Some fundamental differences between Japanese and Chinese acupuncture are:
The comfort level: Japanese needles are made from the highest grade materials and are generally much finer. The patient will rarely experience any pain or discomfort.
The use of insertion tubes: means that pain on insertion is barely noticeable.
The depth of needling: Needles are inserted shallowly in Japanese styles, as it is believed the energetic forces within the body (Qi) are accessible much closer to the surface of the body. In contrast, in Chinese models, it is believed that Qi is reached through deeper insertion and stimulation.
Constitutional/root treatment: The Japanese approach is to diagnose and treat any core energetic imbalance within the patient. This is called the “root treatment” and when done correctly the body is better positioned to heal itself and sustain the changes. The “branch treatments” are the second section of the treatment that focuses on the relief of particular symptoms.
Tailored Treatments to the Individual: The Japanese philosophy of Acupuncture emphasizes doing the correct treatment and the correct dosage for each patient. Diagnostic indicators such as the body type, the hara (gentle palpation of the tummy area) and the meridians, the pulses and the case history of the patient all determine the type and strength of treatment best suited the individual. During the treatment these diagnostic indicators are repeatedly checked to make sure that the desired changes are happening. This means that the practitioner is present and working with the patient for the whole of the session which in most cases is different from the Chinese models.