The Philosophy and Practice of Japanese Acupuncture

This study aimed to describe the philosophy and practice of Japanese acupuncture practitioners in Japan, and explain Japanese acupuncture in terms of philosophical concepts, diagnostic methods and treatment principles. In Japan, participants were recruited by chain referral and emergent sampling. Over four and a half years, data was collected through participant observation, interviews and by gathering documents. Thematic analysis was used to critically evaluate data.

本研究旨在阐明日本针灸从业者的执业哲学与实践路径，并从哲学理念、诊断方法及治疗原则维度系统阐释日本针灸体系。本研究在日本境内通过连锁推荐法与涌现抽样（emergent sampling）招募研究对象。历时四年半，研究团队通过参与式观察、访谈及文献收集三种方式完成数据采集，并采用主题分析法对所获数据开展批判性评析。