Japanese Acupuncture Institute

02/20/2026

On Wednesday 25 February, our new book Manaka Made Simple will finally be released.

This has truly been a collaborative effort with Stephen Birch (NL), Marian Fixler (UK), Brenda Loew (USA) and Paul Movsessian (AUS), each bringing decades of clinical experience and thoughtful debate to the process.

The book presents Dr Manaka’s system of Japanese acupuncture and moxibustion in a clear, step-by-step clinical format, designed for real-world practice.

It has taken several years of steady work—writing and revising, testing ideas together, refining diagrams and checking references. Our shared intention has been simple: to make Dr Manaka’s system accessible, clear and usable in everyday practice.

The paperback will be available from 25 February.
The Kindle edition is already available for pre-order here:�https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GM94J716

If, during launch week, you feel moved to mention the book to a colleague or student (and to review the book), that quiet support is always appreciated.

Thank you for walking this path with us.

Warm wishes,
Oran Kivity, Stephen Birch, Marian Fixler, Brenda Loew, Paul Movsessian

Dr Yoshio Manaka was one of the most innovative figures in modern Japanese acupuncture, developing a refined clinical system based on the principle of maximum benefit with minimum intervention. Yet despite the profound influence of his work, there have been no new practical books on this highl...

05/08/2022

This two hour (PDA certified) Zoom class with Oran on Ontake Moxa on Sunday, May 22 will be VERY fun and immediately useful in clinic.

​​​The Ontake Method uses a piece of bamboo filled with burning moxa wool to roll, tap and lightly press on the meridians. The rhythmic application of heat and pressure, especially on the back, consolidates the pulse and working together with the root treatment, can trigger rapid shifts in pat...

06/13/2016

Great article ! "..The healing art of hari-kyu [needles & moxa] has worked for more than 1,500 years and continues to evolve to show its potential as a sustainable form of health care. Understanding that the only constant is change, Japanese modern practitioners continue to adapt to changes in medicine and social development, drawing on the value of hari-kyu in positive ways without letting go of traditional theories."

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2016/05/25/general/modern-take-traditional-medicine/

"The practice of medicine is an art, based on science." William Osler, considered "the father of modern medicine," proclaimed these famous words. His philo

12/10/2015

Introduction to Manaka Yin Yang Channel Balancing Therapy ~
Feb. 20-21, 2016 (9-5:30). Instructor: Brenda Loew (14 PDAs):
Dr Manaka’s comprehensive and structured approach applies fundamental principles of yin and yang to the treatment process. It is a four step protocol which treats both the root (underlying imbalance) and branch (presenting conditions). Using this approach, tension in the abdomen & back are released, enabling the body to return to a more harmonious state of balance and well-being.

https://www.bastyr.edu/civicrm/event/info?id=1809&reset=1

Dr Manaka’s comprehensive and structured approach applies fundamental principles of yin and yang to the treatment process. It is a four step protocol which treats both the root (underlying imbalance) and branch (presenting conditions). Using this approach, tension in the abdomen & back are released,…

09/14/2014

We have received some requests to offer our Japanese Acupuncture Certificate program in Seattle. Please send us your email if you are interested in attending. 2015 dates yet to be announced....

05/24/2012

We congratulate the recent graduates of the Portland Toyohari Basic Training Program ! May your Oshide be Light & Bright, and may you help many beings !

05/24/2012

Please contact us if you are interested in our Japanese Acupuncture Certificate series. Classes are being planned for Seattle !

05/12/2011

Toyohari Basic Training begins September 23, 2011 in Victoria, B.C. Canada. 108 NCCAOM PDA points, dates: Sept. 23-25, Oct. 14-16, Oct. 28-30, Nov. 11-13, Dec. 2-4, Dec. 16-18. For more info, see www.toyohari.org. Help us spread the word, arigato !

04/28/2011

This coming weekend the Toyohari Association is offering one day classes (Intro to Toyohari) in Seattle as emergency fundraisers for Japan. Saturday = @ SIOM, Sunday = @ Bastyr. NCCAOM PDA's awarded. See www.toyohari.org for more info.

Toyohari is Japanese acupuncture that is developed within the tradition of Meridian Therapy for maximum qi sensitivity, non-insertive needling, subtle pulse and abdominal diagnosis. This web also has updated referrals in the US as well as training session schedules.

05/31/2010

"The greatest
impediment to discovery, is not ignorance, it is the illusion of
knowledge" ~ Daniel J. Boorstin [How do scientists "know" that Qi does not exist?]

04/06/2010

Martin Feldman will be teaching Introduction to Meridian Therapy this coming weekend (April 9, 10, 11) @ Pacific Rim College in Victoria, B.C. (Cost = CDN $450). http://www.pacificrimcollege.ca/japanese_acupuncture_certificate_program.html

Certification in Japanese Acupuncture at a Oriental Medicine School