Blindness & Rehabilitation: Acupuncture & Physiotherapy Skills Training in Tsukuba
- Tsukuba University of Technology and the University of Tsukuba are collaborating to enhance skills and promote inclusivity within Japan’s acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy professions, specifically targeting visually...
- The initiative, formally titled the “Program to Promote Skill Enhancement and Symbiotic Working Environments for Visually Impaired Acupuncturists, Massage Therapists, and Physical Therapists” (令和7年度リカレント教育事業「視覚障害を有する鍼灸あん摩マッサージ指圧師と理学療法士のスキル向上と働く場の共生を推進するプログラム」), aims to upskill professionals...
- Participants, including healthcare practitioners and those running their own practices, traveled from across Japan – including Fukushima and Shiga prefectures – to attend the two-day sessions.
Tsukuba University of Technology and the University of Tsukuba are collaborating to enhance skills and promote inclusivity within Japan’s acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy professions, specifically targeting visually impaired practitioners. A series of practical training sessions were held in January and February 2026, supported by a grant from the Mitsubishi Foundation.
The initiative, formally titled the “Program to Promote Skill Enhancement and Symbiotic Working Environments for Visually Impaired Acupuncturists, Massage Therapists, and Physical Therapists” (令和7年度リカレント教育事業「視覚障害を有する鍼灸あん摩マッサージ指圧師と理学療法士のスキル向上と働く場の共生を推進するプログラム」), aims to upskill professionals in these fields and foster more inclusive workplaces. The practical training, conducted at Tsukuba University of Technology () and the University of Tsukuba’s Riryo Teacher Training Facility in Tokyo (), covered techniques including low-frequency electrotherapy for sciatic and peroneal nerve conditions, massage techniques for “smartphone elbow” (a condition related to repetitive strain from mobile device use), and dynamic assessment of knee injuries.
Participants, including healthcare practitioners and those running their own practices, traveled from across Japan – including Fukushima and Shiga prefectures – to attend the two-day sessions. Beyond the technical skills development, the program facilitated valuable networking and information exchange among attendees.
The University of Tsukuba’s Riryo Teacher Training Facility holds a unique position in Japan. It is the sole institution accredited to train teachers of riryo – a traditional Japanese system encompassing acupuncture, moxibustion, anma (Japanese traditional massage), and shiatsu (finger pressure therapy). This training is specifically geared towards instructors who will work at special needs education schools for the visually impaired. Approximately 90% of students at the facility are themselves visually impaired, and the vast majority go on to become teachers, forming the foundation for riryo education nationwide.
The focus on visually impaired practitioners is significant. The Riryo Teacher Training Facility’s curriculum is designed to support this demographic, and the current program builds on that commitment. The training differs from conventional physiotherapy focused on rehabilitation; instead, it centers on a holistic approach rooted in oriental medical therapies. The facility’s acupuncture and moxibustion clinic, staffed by licensed teachers and students, provides therapy for musculoskeletal pain, although it is not covered by public health insurance.
Tsukuba University of Technology’s involvement highlights a broader effort to integrate Western and Oriental medicine. The university’s Center for Integrated Medicine plays a key role in providing training for students in acupuncture, moxibustion, and physical therapy courses. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in physical therapy, emphasizing practical skills and clinical training. Students are trained to become physical therapists responsible for rehabilitation medicine, with a particular focus on individual guidance and hands-on experience.
The Mitsubishi Foundation’s funding underscores the growing recognition of the need for specialized training and support for visually impaired professionals in the healthcare sector. The program’s emphasis on both skill enhancement and the creation of inclusive working environments suggests a proactive approach to addressing potential barriers to employment and career advancement for this group. The initiative also reflects a broader trend towards integrating traditional and modern medical practices in Japan, as evidenced by the unique curriculum offered at the University of Tsukuba’s Riryo Teacher Training Facility.
While the program is currently focused on practical training, the long-term impact could extend to improved patient care and a more diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce. The collaborative effort between Tsukuba University of Technology and the University of Tsukuba positions both institutions as leaders in promoting accessibility and professional development within the Japanese healthcare landscape.