What Is Needle-Free Acupuncture?

Needle-free acupuncture is one of many healing methods adopted and refined by renowned TCM practitioner Steven “Doc” Blackstone. Its origins lie in the esoteric practice of Japanese Toyohari Style acupuncture. In their endeavor for perfection the Japanese took over 2,500 years of acupuncture tradition from Chinese teachings and turned it into a powerful, yet gentle art. Within the last 400 years they incorporated improvements and named one new form “Toyohari Acupuncture” which shared many new ideas on how to diagnose and regulate energy flow for the purpose of healing.

During the same period another distinct branch of acupuncture arose- Shonishin. Shonishin is a non-invasive method of acupuncture which was developed with a gentleness in mind specific to the needs of children. Special instruments were developed to gently brush, press, tap, or rub reflex zones and meridian pathways on the torso and the extremities. In less than 20 years “Doc” Blackstone has incorporated methods into his practice that distinguish him from practitioners around the world. 

The masterful physician uses a teishin where an acupuncture needle would typically be called for. 

When therapy requires a more substantial tool for deep muscle and tendon reformation, Blackstone uses a ceramic soup spoon to dexterously perform complex manipulations without damaging the skin. This unique skill has prevented surgery in countless patients who were  diagnosed with knee and shoulder problems. Most practitioners have only the level of skill to use such a tool to perform gua sha using surface level scraping movements.