Prana Matsudo Acupuncture Clinic

Prana Matsudo Acupuncture Clinic Our Spine Acupuncture alines the spine, health’s core. We treat vertebrae and meridians in all limbs.

23/06/2026

Acupuncture Treatment for Malignant Ascites

Some time ago, a patient visited our clinic who was suffering from ascites caused by breast cancer that had metastasized to the liver.

Her heartfelt request was simple:

“Please help relieve this abdominal discomfort, even if only a little.”
For symptoms associated with ascites, acupuncture treatment may help ease discomfort and support a more comfortable physical state, even if only for a few days at a time.

In this patient’s case, she told us that after treatment she was able to spend several days free from the distress caused by the ascites and enjoyed a period of relative peace and comfort.

However, because she lived far away, it was difficult for her to visit our clinic frequently.

When her symptoms worsened, she also sought treatment at acupuncture clinics closer to her home, but she reported that she did not experience the same degree of relief.

I believe that many people throughout the country are still enduring the suffering caused by cancer-related symptoms and malignant ascites.

It is my sincere hope that they may spend their precious remaining time as comfortably and peacefully as possible. With that wish in mind, I would like to share the approach to ascites that we use in our clinic through Spinal Acupuncture Therapy, in the hope that it may be of some help.

I truly hope that as many people as possible can continue to live meaningful lives in their own way until the very end.

Key Points of Malignant Ascites Treatment in Spinal Acupuncture Therapy

At our clinic, treatment primarily focuses on the lumbar spine and the medial aspect of the thighs.

1. Approach to the Lumbar Spine

In Spinal Acupuncture Therapy, we consider the lumbar vertebrae to reflect the functional state of the entire body.

Lumbar vertebra 1 (L1): Nervous system
Lumbar vertebra 2 (L2): Digestive system
Lumbar vertebra 3 (L3): Urinary system
Lumbar vertebra 4 (L4): Reproductive system
Lumbar vertebra 5 (L5): Respiratory system

At the same time, all of the lumbar vertebrae are regarded as reaction points for the digestive and reproductive systems. When dysfunction develops within these organ systems, areas of “tension” or “stiffness” often appear around the corresponding lumbar segments. This stiffness may, in turn, further impair organ function, creating a vicious cycle.

Malignant ascites associated with metastatic cancer is often related to liver involvement or peritoneal dissemination. In our clinical experience, patients with these conditions frequently exhibit marked stiffness around L2, often accompanied by tension in other lumbar segments as well.

Therefore, we begin with careful palpation to identify these areas of stiffness and gently release them using acupuncture needles. In many cases, patients report that even reducing tension in the lumbar region alone helps alleviate the discomfort associated with ascites.

Needling protocol

Needling site: Alongside the spinous processes (paraspinal region)
Needle used: Japanese acupuncture needle, 1-sun No. 0
Depth: Determined through delicate palpation, targeting the depth at which stagnation (“pathogenic qi”) is perceived
Needle retention time: Approximately 5 minutes

2. Approach to the Medial Thigh

The medial aspect of the thigh is considered an area closely related to the circulation of body fluids.

When edema or circulatory stagnation is present, pronounced stiffness can often be palpated in this region.

Left medial thigh: Associated with the urinary system
Right medial thigh: Associated with the digestive system

Because malignant ascites can also be understood, in a broad sense, as a disorder involving the circulation of body fluids, we carefully examine the medial thighs by palpation and retain needles at areas where stiffness is detected. The retention time is likewise approximately five minutes.

The above summarizes the key aspects of ascites management using the Spinal Acupuncture Therapy practiced at our clinic.

Of course, if practitioners are already achieving favorable outcomes in the management of malignant ascites through other approaches—such as Meridian Therapy or Traditional Chinese Medicine—those methods should continue to be valued and utilized.

However, if the current treatment strategy is not producing the desired changes and clinicians find themselves searching for alternatives, I hope the approach described above may serve as one possible option worthy of consideration.

Disclaimer: The observations and treatment methods described here are based on our clinical experience and the theoretical framework of Spinal Acupuncture Therapy. They should not be interpreted as established medical evidence demonstrating efficacy for malignant ascites. Patients with malignant ascites should continue to receive appropriate evaluation and management from their oncology and palliative care teams, and acupuncture should be considered as a complementary approach aimed at improving comfort and quality of life.

22/12/2024

Case Study: Improvement in Frequent Urination for a Man in His 40s

Background
The patient started experiencing symptoms of frequent urination two years ago. During the day, he needed to use the restroom approximately every 30 minutes, and at night, he woke up several times due to the urge to urinate. Despite consulting a urologist, his symptoms did not improve.

Following a recommendation from his wife, he visited our acupuncture and moxibustion clinic.

Initial Consultation Findings
Through comparative palpation during spinal acupuncture therapy, the following abnormalities were identified:
・Thoracic Vertebrae 3 and 4: Vertebrae associated with respiratory functions.
・Lumbar Vertebra 5: Related to both respiratory and bladder functions.
・Lumbar Vertebra 3: Strongly linked to urinary functions.

Given that this year’s rainy season and summer brought high humidity and heat, which strained the respiratory systems of many individuals, it was hypothesized that respiratory burden might have affected urinary functions. Thus, the initial treatment focused on balancing the respiratory system.

Second Visit (One Week Later)
The patient reported that for two days after the first treatment, the intervals between restroom visits during the day lengthened. Examination revealed that while the vertebrae related to respiratory functions were almost aligned, a strong abnormality persisted in Lumbar Vertebra 3.

Upon further inquiry, the patient disclosed that he worked as a truck driver and frequently carried loads weighing approximately 30 kg. This information led to the conclusion that excessive strain on Lumbar Vertebra 3 from his job was likely the root cause of his frequent urination.

The second treatment focused on correcting Lumbar Vertebra 3 through spinal acupuncture therapy.

Third Visit (Another Week Later)
After the second treatment, the patient reported no longer waking up at night due to the urge to urinate. Additionally, the intervals between restroom visits during the day extended to about 90 minutes. His wife, who had referred him to the clinic, also expressed delight, noting significant improvement in his symptoms.

Discussion
This case suggests that frequent urination was triggered by strain on Lumbar Vertebra 3, closely linked to urinary functions, due to the physical demands of the patient’s job. Furthermore, the burden on the respiratory system caused by extreme humidity and heat may have indirectly impacted urinary functions via Lumbar Vertebra 5, complicating symptom improvement.

By addressing both respiratory and lumbar issues through treatment, the patient’s symptoms improved significantly.

02/12/2024

Acupuncture treatment for Hiatal Hernia

A man in his 50s: Several years ago, he experienced stomach discomfort and visited a gastroenterology clinic. He was diagnosed with reflux esophagitis caused by a hiatal hernia.

Although he took Western medication for several years, its effectiveness gradually diminished. In May of last year, he switched to traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which resolved most of his symptoms. However, a pulsating sensation in his stomach was the only symptom that remained.

He came to our clinic, hoping to address the remaining pulsating sensation in his stomach. Upon examination, abnormalities were found in the spinal area corresponding to the esophagus and stomach.

After adjustment using spinal acupuncture therapy, his symptoms began to diminish by the third session. By the sixth session, his symptoms had significantly improved, and eventually, the pulsating sensation was reduced to a level where it was hardly noticeable in daily life.

02/12/2024

How to Spend Autumn

Tips for Autumn Health Care: Addressing Dryness, Cold, and Sensitivity

Stay Hydrated Regularly

In Tokyo, the air becomes rapidly dry in November, and as a result, our bodies also start to dry out. It can be difficult to notice this dryness within the body, but if you feel a stinging sensation around your mouth or your skin feels stiff, it’s a sign that your body is significantly dehydrated internally. When dryness sets in, you may feel the cold more intensely and become more susceptible to colds. Take proactive measures to combat dryness before reaching this state.

The method involves drinking water. Simply gulping down water will result in it being expelled as urine, so it’s better to sip water slowly, like drinking sake from a small cup. Taking a few sips every hour is sufficient. Additionally, aim to drink a full glass of water during meals.

When it comes to meals, dishes with plenty of broth are ideal. Hot meals like hot pot, soups, or rice porridge, which are warm and contain a lot of liquid, help to hydrate your body.

At the end of the day, soak in a bathtub and warm up while drinking a glass of water. Generally, it is recommended to drink about 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day.

Please note that coffee and tea have diuretic effects, so they do not count as water intake. Be mindful of this.

Countermeasures Against Cold

Autumn is a season of drastic temperature fluctuations, and one of the most critical concerns is the chill in the early morning hours.

The early morning cold can deeply cool your body during sleep, when physical activity is minimal. This can lead to various symptoms such as frequent urination, abdominal pain, nausea, lower back pain, headaches, colds, or even stiff necks.

In such cases, a foot bath or a leg soak in the morning can be highly beneficial. Please refer to a previous article I wrote for instructions on how to do this.

Autumn enhances concentration

As the temperature drops in autumn, the pelvis, which had loosened during spring and summer, begins to tighten. Along with this, the skull, shoulder blades, and skin also tighten, and the nerves become sharper and more refined.

This is a time when concentration increases, so we may begin to pay attention to things we hadn’t noticed before. It might bring up painful memories or feelings of melancholy.

During such times, it is important to quietly observe the movement of your heart. By following the natural flow, you will be able to overcome each challenge, even as you waver.

This is how to spend your time in autumn.

02/12/2024

Acupuncture treatment for Calf Discomfort

A man in his 40s began experiencing discomfort in both calves around the spring of last year. The symptoms gradually worsened to the point where walking became extremely difficult.

He then underwent trigger point acupuncture therapy at a clinic specializing in myofascial pain, which alleviated the pain and enabled him to walk again. However, the stiffness and tightness in his calves persisted as residual discomfort, and even with continued treatment, these symptoms did not fully resolve.

Amid these circumstances, he decided to visit our clinic upon the recommendation of a sibling who is also a client here.

This individual works as a driver, a profession that places considerable strain on the nervous system. Additionally, he has a history of a leg fracture in his past.

From the perspective of our spinal acupuncture therapy approach, the gastrocnemius muscles and Achilles tendons are highly influenced by brain activity. We believe that excessive mental strain or prolonged eye strain can place a burden on the nervous system, leading to muscle tension.

In this case, his constant eye strain and nervous system fatigue as a driver appeared to be impeding the improvement of the discomfort in his calves.

Upon examination, we observed signs of significant strain on his nervous system.

We administered spinal acupuncture therapy to regulate his nervous system, along with specific treatments targeting the myofascia in his calves. This resulted in a marked improvement in his symptoms after the first session, and by the second session, most of the discomfort had disappeared.

During the post-treatment consultation, we discussed the impact of nervous system strain, and he revealed that he had a history of depression. People with a history of depression often have a predisposition to nervous system imbalances, which may have contributed to the difficulty in resolving the discomfort in his calves.

02/12/2024

Acupuncture treatment for Lingual Numbness as a Sequela of Cerebral Hemorrhage

A man in his 70s suffered a right-brain hemorrhage in January of this year, resulting in paralysis on his left side. He was hospitalized for rehabilitation until April, but around mid-April after his discharge, he began experiencing discomfort on the left side of his tongue, which gradually developed into a tingling sensation. Currently, the discomfort has spread to a tingling sensation across his entire tongue.

When he consulted a neurosurgeon, he was informed that special treatment was challenging. He was referred to an oral surgeon, but no treatment was available there either. Subsequently, he sought consultation at this treatment clinic.

Recovery Phase After Brain Hemorrhage

After a brain hemorrhage, neurological symptoms such as numbness and pain can occur. These symptoms are particularly noticeable during the period when neural circuits are being reconstructed.

The six months following the onset are considered the period when functional recovery of the nerves is most promising. During this time, there is potential for repair of the brain’s neural tissue, but complete regeneration is unlikely.

Specifically, brain cells that have been destroyed cannot regenerate. However, functional recovery may occur through neural circuit reconstruction and compensatory functions of the remaining nerve cells.

Overall Body Balance

In this patient’s case, since more than six months have passed since the onset, it is unlikely that the abnormal sensations are caused by neural reconstruction.

Brain cells have low regenerative capacity, and once damaged, they rarely return to their original state. The discomfort in his tongue may be due to misfiring of damaged brain cells.

Unfortunately, acupuncture cannot regenerate brain cells. However, our bodies function as an interconnected system rather than isolated parts. This also applies to the tongue, which is influenced by the overall functioning of the body.

After a stroke, the body’s overall balance may be disrupted. Improving this balance could potentially alleviate some of the abnormal sensations.

Spinal Acupuncture Therapy

The tongue is closely related to the digestive and reproductive systems. In spinal acupuncture therapy, it is believed that abnormalities in organs are reflected in the spine, and specific spinal levels correspond to particular organ issues.

By using acupuncture to address these abnormalities, the overall balance of the body is restored, aiming to improve symptoms. In this patient’s case, after two treatments, the discomfort in his tongue was significantly reduced to a nearly unnoticeable level.

Thus, while sequelae from a brain hemorrhage caused by damage to brain cells may not fully resolve, balancing the body as a whole can improve other abnormal sensations.

08/04/2024

Spinal acupuncture therapy aims to remove muscle knots around the spine using acupuncture and align the misalignment of the vertebrae.

Muscles around the spine exhibit reactions of various organs depending on the spinal level; for example, the second cervical vertebra is related to the "eyes," the sixth thoracic vertebra is related to the "stomach," and the fifth lumbar vertebra is related to the "bladder."

When organs are under stress, muscle knots can form in areas related to those organs. These muscle knots distort the vertebrae and interfere with the function of the organs. By loosening the muscle knots with acupuncture, the vertebrae can be aligned, and the function of the organs can be restored.

Therefore, in spinal acupuncture therapy, the main focus is on loosening muscle knots around the spine and aligning the vertebrae. It also addresses misalignments in the limbs, abdomen, and head that are interconnected.

As the vertebrae align, not only back pain and shoulder stiffness but also unpleasant symptoms associated with autonomic nervous system imbalances can be alleviated.

31/03/2024

【COVID-19 Sequelae - Teenage Female】

Hospitalized for nephritis for 10 days. Even after discharge, she had a low-grade fever for 2 months. Currently, she still experiences joint pain, swelling, and fatigue.
Immune system and other factors adjusted with acupuncture, focusing on the right kidney. All symptoms improved after the initial consultation. She regained her energetic expression from before.
Recovered enough to go to an amusement park with friends.

31/03/2024

【20s Female, Postpartum Coccydynia】

After a difficult childbirth, the woman experienced coccyx pain and visited an orthopedic clinic.

Despite no fractures being found, she was prescribed electric therapy and poultices, but there was no improvement even after a month.

Upon examination at our clinic, it was discovered that her left pelvic bone was not properly aligned.

After adjustment with acupuncture and moxibustion, the pain disappeared quickly.

31/03/2024

In her twenties, a woman experienced severe pain and nausea from her left flank to her back about a week ago. Despite consulting internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, and urology, the cause remained unknown.

She visited a university hospital where the cause remained unknown as well. Tramadol, prescribed for cancer-related pain, provided relief for about four hours but the symptoms recurred.

Upon referral, she visited our clinic. We diagnosed the pain as related to eye strain and adjusted it with acupuncture and moxibustion. The pain halved the next day and disappeared completely two days later. She was able to enjoy her planned trip.

In cases of such severe pain, it is necessary to first consult a hospital to determine the cause.

This is because there are life-threatening conditions such as intestinal torsion, acute pancreatitis, and ectopic pregnancy.

If symptoms persist without a known cause, please consider visiting an Eastern medicine practitioner.

There may be a possibility of identifying and resolving the cause that Western medicine cannot determine.

住所

CAZA Higurashi 505, 3-10-10, Higurashi
Matsudo-shi, Chiba
2702253

営業時間

火曜日 14:00 - 21:00
水曜日 10:00 - 17:00
木曜日 10:00 - 12:00
金曜日 14:00 - 21:00
土曜日 10:00 - 17:00

電話番号

0473019015

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