AIMC Event: Learning Teishin with Funamizu Sensei

At Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College, our events and workshops are used to promote further learning and education among current students, alumni, and faculty. Teishin master, Takahiro Funamizu was able to come and share his knowledge and experience with our guests. Funamizu Sensei traveled from Tokyo, Japan, where he is an esteemed faculty member at Tokyo Therapeutic Institute, one of the oldest acupuncture schools in Japan and the only school in the entire country that teaches Teishin in their curriculum.

What Is Teishin?

Teishin, or Japanese contact needles, do not puncture the skin; instead, they are held with very light pressure at acupuncture points, on the surface of the skin. This technique is used to treat a myriad of conditions. Teishin are blunt needle-shaped instruments made of precious metals (i.e. gold, silver, copper, titanium, etc.) or gemstones and crystals (i.e. jade, quartz, selenite, blue kyanite, etc.). Because Teishin treatments are so gentle and painless, they are ideal treatments for pediatrics, the extremely deficient, and the needle-phobic.

What Are the Benefits of Teishin Treatment?

After the devastating 9.1 magnitude earthquake in 2011, Japan was overrun with many deaths, injuries, and destruction. Some areas were without running water and electricity for weeks and survivors were constantly on edge, coping with huge losses, trauma, and frequent aftershocks following the quake. Funamizu Sensei traveled to the most affected areas and gave Teishin treatments that brought relief to the people and helped pave the way for healing. Participants learned and practiced the Teishin Protocol developed by Funamizu Sensei, specifically for people with psychiatric mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. In addition, a Pediatric Protocol was also shared that effectively treats insomnia, night terrors, and tantrums in children.

Final Findings

In order to be an effective Teishin practitioner, it is important to develop competence in sensing qi. Funamizu Sensei encouraged participants to practice qigong regularly for self-development. Our participants were taught different hand and body exercises to help improve sensitivity to the feeling and cultivating qi. According to Funamizu, the most important thing he wants students to take away from his seminar is the understanding that as practitioners we gather healing energy from the Earth and the Heavens, allow it to flow through our own bodies and into our patients via the Teishin needle. Kenzie Rubin, AIMC Berkeley Student, appreciated the different techniques that Funamizu Sensei shared with the class. Before this weekend seminar, she had limited knowledge about Teishin. After just two days of study, she feels her knowledge base has definitely expanded. Gina Dang, another AIMC Berkeley student, felt like this weekend seminar was an extension in her interest in Japanese treatment techniques. After her school trip to Japan and her medical qigong studies at AIMC Berkeley, she appreciates Teishin as another way to feel qi. This is the fourth time that Funamizu Sensei has taught at AIMC Berkeley, and we look forward to his next visit.

Learn More

AIMC has continuing education classes and community events every month. Take a look at the schedule to see if there is something that interests you. If you are interested in studying alternative healing methods, contact us about our masters and doctorate programs.