Japanese Acupuncture Milwaukie Oregon

Artful Life Japanese Style Acupuncture is Located in NW Portland, Oregon. We serve acupuncture clients in Milwaukie Oregon.

Discover Kiiko Matsumoto Style (KMS) Japanese Acupuncture Milwaukie Oregon

If you are searching for acupuncture Milwaukie Oregon, you should be aware that there are different forms of acupuncture. Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCM) is typically what people know in the West. Japanese Acupuncture has been practiced for over 1500 years and has its roots in the Chinese form, but there are significant differences.

Japanese Acupuncture treats root causes and emphasizes the entire body rather than a single symptom. As a result, patients find treatments to be effective and long-lasting. Take the time to learn about Lesley Valentine, a Japanese Acupuncturist serving Milwaukie Oregon. It is a unique Approach to Health Acclaimed by both Patients & Practitioners.

Artful Life Acupuncture is located in NW Portland, and is an easy drive from Milwaukie Oregon

Artful Life Acupuncture 

1316 NW 23rd Ave Portland, OR 97210

Directions from Milwaukie Oregon

Differences between Chinese and Japanese Acupuncture Milwaukie Oregon

Japanese acupuncture Milwaukie Oregon is more comfortable and relaxing, and the more exact placement of needles makes the treatment work much better.

The Approach

Japanese acupuncture relies on touch, a more subtle and refined way of assessing the points of need. A Chinese-style practitioner might find the general location of an acupuncture point and use a thick, heavy pin to elicit a deep, intense sensation. A Japanese acupuncturist uses a hands-on technique of “palpitation” to find the exact location of a point on the body. Because the point location is more precise, there is no need to strongly stimulate the point. Overall, TCM is more clinical, whereas Japanese acupuncture is about holistically treating a patient to get their body to a place of calm and healing.

Diagnosis and Listening

Most Chinese-style acupuncturists will feel your pulse, look at your tongue, and talk to you about your symptoms. A Japanese acupuncturist may do all those things, but they also take more time to feel your arms, legs, back, and abdomen for diagnostic clues. They might notice if your skin is hot, cold, rough, or smooth. Using “palpitation,” they will identify places that feel soft, sunken, or deficient and other hard, knotted spots. These sensations help guide the Japanese acupuncturist to a more complete diagnosis and treatment. They are listening to your body through their hands.

Needling Techniques

In acupuncture, needles are used at certain points to stimulate results. There are notable differences between Chinese and Japanese needling techniques. Japanese acupuncture uses smaller, finer needles than Chinese acupuncture, and the needling is more surface-level and not as deep causing less discomfort. Chinese needles tend to be slightly thicker, and the needling is deeper and stronger. For a first-time acupuncture patient who is worried about needles, Japanese acupuncture might be the style to try first because it tends to be more comfortable for the patient.

Acupuncture Milwaukie Oregon

Lesley Valentine L.Ac

Lesley Valentine is a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac) in private practice since 2000. She is trained in and practices a unique style of Japanese acupuncture called Kiiko Matsumoto Style (KMS).

Lesley initially went to school and trained as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMP). She enjoyed bringing relief and health to her patients through touch. It was a natural transition to Japanese Kiiko Matsumoto Style acupuncture, which also uses touch to determine what the body needs to heal.

In her first term of school, she experienced a treatment by Kiiko Matsumoto that shaped her thinking and practice. It led her to study this style of acupuncture with Kiiko Matsumoto and her chosen instructors.

She completed her Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, Oregon.

Who We Can Help with Japanese Acupuncture

Those Preserving and Cultivating Health in the Body

  • Health Practitioners
  • Athletes (PRO/Amateur)
  • High-Performance Execs
  • Coaches / Professionals
  • Holistic Maintenance
  • Injury Recovery / Healing

Those Searching for Relief & Release of Health in the Body

  • Mystery Health Issues
  • Chronic or Acute Pain
  • Emotional Conditions
  • Immune System Issues
  • Digestive Disorders
  • Musculoskeletal Problems

Acupuncture is for Everyone

Join me on the journey to unlocking your Artful Life.

Artful Life Japanese Acupuncture