A gentle style of Japanese Acupuncture relies on palpation of the body to guide the treatment. The
main advantage of this acupuncture style are immediate palpable changes of the body on the table
indicating a response from the body is underway. The palpation can also help to uncover obstacles to
the body’s healing response.
In Japan there is a long history of training blind acupuncturists. The blind practitioners are trained in a
number of diagnostic methods that are rooted in Chinese Medicine including palpation of the body and
the abdomen. These blind practitioners have developed their diagnostic abilities to become extremely
sensitive to tactile changes on the body. The long history of palpation by these practitioners has led to a
growing knowledge base of how different areas of the body can reflect disease. This knowledge and
experience explains why in Japan there is a strong tendency to use palpation of the body as a diagnostic
technique.
One of the prominent palpation-based acupuncturists who has studied these methods is world-
renowned is Kiiko Matsumoto. Her namesake style is called Kiiko-Matsumo Style (KMS).
A typical treatment with this style, following the intake with the patient, would start by assessing a
patient by palpation of the body on “reflex” zones. Reflex zones have been mapped out on various parts
of the body and are thought to reflect health symptoms such as adrenal glands, immune system,
digestion, cardiac system, etc.. Reflex zones, many found on the abdomen, are palpated and would be
considered active if they are painful, sensitive or have a tension difference. Once identified, these
reflex zones can indicate which systems in the body need support or could be underlying the health
concern.
Acupuncture points are selected based on the reflex zones identified needing treatment. First the
practitioner can apply pressure at these acupuncture points while simultaneously palpating the reflex
zone to determine if an observable change is made (eg. Reflex zone is less sensitive to patient, or a
change in tissue consistency from hard to soft is palpated) to confirm the targeted treatment. If an
observable change is made on the reflex zone than the acupuncture points can be shallowly as
treatment.
If this gentle technique piques your interest, it is a good technique for health concerns relating to stress,
anxiety, cardiac concerns, and digestion. More health systems to come as I continue to complete
training in this style! If you have questions about it, please reach out to patientcare@emailaddress and
they will forward your inquiries onto me.
