EXPERIENCE THE LIGHT & GENTLE TOUCH OF JAPANESE ACUPUNCTURE
Effective treatments in a healing environment.
Acupuncture / Japanese Meridian Therapy / Chinese Herbology / Moxabustion / SourcePoint™ Therapy / Sotai / Shonishin Pediatrics

Dr. John Handwerk DOM
(505) 920-8977
1570 Pacheco St
Suite C6
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Located at the South-East corner of
Plaza de Comercio
Mon Tues Fri Sat
About - Japanese Meridian Therapy
Japanese Meridian Therapy is a unique style of acupuncture based on the Chinese Classics. Developed by blind acupuncturists in Japan in the 1700’s, it relies on a highly refined sensitivity to Ki energy, making use of non-insertive and “touch” needling techniques. Diagnosis is made primarily from presenting signs in the pulse and abdomen, and along the meridians of the arms and legs.
The root of these treatments is in working to balance the five elements and their corresponding organ systems. By tonification of the main deficiencies and removing blockages in the flow of Ki within the body, the whole person is balanced and strengthened. The idea is that by first applying treatment to the entire person any symptom will be more likely to be alleviated and not return. When Ki flows freely through the meridians, the body is balanced and healthy, but when the energy becomes blocked, stagnated or weakened, it can result in pain and illness.
Traditional Japanese Acupuncture is particularly suited to those who are uncomfortable with strong needle stimulus.
Hand crafted silver needles and other tools are touched to points using gentle techniques, rather than strong stimulation all the patient usually feels is deep and profound relaxation. When needles are retained, they are placed at a very shallow depth and left in a much shorter time than most typical acupuncture treatments. These light techniques are one of the main differences between Chinese and Japanese styles of acupuncture.

Bio - John Handwerk, Doctor of Oriental Medicine
Dr. John Handwerk specializes in a gentle style of acupuncture called Japanese Meridian Therapy. A graduate of the International Institute of Chinese Medicine, Santa Fe in 2004, he first started his studies of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Dr. Shi Cun Wu in Chicago in 1995. His interest in Japanese Meridian Therapy began in 2002 while studying Hari with T. Koei Kuwahara and continues by assisting and teaching at Hari workshops and running practice groups, as well as studying with senior teachers in Japan. In 2006 he was director of the Community Acupuncture Project in Santa Fe, which offered free and low cost treatments. He uses Chinese Herbology and Food Therapy to help the body support treatments. The root of his training comes from 12 years of Tai Chi and Qigong practice and includes SourcePoint Therapy and other energy based medicines.

“My main modality is acupuncture, specifically Japanese Meridian Therapy. I am able to give treatments with or without needles depending on the sensitivity of the client and their comfort level concerning needles. I am also trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, use Cupping, Bloodletting, Moxabustion, and Tui Na massage, and have the ability to work very deeply if needed.
I incorporate Chinese Herbology along with western herbs and nutritional supplements, as well as food therapy. I provide education in home therapy practices including self-massage, qigong exercises, and moxibustion. I believe that self-care practices are an essential part of a patients healing.
Oriental Medicine works with the spiritual, emotional and physical levels of the body in order to bring balance and wholeness to ones being. Helping people to improve their connection to the Divine and Universal Energies brings harmony and flow to their lives; from this balance, all types of healing are possible.”