“Nothing like this has ever existed in North America before.”

– Bob Quinn DAOM, LAc

Bringing in Master practitioners from around North American and Japan, this truly unique program is the only one of its kind to take major influences in the world of Traditional Japanese Acupuncture and mold them into one cohesive course of study. 

“The best of the best in Japanese Acupuncture Certification in the US.”

— Atsuki Maeda  DAOM, LAc

Instructors

Stephen Brown, Jeffrey Dann, Takahiro Funamizu, Koei Kuwahara, Atsuki Maeda, Junji Mizutani*, Hideo Takahashi, Bob Quinn and Mark Petruzzi

Cost

$3500 for full 6 module TJA program - (if registered by 3/1/2023- $400 savings!)

$650 for individual weekend modules (Friday-Sunday)

Essence of Japanese Palpation and Needling

Module 1

May 16-18 2025

Atsuki Maeda, DAOM

The Traditional Japanese Acupuncture program kicks off with Atsuki Maeda, delving into the rich history and foundational principles of Japanese Acupuncture. This practice is deeply rooted in classical texts such as the Su Wen, Ling Shu, and Nan Jing, and has evolved under various cultural influences. Traditional Chinese medicine, shaped by Daoist and Confucian concepts, arrived in Japan over 1500 years ago, where it was significantly transformed by the indigenous beliefs of Shintoism and Buddhism.  

Through this course, students will gain a profound understanding of the essence of Traditional Japanese Medicine, exploring the underlying mindset that informs its practices. The Japanese approach emphasizes respect and gentleness, which is reflected in the techniques of palpation and needling. Atsuki Maeda will also introduce participants to the diversity of Japanese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, offering a comprehensive overview of Traditional Japanese Medicine.  

Da Shin Technique

Next Date : TBD

Hideo Takahashi LAc, Ba

The dashin technique, unique to Japan, was reportedly invented by a Buddhist monk, Mubunsai in the Muromachi period (1336-1573). Historically this technique involved the use of a small wooden mallet which would strike a thick gold or silver surioroshi-shaped (tapered) needle that was placed on the abdomen. However, Japanese acupuncturists have been experimenting with this technique with some modern modifications to meet our sensitivity. The popularity of dashin technique in Japan has been restored due to this modification.

This seminar is to introduce the dashin technique to beginners by presenting this unique method of acupuncture as well as a totally different treatment philosophy. Hideo Takahashi introduces the modernized version of the dashin technique which uses a brass teishin and a small ebony mallet and demonstrates how this method can be applied in your daily practice. By the end of this seminar, you should feel confident and comfortable in treating your patients’ abdomen and satisfied with the positive impacts you provided to your patients.

Subtlety and Specificity in Penetrating Moxibustion

Module 2

Next Date : TBD

Mark Petruzzi LAc,lmt 

*with a livestream lecture from junji mizutani lac

Practical Moxibustion will be the 2rd module, taught by Mark Petruzzi. Moxibustion is the application of heat to acupuncture points and is one of the oldest and most effective forms of East Asian Medicine.  It is a technique that originated in China and was introduced to Japan more than a thousand years ago.  Japanese acupuncturists have adopted methods of both direct and indirect, but prefer to use direct moxibustion (tonetsukyu) because of its effectiveness.  Mark Petruzzi will teach the theory and physiology of moxibustion as well as its comfortable, safe and effective application on the whole body as practiced in Japan.  Autonomic nervous system balance and immune system enhancement, as well as symptomatic treatments of such disorders as digestive problems, gynecological problems, and lower back pain will be covered

Japanese Style Bodywork - Sotai Structural Integration

Next Date : TBD

Jeffrey Dann PhD, LAc  

Sotai Therapy is a system of exercises and structural integration techniques developed by Keizo Hashimoto M.D. of Japan. Sotai involves active and passive movements with an emphasis on awareness, breathing, and subtle sensations. It is used extensively in Japan to treat a wide variety of musculo-skeletal problems.  Sotai complements acupuncture practice both as a component of treatment and for movement education for the patient.

This course will introduce students to Japanese Bodywork andfocus on Sotai Therapy, a popular Japanese structural integration system. (See description above.) The emphasis is on acquiring the skills necessary for assessing movement and executing simple exercises with the patient to help the body integrate and resolve pain and dysfunction associated with movement.Integrating Sotai Therapy with acupuncture treatment will also be discussed, demonstrated and practiced

Shudo Style Japanese Meridian Therapy

Module 3

Next Date : TBD

Stephen Brown, LAc , Morihiro murata LAc, mark petruzzi lac

Meridian Therapy, the most popular approach to traditional acupuncture in Japan, is a system of acupuncture based on the Classics of acupuncture and emphasizes the application of five phases in assessment and treatment. Pulse diagnosis, abdomen and meridian palpation are used for assessment and gentle superficial needling techniques are used in treatment. Meridian Therapy is focused on the regulation of qi and the emphasis is on subtle palpation and a direct felt sense of the body and its qi. Deficiencies and excesses of qi in the body are detected, and subtle tonification and dispersion techniques are applied to regulate qi. Refined needle techniques are utilized to evoke subtle stimulation. Meridian Therapy seeks to treat the root cause of disease, while also effectively addressing the immediate symptoms.

This course introduces the main features of Japanese styles of acupuncture and moxibustion, and more specifically the Meridian Therapy school. Special attention is given to the approach to Meridian Therapy developed by Denmei Shudo, a modern master of this style. The class prepares students to practice Shudo Style Meridian Therapy in their clinic, using gentle non-invasive techniques. Morihiro Murata and Stephen Brown will be livestreamed from Japan and Seattle respectively. They will lead the lecture and demonstrations in the morning sessions. Mark Petruzzi will guide the hands on technique , and will lead the lecture and practice in the afternoon sessions.

Shonihari - Japanese Pediatric Acupuncture

Next Date : TBD

Takayuki Koei Kuwahara LAc

This course will cover diagnosis with special focus on palpatory diagnosis (pulse and very light touch diagnosis on the surface of the skin), treatment of children and the history and practice of shonihari in Japan. Shonihari is a unique and specialized pediatric style of acupuncture form for infants and children that became renowned in the 1700s in the Osaka region of Japan.  A variety of special pediatric needles/tools are used with non-insertion techniques only.  Kuwahara Sensei will go into further detail on the three elements of Shonihari: 1. Diagnosis and treatment for children  2.How to approach the child for treatment  3. Education and involvement of parents or guardians in child’s well-being.  Incorporating elements of Meridian Therapy with Daishi Hari (Sensei Tanioka style Shonihari) will also be discussed and demonstrated along with recognition and treatment of a variety of pediatric conditions with Shonihari protocol..

Advanced Needle and Guide Tube Techniques of Sugiyama

Next Date : TBD

Atsuki Maeda, DAOM  

Building upon the course “Essence of Japanese Palpation and Needling”, Atsuki Maeda will introduce gentle Japanese Acupuncture needling techniques utilizing the guide tube system developed by Waichi Sugiyama, known as the “Father of Acupuncture”. Participants will learn both gentle yet effective tonification and sedation techniques, as well as methods for qi induction.

Students will gain confidence and a comprehensive understanding of how to apply and integrate these needle techniques, enhancing their ability to provide the highest level of care to their patients while refining their skills in gentle and effective needling.

8 Extraordinary Vessel Treatment in Meridian Therapy

Module 4

Next Date : TBD

EHRLAND TRUITT LAc   

Ehrland Truitt will take a more detailed look at the use of the 8 Extraordinary Vessels in Meridian Therapy. EV and Shi Go Treatment will be also be incorporated. Miyawaki Style abdominal diagnosis for the Extraordinary Vessels, along with the application of needles, moxibustion and other polarity agents (magnets, copper/zinc pellets, etc) for the EV patterns will be explored. This course will work to transform sensitivities, increase the practitioner’s awareness and provide additional tools to bring balance back to the system.

Treating the Heart - Takahiro Style Teishin (TST) for Psychological Disorders

Module 5

September 26-28 2025

Takahiro Funamizu

Funamizu sensei has developed an effective and gentle treatment system for long term PTSD, depression and trauma using his Takahiro Style Teishin (TST) techniques.

Funamizu sensei will teach unique techniques for treating the mind and spirit that he began during his work with Japan’s post-tsunami victims, and now has refined over many years. Takahiro Funamizu has a dynamic teaching style and technical skill that is readily transmissible. A wide variety of “fine touch” techniques, easily understood and applied clinically to effectively soothe the Body-Mind, will reinforce the foundational Meridian Therapy approach that has been imparted in earlier modules.   .

Koshi Balancing - Japanese Structural Alignment Therapy

Module 6

October 24-26 2025

bob quinn daom, LAc

This course provides a Japanese derived concept of Structural Acupuncture as an integrated system of manual medicine. Theory and practice are derived from 5 different Japanese manual medicine and acupuncture styles: Shiatsu, Seitai Ho, Meridian Therapy (Keiraku Chiryo), and Seitai Shinpo Structural acupuncture and Sotai movement therapy.  The theoretical and clinical focus of the course is organized around the Japanese Body-Mind concept of the “koshi” or the lumbar pelvic center.  Meridian energetics are explained from classical texts but informed by contemporary anatomical understanding of fascia and fluid systems. Skilled palpatory skills based on channel palpation and osteopathic listening informs the general approach.  Japanese styles of contact needling, superficial needling, and deep needle techniques are integrated with Japanese bodywork techniques, moxibustion, and movement therapy

The Essence of Acupuncture - Beyond Technique

Next Date : TBD

Bob Quinn daom LAc 

This course will provide the opportunity for refinement and reflection of all that was taught throughout the previous modules.  Bob will also discuss the more nebulous factors that take one from being a tactician to a full-fledged expert. Self cultivation practices to enhance sensitivity, awareness, energy and skill will be taught and practiced. The module will help the participants find out how they can best utilize Traditional Japanese Acupuncture in the way that best serves them in the type of practice they have and the type of  practitioner they want to be

Applications in Traditional Japanese Acupuncture

Next Date : TBD

Mark Petruzzi LAc, LMT       

This wll be the culmination of the entire TJA series.  This course will take the refinement generated throughtout the program, and expand it across multiple settings.  Participants will gain confidence in applying the TJA techniques to various patient settings such as orthopedics, oncology, GYN, sports, GI, neurology, etc.

 Qi, Blood, and Fluids : An Introductory Integration of Manual Medicine for Acupuncturists

February 20-22 2026

Friday, Saturday and Sunday (21 PDAs)

Location :

Dragon Rises College

6815 14th St W. Bradenton, FL 34207

Jeffrey Dann PhD, LAc and Mark Petruzzi LAc, LMT

Join us for this original class integrating Visceral, Neural, and Lymphatic manual techniques with Traditional Japanese Acupuncture methods to re-interpret the classic ideas of Qi, Blood and Fluids with a more refined sensibility.

Jeffrey Dann and Mark Petruzzi will delve into the influences of bodywork and anatomical exploration established during the Edo Period and elaborate on these ideas with modern understandings. In this class, you will enhance your technical and anatomical specificity by fusing Traditional Japanese Acupuncture techniques with osteopathic manipulations. Learn what’s under acupoints and how to have more precision in promoting FREE FLOW 通highlighting the channels as myofascial, myovascular, and myo-neurological pathways. Gain tools to boost your clinical effectiveness with hands on instruction and guidance, deepening your ability to work with Qi (fascia/nerves), Blood (viscera/arteries) and Fluids (Lymphatics)

Cost: $675 (*minimum of 20 participants for class to run) 

Jeffrey and Mark look forward to giving acupuncturists an introductory experience of how to integrate osteopathic manual techniques to one’s acupuncture practice. They hope if you are sufficiently stimulated, you will take more in-depth classes from the Barral Institute and the Chikly Health Institute.