This book provides a step-by-step introduction and practical guide to palpation as a method of assessment, diagnosis and treatment within the context of Oriental medicine, and in particular Japanese acupuncture practice. Leading the reader through the how and what of touch, around the abdomen (or hara) and other key areas of the body, the author also explores key acupuncture points for clearing these areas, as well as Japanese needle techniques. The aim of the book is to allow the reader to have a more vivid and sensitive feel for what lies below acupuncture meridians and points, and to be able to assess and treat a very wide variety of clinical conditions with an understanding of the individual patient - successfully.Powerfully illustratedwith line drawings and photographs to give the reader as vivid and accurate a sense as possible of what it being seen and felt Palpation is the heart of Japanese acupuncture diagnosis and treatment. With a clear understanding of principles and techniques, all acupuncturists will be able to add another dimension to their practice, over a very wide range of conditionsAn emphasis is placed on the integration of Chinese and Japanese medical thought, helping the reader to see them as interrelated, classically based systems The chapters take a building blocks approach whereby concepts are explored gradually and new terms introduced and reiterated at the end of every chapter. A question section is included at the end of every chapter.Cases from the authors 15 years of clinical experience are integrated whenever the concepts covered need further elaboration, helping the reader to study patient progress and get a sense of how to use the material Forms outlining procedures, diagnoses and possible treatment strategies supplement the theoretical material in each chapter so that the practitioner is assisted in organising and performing palpatory examinations.