Acupuncture Craze Turns You into a Human Porcupine—But People Love It

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.