Japanese Acupuncture is an extremely gentle but highly effective form of treatment. It is different to Chinese Acupuncture in a number of ways:-

• Less is more

Japanese Acupuncture techniques are directed at using the minimal amount of stimulation to attain the greatest results.

• Virtually painless

Japanese needles are extremely fine, insertion is typically very shallow, and there is no need to manipulate the needle. This makes treatments virtually painless and provides a milder stimulation than the thicker Chinese needles.

• Moxibustion a prominent feature

Moxibustion refers to the warming of acu-points by burning moxa, a substance derived from the mugwort plant. It has a warming, tonifying and deeply relaxing effect on the body.

• Strong emphasis on touch

In Japan, acupuncture and massage are traditionally professions of the the blind who naturally refined and perfected diagnosis and treatment by touch. This includes palpation of the hara (the abdomen) for diagnosis, and palpation of meridians and acu-points before treating.

Dr Manaka’s channel balancing system uses ion pumping cords (IPC) on master points of the extraordinary vessels, directing this balancing to the deepest layers of the body. IPC is a simple wire containing a diode allowing small (bio)electrical currents to flow from one needle to another. Very few needles are used and insertion is extremely shallow.

TCM is a direct descendent of one of the oldest and continuously practiced systems of medicine in the world, and can trace its roots back 2500 years. Fine needles are inserted into specifically chosen acu-points on the body and retained for around 20-40mins depending on the patient’s needs. After insertion, people report a variety of sensations including: heat, tingling, warmth, dull aching or a heaviness at the point of needle insertion.

Shiatsu is normally carried out through clothing on a futon at floor level or on a massage couch. Shiatsu is the most popular and highly respected form of manual therapy in Japan.

Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which the dried herb “mugwort” is burned at specific points of the body near the surface of the skin in order to promote warmth internally and stimulate the body's own healing potential. It is an important component of Japanese acupuncture and one of the oldest of all practices in Oriental Medicine, thought by some scholars to possibly even pre-date acupuncture. The heat generated from moxibustion penetrates deeply into the body, giving both an immediate and continuing warming effect, which lasts for several days after the treatment. Moxibustion can be particularly helpful for any condition of pain or stiffness, low energy, or when the condition has become chronic.

Auricular Acupuncture (ear acupuncture) is a complete system of acupuncture. There are dozens of points on the ear which correspond to all parts of the body, both external and internal. This system is believed to work primarily through the endocrine and nervous systems.

Sotai(ho) is a Japanese form of muscular or movement therapy incorporating resistance type exercises to correct imbalances through the co-ordination of harmonious breath and movement.

Intradermal needles and press tack needles are tiny, sterile needles which are inserted very superficially into the skin. They stimulate acupuncture points, or pressure/pain points on the body or in the ear and can be left in place in between sessions to continue the effects of the treatment. Once in place, you should not be aware of an intradermal or press needle.

Cupping is a method where suction cups are used on the skin to bring metabolic waste to the surface. Cupping is frequently used to treat early stage colds and flu, trauma, and muscle pain, especially in the back and shoulders.

Japanese Facial Massage is a rich blend of modern facial methods and traditional East Asian Concepts. Muscle kneading, rapid percussive movements, finger pressure, and stroking techniques are strategically combined to rejuvenate and revitalize your complexion. Japanese Facial Massage invigorates the body's Qi, brings fresh blood to the face and helps the lymph system to drain away waste and toxins. Muscles of the face are stimulated and their tone improved which reduces harshness and lines. Your face will look fresher and texture improved.