An acupuncture clinic is a weird place, it transforms you into a human porcupine as soon as you walk in. Hundreds of needles delicately puncture your face, arms, chest, and, well, just about everywhere else. Sounds intimidating, right? Yet, despite what might seem like a medieval form of body art, this unconventional acupuncture technique is causing a buzz in Japan. Let’s take a closer look at this quirky trend, where tradition meets celebrity endorsement, all for the sake of spiritual purification and a bit of good fortune.
Acupuncture, for the uninitiated, is an ancient practice that’s been around for millennia. However, due to intense competition in the field, many acupuncturists have developed innovative and often extreme methods to gain recognition. One Tokyo clinic has taken this practice to new heights—by sticking hundreds of needles into its patients. Welcome to the world of Shirakawa Clinic, where needles don’t just treat aches and pains but also allegedly clear out bad energy, fix your luck, and maybe even help with those pesky evil spirits you’ve been wrestling with. Talk about a full-service treatment!
At the Shirakawa Clinic, located in the heart of Tokyo, acupuncturist Yusaku Shirakawa has gained fame for his needle-heavy sessions. The number of needles used in his sessions would make even the toughest person squirm—patients find themselves practically transformed into porcupines! This technique, which Shirakawa dubs “root acupuncture,” reportedly addresses not only physical discomforts like chronic pain and muscle tightness but also deeper issues like negative karma, decision-making struggles, and even the occasional spiritual possession. Yes, you read that right—spiritual possession.
And this isn’t just for your everyday folks looking for relief after a long day of work. Shirakawa’s clientele reads like a who’s who of Japanese celebrities and athletes. You might’ve seen this unconventional practice popping up on your Instagram feed lately, thanks to big names like actor Masataka Kubota, who recently went viral for sharing photos of himself covered head to toe in needles during one of his sessions. His post was flagged as “sensitive content” on Instagram (can you blame them?), but Kubota described the experience as nothing short of life-changing, claiming it pushed him to his limits—physically, spiritually, and emotionally. His photos weren’t for the faint-hearted, but hey, anything for a bit of soul-cleansing, right?
Kubota isn’t the only famous face to swear by Shirakawa’s needle-packed technique. A month before Kubota’s post, world-renowned table tennis player Ai Fukuhara also took to social media to share her experience, though she jokingly refrained from posting pictures of her face, afraid of giving her followers a scare. Other high-profile patients include actress Mami Kumagai, singer Hiromi Go, and gymnast Ryusei Nishioka, all of whom have experienced Shirakawa’s blend of physical relief and spiritual rejuvenation.
Now, if you’re thinking this might just be another celebrity wellness fad, think again. Yusaku Shirakawa’s sessions come with a hefty price tag—about 200,000 yen per session, which equates to roughly $1,400. That’s quite a bit of cash to shell out to become a human pincushion, but it seems there’s no shortage of willing participants. The results, according to Shirakawa and his patients, speak for themselves. While some leave with physical relief, others claim their spirits feel lighter, their luck seems better, and they shed tears of pure emotional detox. Shirakawa himself even remarks, “Most people who receive my treatment cannot help but cry. These are detoxifying tears.” Not exactly your typical acupuncture side effects.
As for whether the procedure is painful—well, that’s a tough one. The clinic’s website is pretty straightforward about it, stating that “a certain amount of pain will occur” during the treatment. And when you’re getting poked with sharp, metal needles all over your body, it’s probably safe to assume it won’t be a walk in the park. But for those seeking both physical healing and spiritual cleansing, a bit of discomfort seems to be a small price to pay.
Though Shirakawa may be the most talked-about practitioner of this needle-happy technique, he’s certainly not alone. A quick Google search will show that there are around 500 acupuncturists in Japan specializing in this “root acupuncture” method. While this may sound like a large number, it’s worth noting that Japan boasts over 120,000 acupuncturists in total, making Shirakawa’s style somewhat rare, and perhaps adding to its allure.
In the end, it’s clear that Shirakawa’s trendy acupuncture method isn’t just about relieving pain. It’s a deeply personal experience, where the needles are said to align more than just your muscles—they realign your energy, lift away your bad luck, and might even bring you closer to inner peace. And with a legion of satisfied celebrities vouching for its effectiveness, it’s no wonder this unconventional practice has gone viral. Therefore, although the concept of transforming into a human porcupine may not appeal to everyone, it appears to be highly effective for those who dare to attempt it.
