The Shirakawa Acupuncture Clinic in Tokyo, Japan has received international recognition for its unique acupuncture method using an unusually large number of needles. The clinic, which claims to cure both physical and spiritual ailments, has gone viral, attracting celebrities and athletes seeking relief from problems ranging from muscle stiffness to bad luck and spiritual obsession.
A healing practice with roots dating back thousands of years, acupuncture has evolved over time as practitioners develop their own techniques. One such practitioner, Yusaku Shirakawa, founder of the Shirakawa Acupuncture Clinic, became famous for his “root acupuncture” method.
This technique involves inserting dozens, sometimes hundreds of needles into various parts of the body, including the face, to address both physical discomfort and spiritual imbalance. Shirakawa claims that his treatment not only relieves chronic pain and muscle tension, but also cleanses the soul, improves happiness and helps with decision-making.
The price for a clinic session reportedly starts at 200,000 yen (about $1,400), but despite the high price, Shirakawa’s technique has become popular among Japan’s celebrity community. His notable clients include actor Masataka Kubota, table tennis star Ai Fukuhara and gymnast Ryusei Nishioka. Kubota, best known for his roles in Japanese dramas and movies, recently shared his experience at the clinic on Instagram, posting photos of himself with needles covering his face and chest.
While Instagram called the photos sensitive, the actor praised the treatment, describing it as “exciting” and that his revelation helped him get to his core. Similarly, Ai Fukuhara also shared her experience with Shirakawa’s technique, although she refrained from posting photos of her treatment so as not to scare her followers.
The practice, which is said to evoke an emotional response from patients, often brings them to tears. “They are detox tears, a manifestation of soul cleansing,” Shirakawa explained in a recent interview. He believes that intense emotional reactions are a sign of spiritual cleansing.
According to a report by the South China Morning Post, Shirakawa’s method has become popular, although it remains relatively rare in Japan, where there are more than 120,000 acupuncturists. While Shirakawa is currently the best-known practitioner, it is estimated that about 500 acupuncturists in the country practice this root acupuncture technique.
