness, irritable bowel syndrome, muscular or skeletal pain, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea and other gastro-intestinal disorders. Because of its profound calming effect on the sympathetic nerves, acupuncture is particularly effective in treating these kinds of disorders.

Finally, there are a few disorders that respond particularly well and very quickly to acupuncture. In this category, I would list liver/gallbladder imbalances, headaches, digestive disorders, hemorrhoids, stress, mild to moderate anxiety or depression and food or substance cravings.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

As a practitioner of Japanese acupuncture in Portland, I am seeing a renewed interest in one of the most ancient are of cupping; 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.

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.

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.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

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

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

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.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

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.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805