Introduction to Oriental Medicine — Basics of Acupuncture/Herbal Medicine, How to Choose, and the Flow of Your First Consultation

What is Oriental Medicine — Understanding from the Philosophy of "Qi, Blood, and Water"

Oriental medicine is a medical system that originated in China and has developed across various Asian regions including Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, each alongside its own culture. At its foundation lies the concept of understanding the human body as a single organic entity in which three elements—"Qi (ki)," "Blood (ketsu)," and "Water (sui)"—circulate. Whereas Western medicine focuses on bacteria, viruses, and organic changes in organs as causes of disease, Oriental medicine views imbalances or stagnation of these elements as "pre-disease (mibyou)" and emphasizes regulating one's health from before illness develops.

Japanese Oriental medicine, while based on Chinese traditional medicine, underwent its own development from the Edo period onward. In particular, Japanese-style herbal medicine known as "Wa-kan medicine" and acupuncture and moxibustion, which developed as medical care for the blind, have a history of being refined to suit Japan's natural environment and the physical constitution of Japanese people. In modern times, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare approves herbal medicines as pharmaceutical products, and acupuncturists and therapeutic massage practitioners are positioned as holders of national qualifications.

The Mechanism and Effects of Acupuncture — Regulating the "Pathways" of Meridians

Acupuncture and moxibustion (shinkyuu) is a treatment that regulates the flow of meridians (keiraku) inside the body by inserting fine needles into "acupoints (keiketsu)" on the body's surface or applying thermal stimulation by burning mugwort. Meridians are the pathways through which qi and blood flow, and are thought to function as a network connecting internal organs to the body's surface.

From the perspective of modern science, research has shown that needle stimulation acts on the autonomic nervous system, promotes the secretion of pain-relieving substances such as endorphins, and improves local blood circulation. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the effectiveness of acupuncture for conditions such as chronic lower back pain, cervicobrachial syndrome, headaches, menstrual pain, menopausal symptoms, and insomnia, listing them as indicated conditions.

When visiting an acupuncture clinic for the first time, many people worry about whether "needles hurt." The needles used in treatment differ from injection needles and are extremely fine, with a diameter of approximately 0.1 to 0.3 mm. At the time of insertion, you may feel a unique heaviness (de qi, or "arrival of qi"), but it is rare to feel strong pain. Treatment typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes at the initial visit and 40 to 60 minutes at follow-up visits.

Fundamentals of Herbal Medicine — The Elegance of Prescriptions Created by Combining Crude Drugs

Herbal medicines are prescription medications created by combining multiple "crude drugs (shoyaku)" derived from plants, minerals, and animals. Unlike Western medicines that highly refine single active compounds, herbal medicines are characterized by their multiple crude drugs acting in concert with one another, suppressing side effects while working gently on the whole body.

Representative prescriptions include **Kakkon-to (Kudzu Root Decoction)**, used in the early stages of a cold; **Rikkunshi-to (Six-Ingredient Decoction to Augment the Qi)**, for those with weak digestion and poor appetite; and **Kamishoyosan (Free Wanderer Powder Plus Additions)**, which alleviates various menopausal symptoms. However, even for the same symptom, the optimal prescription differs depending on the patient's "constitution (shou)"—a general term for the pattern of body type, physical build, and symptoms. While it is possible to self-select over-the-counter herbal medicines, if you aim for long-term constitutional improvement, I strongly recommend consulting with a doctor specializing in herbal medicine or a pharmacist at a herbal medicine pharmacy.

How to Choose a Trustworthy Clinic or Pharmacy

The basic rule when choosing an acupuncture clinic is to verify that it employs practitioners who hold a **national acupuncture license**. This is a different qualification from that of chiropractors or massage therapists, so be sure to check the qualification name in the clinic's information or the practitioner's profile. It is also important to check whether careful questioning is conducted at the initial visit and whether the treatment plan is explained clearly. Choosing a clinic that specializes in your particular area of concern (sports injuries, gynecological issues, internal medicine, etc.) is also an effective approach.

For herbal medicine pharmacies, check whether a **pharmacist is present** and whether individual consultations are conducted using the four diagnostic methods (inspection, auscultation/olfaction, interrogation, and palpation). At reputable pharmacies, tongue diagnosis (examining the tongue's condition) and pulse diagnosis are performed while providing custom-tailored prescriptions based on the individual's constitution. Prices are often higher than over-the-counter medicines, but if the prescription matches your constitution, the results will be dramatically different.

Your First Consultation — What to Expect and How to Prepare

At an acupuncture clinic's initial consultation, you will begin by filling out a detailed questionnaire. In addition to your current chief complaint, the clinic will ask broadly about your medical history, current medications, lifestyle habits, sleep quality, appetite, and digestive function. This is to understand how your current condition relates to your overall physical state. After the questioning, physical examinations such as pulse diagnosis, abdominal diagnosis, and tongue diagnosis are performed, and the treatment plan is determined.

On the day of treatment, it is best to **avoid being hungry or overly full**, and ideally to come one to two hours after eating. If you have a metal allergy, notify the clinic beforehand. After treatment, you may experience flushing or drowsiness, so it is recommended to avoid driving on the day of treatment. Additionally, since blood circulation is enhanced after treatment, avoid alcohol and take adequate fluids and rest.

Consultations at herbal medicine pharmacies are often by appointment, so prior confirmation by phone is necessary. Consultation time is typically 30 to 60 minutes, and the pharmacy may propose and prepare a prescription on the spot. It is common to start with a prescription for one to two weeks and adjust based on your body's response.

Incorporating Oriental Medicine into Daily Life — The Wisdom of Preventing "Pre-Disease"

The essence of Oriental medicine lies not in treating disease after it develops, but in maintaining a state of health continuously. Among the things that can be practiced in daily life to achieve this, **regular meals and sleep** are first and foremost. Oriental medicine values the concept of "health cultivation (yoojou)," with regular meals incorporating seasonal ingredients and recovery of qi through adequate sleep as the foundation.

Additionally, acupoint massage and moxibustion are methods that can easily be incorporated into daily life as self-care without specialized knowledge. For example, **Zusanli (Leg Three Miles)** has long been known as an acupoint that regulates digestive function and strengthens immunity, located about four finger-widths below the kneecap. **Hegu (Union Valley)** is located near where the bones of the thumb and index finger meet and is said to be effective for headaches, toothaches, and stiff shoulders.

Modern medicine and Oriental medicine are not opposed to one another but complement and support each other through their respective strengths. If you struggle with chronic complaints or constitutional improvement, I encourage you to explore the world of Oriental medicine. The wisdom backed by long tradition is sure to support the physical and mental health of modern people.