Who knew that two different types of Meridian Therapy are commonly practiced and taught to aspiring therapists? These two are Japanese Meridian Therapy and Chinese Meridian Therapy. While there are some similarities, there are some differences as well. We will discuss both of the types of therapy as well as some potential commonalities and differences.
Japanese Meridian Therapy
Japanese Meridian Therapy has been around for over 1,300 years. It has only really been common practice since around the 1930s because of increasing modernization in Japan. It is thought that traditional aspects of this were carried on by a small number of families, and acupuncturists throughout history. It was considered to be a profession for the blind. This is why there is a heavy focus on using the senses.
The typical way to diagnose a patient using JMT is usually through pulses and palpitations of the body. It is believed that minor changes in your pulses or meridians can indicate that any number of issues could potentially require treatment. This form of therapy is considered to be a gentler approach. It focuses more on the root of the issues versus treating the different symptoms that present themselves. It is the goal in Japanese Meridian Therapy to regulate one’s qi through proper palpation and feedback through the pulse.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditionally, Traditional Chinese Medicine involves harmonizing one’s qi to bring balance to the body. This form of treatment is similar to Japanese Meridian Therapy in the sense that if a person’s qi is blocked, it will have negative effects on the body. Like JMT, it has been around for thousands of years. It also holds the belief that it is necessary to have a balance between the internal organs of the human body.
Similar to JMT, this form of therapy can involve Acupressure or Acupuncture. When using this form of acupuncture, needles are usually slightly thicker than the needles used in Japanese Meridian Therapy. The acupressure form of Traditional Chinese Medicine is considered to use more pressure and at times has been said to hurt a little bit more than the gentler JMT approach.
Commonalities and Differences
As you see, there are similarities between the two forms of therapy, like the fact that they both focus on harmonizing and balancing someone’s qi to have balance in the mental and physical aspects of their lives. Both practices put a strong emphasis that an imbalance in someone’s body can disrupt the qi and create a pathway for illness to enter your body.
Honestly, there is not a vast difference between the two other than the fact that JMT acupressure uses lighter pressure and focuses on the pulses of your body and abdominal palpations. TCM acupressure will use more direct, firm pressure.
Here at Wholistic Training, we teach methods commonly used in TCM to our students so that they can help their clients benefit the most from a treatment session.
Help others benefit from ancient therapy. Register for our Acupressure and Meridian Therapy program today.
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