Chiropractic in Japan

By on September 28, 2012
Everyday, our bodies are exposed to laborious hours in meeting rooms, working with computers, moving around the city with a baby or children in tow or carrying heavy shopping bags, etc.  Doing these day to day tasks by overexertion can cause injury to the most important parts of the body leading to back, leg, neck, shoulder and/or hip pains.  In Japan, the most common form of treatment for such pains is by chiropractic treatment.

Chiropractic, now categorized as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), is a treatment technique using manual therapy centered on the relationship between the body’s structure, mainly the spine, and how it functions through the nervous system. Chiropractors (also known as chiropractic practitioners) use a variety of non-surgical treatment techniques, such as spinal manipulation and mobilization to correct misalignment of the spine and joints. This is to improve the body’s function and support its natural self-healing ability.

Daniel David Palmer researched the relationship between structure and function of the spine that led to the discovery of chiropractic in 1895 in the United States. Today, chiropractic is practiced in over 90 countries in the world as a specialized health care profession.  Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) is a primary health care practitioner in about 40 legislated countries including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK , etc. The World Health Organization (WHO) has now published chiropractic guidelines to regulate chiropractic services within these health care systems around the world.

Chiropractic treatments typically focus on back pain, neck pain, headache and joint pain but may focus on other neuro-musculoskeletal areas as well. Some people use chiropractic care for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (which includes muscle and joint problems relating to the spine and extremities due to physical inactivity, injuries, bad posture, joint diseases and so on.) and health maintenance. The most common reason patients seek chiropractic care in Japan is for the relief and treatment of debilitating back pain. Many studies show that chiropractor-treated back pain is safe and cost-effective.

In Japan’s health care system, western medicine holds the monopoly so chiropractic is categorized as a non-licensed, quasi-medical practice.  As a non-licensed profession therefore, chiropractors can not take X-rays or make an official diagnosis.  

In spite of that  chiropractic remains to be the most sought-after treatment for low back pain, shoulder stiffness, headache, fatigue and other common health issues in Japan.

So how do you find a reliable chiropractor in Japan? The best way to find a reputable chiropractor in your area is by contacting the Japanese Association of Chiropractors (JAC), which is a WHO-affiliated WFC national member organization and ask for information on certified offices with English-speaking chiropractors near you.  

JAC-registered Tokyo Chiropractic is one of the few places in the center of Tokyo where you can be treated by English-speaking chiropractors.  

Located in Aoyama and only a four-minute walk from Omotesando station, the office is in close proximity to where most foreign residents live or work.  Look for Dr. Kei Takeyachi, a third generation chiropractor who graduated from RMIT University School of Chiropractic in Australia who will be happy to help.

Dr. Kei’s grandfather Yoneo Takeyachi, was one of the Japanese chiropractors who first established Tokyo Chiropractic office in 1949.  Take note though that chiropractic treatment fee is not covered by the national health insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken). Check your overseas insurance policy to see if chiropractic treatment is covered..

Daini Seiho Building 3F, 3-5-2 Kita Aoyama, Minato-ku Tokyo 107-0061, Japan
Tel: 03-3478-2713
E-mail: info@tokyochiro.com
Website: http://www.tokyochiro.com/

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