Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/tokyo/seino-1987/column/5099226/
Modified and translated by CFJA
For the first point on academic philosophy, they have the achievement of raising the level of what was thought of as alternative therapy in the beginning, to be acknowledged as medicine or medical therapy. Cheng Dan’an was interested in proving acumoxa scientifically. Looking at the conference presentations by Chinese doctors, we can see their effort to interpret acumoxa based on modern medicine. However, even now, many are expanding the theory by interpreting them based on ancient thought. From a global perspective, doctors of Chinese medicine are not yet acknowledged as medical researchers.
For the second point on meridian theory, they have the achievement of systematizing it based on classical books. Although Japan is proud of having good results in clinical practice, since they have not put much effort into developing theories, they have a lot to learn from the meridian textbooks in Chinese medicine.
The third point on acupuncture manipulation technique is what is most different between Japan and China. The Chinese believe that the way to produce the greatest effect is to give as much vibration as possible after inserting the needle. Japanese does not like this sensation of vibration. It seems that the Chinese are also avoiding this recently, however, many practitioners are still using the manipulation technique that moves the needle aggressively. At that time, Cheng Dan’an suggested two types of manipulation techniques. Later, it became four and eventually, after including the technique from Japan, it became eight (In Japan, Waichi Sugiyama’s 96 types were condensed into 24 types, then were further condensed into 18 types. Currently, at the acumoxa schools, 18 types are being taught). However, currently, it stands out to us that the combination of one type from the two types at the beginning and one type that was brought from Japan are mostly being used. We will further talk about this next time.
The fourth point about gaikyu ryoho 艾灸療法 refers to moxibustion therapy. In Japan, practitioners hold moxa in one hand, twist and knead moxa, and after lighting a fire, they control the heat. Cheng Dan’an was fascinated by this method and emphasized the importance of moxibustion therapy. However, currently, only a few practitioners use moxibustion therapy and in general, moxibustion therapy refers to the method of using stick moxa which aims to warm up the body by lighting a fire on the moxa that was wrapped in paper and send heat by putting the stick close the surface of the skin. Amongst various methods in Japan, only one method is being used. We will discuss more about this some other time.
Dr. Seino feels that what Cheng Dan’an wanted to tell had been left out.
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