Japanese Acupuncture Styles

NESA is a leader in Japanese acupuncture education in the United States, teaching several different acupuncture styles brought from Japan. 

Our world class Japanese Acupuncture Styles (JAS) faculty are led by Diane Iuliano and Joe Kay. Joe Kay was in the first group of Americans to study Toyo Hari in Japan with its founder, Kodo Fukushima. Diane Iuliano has been teaching acupuncture in Tokyo and Hokkaido, Japan since 2004. She was awarded the first teaching certificate in the US from Shoji Kobayashi, and was also the first American female keynote speaker at Hokkaido University. 

Typically, Japanese acupuncture uses thinner needles and needling tools, and relies more heavily on palpatory technique. Each needle is inserted more superficially and within this style, non-insertive needle techniques can be used. Japanese acupuncture is beneficial for not only all types of patients but is especially suited for children.

The JAS Track is comprised of the core curriculum and courses providing application of two predominant therapeutic styles of Japanese Acupuncture: Meridian 5 Phase and the Extraordinary vessels. Courses include Root treatment strategies I and II (Honchicho), local treatment strategies, and Clinical application of Adjunctive techniques for difficult clinical pathologies. Modalities explored will include use of Hibiki-7 (outside of Divergent Channel treatment), Manaka hammer and Needle (dashin), Pachi-Pachi and Low Level Laser. Shakuju, a treatment strategy derived from the classic Nan Jing and based on the work of Shoji Kobayashi is now also a required course. 

NESA is proud to have had Kiiko Matsumoto and Stephen Birch, two of the most renowned modern Japanese acupuncture practitioners, develop the JAS curriculum in the early 1980’s. We are pleased to have Ms. Matsumoto currently teaching a post-graduate Certificate program in her style of Japanese acupuncture as part of our Continuing Education.