The Story of "IDOU"
医道 ; idou
1. the art / way of medicine
2. the art / way of healing
3. medical ethics
"Idou" (医道) is an older term that embodies the philosophy of medicine as a "path" or "way," rather than just the practice of medical treatment (Iryou, 医療). It is deeply rooted in Japanese traditional medicine, including acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine, and wellness practices.
We chose the name IDOU because we aim to be a place that offers traditional Japanese medicine, something different from modern conventional care.
医 (I) stands for "medicine" or "healing."
道 (Dou) might sound familiar if you know martial arts like Judo or the word Bushido—it means "path" or "way." But it also embodies a deep philosophy of discipline, respect, and continuous self-improvement, guiding one’s mindset and actions in harmony with nature and others.
Just like martial arts is more than just fighting, Idou is more than just treating illness: it is about taking care of the body, mind, and spirit as a whole.
We treat the whole person, not only the complaint. Your sleep, stress, digestion and energy are all part of the picture, so every session starts with listening and careful palpation.
Healing is a path we walk together. Like any "dou," lasting change comes step by step. Alongside treatment, we share simple self-care advice you can use between sessions.
Development of acupuncture in Japan
The foundation of traditional medicine in Japan, including acupuncture, originates from Chinese traditional medicine.
Ancient texts such as the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon, around 200 BCE) introduced theories of yin-yang, five elements, and meridians, which were later brought to Japan through diplomatic missions to China.
Over time, Japan developed its own unique style by refining techniques and tools.
During the Edo period (1603–1868), acupuncture became more widespread, with innovations like the guide tube method invented by Sugiyama Waichi, making needle insertion gentler and less painful.
This technique remains a hallmark of Japanese acupuncture today.
A guide tube and a needle
In the Edo period, acupuncture and moxibustion were part of people’s everyday self-care.
The famous poet Matsuo Basho wrote of applying moxa to his legs to prepare for his long journey on foot.
Sugiyama Waichi, the inventor of the guide tube method, was himself blind.
He founded schools to train visually impaired practitioners, and acupuncture became a respected profession for blind people in Japan.
This tradition continues today and forms the foundation of many schools of Japanese acupuncture, which value "touch" more than "sight".
Despite the rise of Western medicine in the Meiji era (1868–1912), traditional acupuncture survived and evolved, blending modern knowledge with ancient practices.
Today, Japanese acupuncture is known for its gentle, precise techniques and holistic approach to health.
Japan and the Netherlands
Background: Nagasaki Bay, workshop of Kawahara Keiga, c. 1835. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
The story of Japanese acupuncture and the Netherlands goes back more than three centuries.
In 1674, Willem ten Rhijne, a young doctor from Deventer working for the Dutch East India Company, arrived at Dejima, the small artificial island in Nagasaki Bay that was then Japan’s only window to the West.
View of Dejima, workshop of Kawahara Keiga, c. 1835. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
During the journey to Edo (present-day Tokyo), he watched a Japanese soldier ease his stomach pain by tapping fine needles into his own abdomen with a small hammer.
No blood, only a tiny mark, and the pain was gone.
Fascinated, ten Rhijne set out to understand the method. But no one on Dejima could translate directly from Chinese to Latin, so the text passed through a relay of translators: from Chinese into Japanese, then into Dutch, and finally into Latin.
In 1683 he published his findings in London.
It was the first detailed Western study of acupuncture, and the first to introduce illustrations of acupuncture points to Europe.
He called the technique "acupunctura" (from the Latin acus, needle, and pungere, to prick), the origin of the word we use today. Even the word "moxa" comes from the Japanese "mogusa."
Acupuncture points from ten Rhijne's De Acupunctura (1683). Source: BIU Santé, Paris
More than three centuries after that first small encounter between Japanese acupuncture and the West, Japanese acupuncture is now gradually gaining attention here in the Netherlands.
Your "Dou" (path) starts here
From ancient texts to the hands of Edo-period masters, and from Dejima to the Netherlands.
Throughout the ages, Idou has cherished one thing: caring for the whole person, body and mind.
If you would like to experience this gentle, traditional Japanese approach for yourself, we warmly welcome you to IDOU.