Treatments

Hiroshi`s Acupack, including a selection of needles. Two big bags of Moxa, moxa boxes (wooden boxes that the moxa can be placed in, and then burned over the abdomen or back of the patient), alcohol wipes (incase we use needles, though we had the idea that on this particular occasion that not much needling would take place, due to the people being so fatigued and cold, that it would probably be best to offer light massage and moxa treatment). Hiroshi`s green armband reds: Hyogo Prefecture Acupuncture and Moxibustion Association.

This man has low back and leg pain, he spent the days since the Tsunami helping to find survivors and clear wreckage. Hiroshi performed some touch needling (non-insertion acupuncture), and some moxa on his lower back. He seemed to have a lot of cold in his body and also some Liver issues.

This is Mrs Murakami`s leg, she was trapped in the Tsunami, and fortunately her feet were protected by the boots she was wearing, unfortunately here legs weren`t (remember this is a week after the event - they must have looked far worse last week). She was walking with a slight hobble, and considering what has happened to her (including losing one child and her house in the Tsunami), was putting on an incredibly brave face. Hiroshi did a gentle treatment using a Shoni hari (using a light brushing technique), to clear up the blood stasis. She also complained of chest and eye pains, but we didn`t have time to give a full treatment, but would like to in the future. 

This man had spent the last week helping find survivors, but mostly finding victims (around 200 dead bodies), he can`t sleep at the moment because of what he has seen. He came to us complaining of leg pain from standing and walking so much over the last few days. Hiroshi used Teishin which is a wooden pen like needle that gently massages the acupuncture meridians and points. 

This man was helping to pull victims from wreckage,  and removing wreckage from his town, which was struck by the Tsunami. He complained of back and leg pain, so Hiroshi gave him a massage and treatment using Teishin.

Overall we were very limited for time, and due to the fact that everyone had just arrived at the camp, we were not able to offer anything but a bit of relief to a few people who were willing to come forward for treatment. If we have the ability to offer more prolonged access to acupuncture, moxa and massage, we believe that we will gain more trust with the people and they will be willing to come forward with their problems, which over a sustained period of time can hopefully be effectively treated. Offering the survivors a slightly better quality of life for the moment, and a quicker recovery from this tragedy.