Toyohari is a very gentle yet powerful style of acupuncture derived from classical Chinese methods, developed in Japan under the influence of a more than 300-year-old tradition of blind acupuncturists, with a strong emphasis on touch.
Treatment is applied in two parts:
- Root treatment — the overall condition is assessed through palpation (abdomen, meridians, pulse) to identify weak or disturbed meridians and correct them, “regulating the qi.” Needles are usually not inserted — making it easy to deal with even for patients uncomfortable with needling, and suitable for children.
- Branch treatment — specific symptoms are targeted using a variety of techniques (some unique to Toyohari, others in routine use in Japan), here needles are often inserted, and moxibustion may be applied.
Both parts are usually combined (“like two wheels on an axle”), except in special cases (e.g. preparing for surgery or building strength before starting cancer treatment) where only the first part is used.
Toyohari can help with all sorts of health conditions thanks to its focus on regulating and balancing the body.