Traditional Japanese Medicine

Traditional Japanese Medicine (TJM) is an ancient system of healing that dates back to the 8th century. While TJM does share some similarities with other Asian medicine systems such as acupuncture, herbal medicines, and massage, it also stands apart due to its unique approach to health. The goal of TJM is to achieve a balance of Yin and Yang, two opposing forces in the body, which help the body to heal and prevent diseases. It is also believed that the body is not a machine, but rather a spiritual being and what affects the mind also affects the body. TJM is based upon many theories and approaches to healing, such as Shiseido, acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and massage. In particular, nutrition plays an important role in achieving a balanced state of health. Traditional Japanese foods such as miso, brown rice, and tofu are designed to help bring balance to the system and optimize health. From a diagnostic point of view, TJM practitioners use pulse reading to assess the condition and identify any underlying imbalances. This allows them to focus on the underlying cause, not just the symptoms, thus providing a more effective treatment. TJM also uses a range of techniques including acupuncture, massage, and exercise to restore balance to the body and prevent illness. Acupuncture is used to stimulate nerves and muscles, and redistribute the body’s energy (known as “qi”). Massage helps to reduce stress, while exercises such as qigong, regulates the body’s energy and helps to relax the mind and body. The holistic approach to health that is the basis of TJM is something that is gradually becoming more widely accepted. TJM not only seeks to treat the symptoms, but rather the underlying causes and sources of imbalances in the body. This approach promotes more sustainable health and well-being over the long-term.