RYODORAKU (Advanced Japanese Acupuncture) Yoshio Nakatani, M.D., Ph.D. What is Ryodoraku, and what is involved in a Ryodoraku treatment? Ryodoraku is a system of diagnosis and treatment developed by Dr. Yoshio Nakatani, M.D., Ph.D. during the late 1940s. He did extensive research that identified and measured electrical conductivity produced in the skin. As a result, various points of electrical resistance were found along the skin's surface. Dr. Nakatani named these points of electrical resistance the ryodoten, or the "connection points". Dr. Nakatani did many case studies of his patients. During these case studies, he noted that there were twenty-four of these points on the hands and feet where electrical resistance was evident. Dr. Nakaktani also soon recognized that studying and measuring these twenty-four connection points could actually determine the condition of the autonomic nervous system. He named this special diagnostic and treatment system Ryodoraku, which literally translated means "good conducting connection". Ryodoraku uses the ancient principles of acupuncture and the current scientific methods of western medicine to bring the very best treatment possible to the patient. In other words, Ryodoraku is the bridge between ancient oriental medicine and modern western medicine. First, we check the autonomic nervous system using diagnostic equipment called a neurometer. A special sensing instrument connected to the neurometer, checks the 24 predetermined points, 6 on each hand, and 6 on each foot, thereby determining the electrical resistance along the surface of the skin. The entire procedure takes about five minutes to complete. The neurometer analyzes the electric flow and plots the points on a computer-generated graph. This creates the Ryodoraku chart, the basis for diagnosing your condition. Using the data obtained from the chart, we can determine your condition at that particular moment in time. This information can also be used effectively to predict any future disease conditions you might face, even though you are not experiencing any symptoms at the time. We are therefore able to prevent the disease from ever occurring. Then we use a needle supplied with a weak electric current to treat the specific areas that were shown on the chart to be outside the normal physiological range. Using the data obtained from the chart, we will treat the points that fall outside the normal range by sedating those points that are high, and stimulating those points in which the energy is low. When the body is brought into balance, better health and a reduction in pain is the result. Treatment with the electrified needle not only eliminates your pain, but also helps to regulate the autonomic nervous system, thus triggering your own healing mechanism. Your body, as a result, returns to a state of balance and equilibrium, which in turn results in better and more vibrant health. The effect of the treatment will be different for each person, but adhering to the treatment plan, will yield favorable results. More treatments may be needed at the beginning, but as your condition improves, the treatment interval can be spread out. And though initial symptoms may disappear fairly quickly, the body must be allowed to stabilize. So it is important to adhere to your plan to strengthen the immune system and make the body resistant to future relapses. At our clinic we use only authentic, Japanese-made equipment created specifically for Ryodoraku diagnosis and treatment, so you are guaranteed the very best result possible. RYODORAKU FAQ's Q: Is Ryodoraku the ONLY form of acupuncture used at NIPPON Chiropractic & Acupuncture? A: No. In addition to Ryodoraku, the doctors are certified practitioners of Traditional Acupuncture, Acupressure, as well as Meridian Therapy. Q: What are the advantages of Ryodoraku treatment? A: The advantages of Ryodoraku are many, but here are a few: Besides being great for making a diagnosis for acupuncture, it also is a basis for considering other health-enhancing remedies, such as nutrition, vitamin therapy, and exercise. The weak current applied to an acupuncture needle is a powerful treatment method. A thinner, shorter needle can be used. Offers objective data that can be tracked. The patient can see how s/he is progressing by referring to "change values" on the Ryodoraku chart both before and after treatment, as well as from visit to visit. Q: Are there any times when Ryodoraku should not be used? A: Ryodoraku is contraindicated when treating persons wearing a pacemaker. Please inform your practitioner if you wear a pacemaker. Ryodoraku is to be performed judiciously on persons with sensory numbness where they cannot to supply sufficient feedback to treatment. 9221 Ward Parkway Suite 110 Kansas City, Missouri 64114 (816)444-0204