皇法指圧治方学
Kohō Shiatsu Chihō Gaku
Imperial Finger Pressure Therapy Study

First Ever English Translation of the Table of Contents
by Billy Ristuccia (Draft Version 1.0)

Here you will find my English translation of the table of contents for Okuyama Ryuho, the founder of Hakko-ryu Jujutsu 八光流柔術 book: Kohō Shiatsu Chihō Gaku 皇法指圧治方学 (Imperial Finger Pressure Therapy Study). This book was designed as a student reference manual for those who were taking the training. The book details the philosophy, diagnostic methods, Koho Shiatsu therapy techniques,  and explanations of the internal organs from both an eastern and western medical perspective. The manual also covers the Goshin Taiso (self-protection meridian regulating exercises) for checking the state of your own meridians and regulating their healthy flow.

Koho Shiatsu 皇法指圧 is one of the first systems of Shiatsu developed in Japan. It is designed to be taught along with Hakko-ryu Jujutsu. Both the martial arts and medical arts of the school should be taught and learned together. One powers or fuels the other. The Jujutsu self-defense methods of Hakko-ryu are designed to disrupt the meridians and nerves of the attacker’s body. This causes the attacker great pain allowing them to be controlled with little power without the needless use of injuring them. Okuyama Sensei always stressed that a true master of Hakko-ryu has the ability with a single finger to either harm or heal.

Hirata Kurakichi 平田内蔵吉

Hirata Ryōzan (Kurakichi) 平田了山 (内蔵吉) was a soldier who was the founder of Juni Hanotai 十ニ反応帯 (12 Zone Therapy) and Nesshin Shigeki Ryōhō 熱針刺激療法 (Warm Needle Stimulation Therapy) also known as Hien Ryoho 火针疗法 (Fire Needle Therapy). Hirata Sensei authored many medical works and was a very important influence and mentor of Shodai Soke Okuyama Ryuho. Okuyama Sensei trained with Hirata Sensei during the war. Okuyama Sensei utilized Hirata’s zones to effect an injury in an indirect manner by treating the associated zones.

In 1936, Hirata Sensei encountered Hida Haramitsu 肥田春充 and learned his style of Kyōkenjutsu 強健術 (Strong Health Method), which he initially developed to strengthen his own weak body and mind. Together they devised a new meridian exercise method: Keiraku Shiki Chūshin Soren Hō 経絡式中心操練法. In collaboration with Hida they announced together the Kokumin Taiiku 国民体育 (National Physical Education). Okuyama Sensei was taught these exercises and included only an introduction to the core principles of the Kyōkenjutsu system as the 6th chapter of his Koho Shiatsu book.

Minami Haizan 南拜山

Minami Haizan (Katsutarō) 南拜山 (勝太郎) was a Japanese medicine doctor and scientist from Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu. Minami Sensei studied Japanese medicine since childhood, but because of Japan’s efforts to westernize after the Meiji Restoration, he wished to expand his understanding of western medicine, so he travelled to the United States. He studied both philosophy and western medicine, and after nine years he obtained a philosophy Ph.D. Minami Sensei then went to England to study for two years before returning to Japan in 1901. After returning to Japan, he aimed to revive Japanese medicine, and in 1927 together with dozens of other doctors, including Taiyan Asahina, a professor of medicine and a doctor of pharmacy, formed the Tōyō Igaku Dōkai 東洋醫學道會 (Eastern Medicine Association), with Minami Sensei as the chairman. In 1928 the organization established a branch in Taiwan. Okuyama Sensei learned from Minami Sensei Tōyō Igaku 東洋医学 (Oriental Medicine), Shinri Ryōhō 心理療法 (Psychotherapy), and Western Medicine. Minami Haizan was on the board of of Okuyama Sensei’s martial arts school until his passing.

Okuyama Sensei performing Myakushin (Pulse Diagnosis)
Kokyū Myaku to no Iwa Kankei Omiru
呼吸脉との謂和関係を診る
(Examine the Relationship Between the Pulse and Breath)

Kohō Shindan-Hō 皇法診断法 (Imperial Law Diagnosis Methods)

Daisan Sho 第三章 (Chapter 3) of Okuyama Sensei’s purple Koho Shiatsu book is dedicated entirely to various methods of diagnosis Shindan-Hō 診断法. Here is an outline of the methods that are introduced in this chapter:

  1. Shindan no Shurui 診断の種類 (Types of Diagnosis)
  2. Shindan no Kiso 診断の基礎 (Foundations of Diagnosis)
    1. Shizen to Ningen no Sesshokuten 自然と人間の接触点 (Contact Point Between Nature and Humans)
    2. Gaihyō Hannō no Jōtai 外表反応の状態 (Condition of Outer Surface Reactions)
    3. Obijō Hannō 帯状反応 (Belt Condition Reactions)
    4. Keijō Hannō 経状反応 (Meridian Condition Reactions)
  3. Shindan-Hō Kakuron 診断法各論 (Diagnostic Methods Details)
    1. Kinniku Shindan-Hō 筋肉診断法 (Muscle Diagnostic Method)
    2. Arukōru Shindan-Hō アルコール診断法 (Alcohol Diagnostic Method)
    3. Kokkaku Shindan-Hō 骨格診断法 (Skeletal Structure Diagnostic Method)
    4. Tsume Shindan-Hō 爪診断法 (Nail Diagnostic Method)
    5. Mōhatsu Shindan-Hō 毛髪診断法 (Hair Diagnostic Method)
    6. Shushō Shindan-Hō 手掌診断法 (Palm Diagnostic Method)
    7. Kao Shindan-Hō 顔診断法 (Facial Diagnostic Method)
    8. Fukushō Shindan-Hō 腹證診断法 (Abdominal Diagnostic Method)
    9. Myakuhaku Shindan-Hō 脈搏診断法 (Pulse Diagnostic Method)
    10. Hosoku 補足 (Supplement) Mikaku no Henka Hoka 味覚の変化他 (Changes in taste, etc.)

Shushō Shindan-Hō 手掌診断法 (Palm Diagnostic Method)

In this diagnostic method, Okuyama Sensei explains the signs to look for when one notices the color of the palm has changed or certain lines have swelled or been crossed with various marks. He explains which palm is predominant based on ones age and gender, and how to notice signs of illness within the internal organs.

  1. Undō Sayō 運動作用 (Movement Function)
  2. Seishin Sayō 精神作用 (Mind Function)
  3. Shōka Kyūshū Sayō 消化吸収作用 (Digestion and Absorption Function)
  4. Ketsueki Junkan Sayō 血液循環作用 (Blood Circulation Function)
  5. Haisetsu Sayō 排泄作用 (Excretion Function)
  6. Shinchintaisha Sayō 新陳代謝作用 (Metabolism Function)
  7. Seishoku Sayō 生殖作用 (Reproduction Function)
  8. Shinkei Sayō 神経作用 (Nerve Function)

Kaku Sayō no Kaisetsu wa, Kohō Seirigaku o Sanshō Kudasai
各作用の解説は, 皇法生理学を参照下さい。

(Please refer to Imperial Physiology for an explanation of each action/function.)

Shushō Shindan-Hō 手掌診断法 (Palm Diagnostic Method)
Chart of Areas of Function
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