National Acupuncture Day : October 24

October 24
National Acupuncture Day

This month marks the 15 anniversary of the passing of
Dr. M. Masahilo Nakazono, O-Sensei (Teacher)
May 22, 1918 – October 8, 1994

Kappo Certification – 1937
Acupuncture Certification – 1939
Sakai Hon Li Te a Te mastery- 1956
Established macrobiotic healing center in India - 1956
Began teaching Japanese Acupuncture Medicine in Europe - 1960
Introduced Japanese Acupuncture, Pulse Diagnosis & Five Element Meridian Medicine to the U.S. - 1970
Discovered Kototama link in Five Element Meridian Medicine - 1975
Opened first Japanese Acupuncture School in the U.S. - Kototama Institute - 1978

"The Japanese-trained acupuncturist approaches the needle with the same spirit the samurai approaches the sword. This needle-sword is not a tool; it is an extension of the hand reaching out from the center of the tanden, the Sea of Qi."

Training with Masahilo Nakazono, Osensei for fifteen years was my path. His mission was to guide his students in accessing their individual Qi, respecting the acupuncture needle as an extension of their own spirit and dedicating their whole being to the stewardship of acupuncture – a science developed, protected and passed on from one generation to the next in an unbroken line of succession for over 3000 years. The City of Santa Fe honored him as a "Living Treasure" (1984) and the New Mexico State Senate proclaimed him the "Father of New Mexico acupuncture" (1985).

The reason we can celebrate "Acupuncture Day" is because our professional ancestors, like Sensei, never abandoned the knowledge, wisdom and science of acupuncture; but instead, meticulously guarded, enhanced and delved deeper into the understanding that comes through life-long dedication to its integrity. Sensei shared this ancient healing art with his adopted nation, America. He would be pleased with "Acupuncture Day."