Toyohari is a method of acupuncture developed in Japan. It is an extremely gentle yet powerful treatment. It was founded by Kodo Fukushima, a well known blind acupuncturist (many acupuncturists are blind in Japan), who went on to found the Toyohari Association in Japan just over 40 years ago. The theory of Toyohari is rooted in the Chinese classical texts of acupuncture, which are over 2000 years old. The practice however uses innovative new techniques, including the use of needles made of different metals such as silver, gold, copper and zinc. Another remarkable development is the technique of "contact needling", where a silver needle or probe is held on or over the skin, without penetrating it. This technique is very helpful for treating children and for individuals who don't like the sensation associated with needling in other forms of acupuncture.

The founders of Toyohari were mainly blind and consequently relied heavily on the sense of touch. New methods of diagnosis and treatment have been developed over the years relying on touch, gently palpating and stroking the abdomen, neck, back and what are known as the meridians or channels of energy (qi), which flow through the body. Toyohari acupuncturists who use this approach in Japan are highly respected. Today there are over 1,000 Toyohari acupuncturists in Japan and in recent years a number of practitioners have been trained throughout the west. Once qualified, a Toyohari practitioner makes a commitment to continuing professional development and attends monthly study groups allowing them to remain a member of the Toyohari Association.

Can Toyohari be combined with 'normal' acupuncture?

There is no such thing as 'normal' acupuncture as it has evolved and developed in many different historical and cultural contexts since its origins in ancient China. There are many different styles of acupuncture used today although the most common and widely used is known as TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). This is part of the core curriculum of study for a basic acupuncture qualification in the Australia. The study of Toyohari is at a post-graduate level in the Australia, which means your practitioner has already qualified as an acupuncturist before training in Toyohari. Your practitioner may choose to use Toyohari or use a different approach depending on what they feel is best for your condition. On occasion, different styles may be combined during a treatment depending on how your practitioner chooses to work.

What is a treatment like?

Treatment is a very relaxing experience. First the details of your case will be taken. Then you will lie on the treatment couch and the practitioner will gently palpate your abdomen and feel the pulse at the wrist. She or he will then set to work to address the underlying imbalances with contact needling over selected points on the body or stroking the skin with a rounded silver Toyohari instrument called an enshin (it looks a bit like a solid silver lollipop!) or sanshin (like a tiny silver cone). A technique called moxibustion may also be used to apply warmth to certain points. You may experience little more than a sensation of warmth or tingling as the points are stimulated. The whole process is very relaxing. Most people feel a deep sense of calm and wellbeing. The session itself is normally half an hour to an hour long.

How many treatments will I need?

This is a difficult question to answer as many people choose to use Toyohari as a method of maintaining health and well being, as well as those who come to address a specific health issue. Normally treatment is weekly for a course of 10 treatments after this your condition would be reassessed. Another course may be necessary but I f things have stabilised and your condition has improved the sessions are spaced out. You may end up coming once every 4-8 weeks for continued health maintenance. All sorts of conditions respond to Toyohari. Practitioners have had clinical experience of treating a wide range of illnesses, for example: arthritis, menstrual problems, digestive problems, skin conditions, asthma, musculo-skeletal problems, and pain relief, to name a few. The symptoms of the condition are treated directly but the underlying imbalance, which is causing the problem, is also addressed.

What are the benefits of Toyohari?

Toyohari is very gentle so having a treatment is a relaxing and pleasant experience. The unique diagnostic techniques developed in Toyohari enable practitioners to work to address problems that may respond more quickly to Toyohari than other treatments. In particular working on musculo-skeletal problems especially around the neck and shoulders (known as the naso region) can be very helpful in some cases. This treatment can be combined with other styles of acupuncture or other types of complementary therapy such as osteopathy or chiropractic where its use may enhance or speed recovery. As mentioned previously the fact that it is painless means it is very useful to treat children.