A Comprehensive 4-part training series at Academy for 5 Element Acupuncture in Gainesville, FL starting in January, 2026
15 FL CE’s per module (NCCAOM Eligible)
Join us in this exploration of the elegant art of palpation informed, powerful yet gentle medicine. Refine your needle technique and improve your touch diagnosis skills on abdomen, pulse, channels and points learning to diagnose and treat with minimal stimulation for maximum effect.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Developed by T. Koei Kuwahara Sensei, Hari is a form of Japanese Meridian Therapy that interprets all disease as a condition of deficiency and excess of ki and blood in the meridians. Treatment is performed using tonification and dispersion with needles and moxa to balance and heal the body.
To formulate a diagnosis, Hari utilizes the traditional five-phase model derived from the classical acupuncture texts; Nan Jing, Su Wen, and Ling Shu. Hands-on diagnostic techniques are the hallmark of meridian therapies, and in Hari, pulse diagnosis is used extensively to monitor and evaluate treatment effectiveness. The heart of Hari is in the ancient practice of Kototama vibrational medicine emphasizing mind/body posture as an essential component of both diagnosis and treatment.
In this course students will learn the foundational concepts of Hari and their clinical applications. In the first module, practitioners identify the Primary Sho, or “pattern of imbalance,” through pulse diagnosis and channel palpation. Oshide and sashide (right/left hand positioning) and “live” point location will be discussed and practiced extensively.
The second module covers Hara (abdominal) diagnosis as well as detailed five phase patterning for primary and secondary diagnosis. A discussion of Ja Ki (evil ki) and the causes and progression of disease will be discussed as a means to understand symptomatic manifestations in the patient. Detailed pulse diagnosis will be taught, enabling students to master six-position pulse diagnosis for root treatment and eight basic pulse quality diagnosis to determine appropriate needling techniques.
The third module deepens the understanding of touch as a means of both diagnosis and treatment of root and branch conditions. The basics of moxa use (okyu, chinetsukyu, kyutoshin) and other branch treatments will be covered with ample time for hands-on practice. Extraordinary Vessel treatment and shigo (midday/midnight) needling will also be taught as supplemental treatments for immediate symptomatic relief.
The fourth and final module covers neck and inguinal (ketsubon/kigai) supportive treatments and then brings all root and branch methods together into full Hari treatments. Students will be given the opportunity for supervised clinical practice with feedback from senior teachers. Each module builds on the previous through hands-on development of palpation skills to enhance the student’s awareness of ki and deepen their understanding of how to apply root and branch treatments effectively in the Hari style.
Most importantly, students will receive a significant amount of hands-on learning and meticulous skills development in order to truly “get it in their hands.” While it is necessary for the mind to understand the basic theory of the medicine, it is equally essential for the practitioner to develop an embodied knowing that the “heart of the medicine lies in sesshin” (connection).
Join us for this incredible opportunity to study the magic and beauty of Hari together.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTORS
This series will be taught collaboratively by Ehrland Truitt, Gretchen Lorenson and Cameron Bishop. With over 60 years of combined experience these 3 instructors will guide you through the Foundations of Hari Style Traditional Japanese Meridian Therapy.
Dr. Ehrland Truitt, DOM
Ehrland graduated from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in 2000. He also completed a three-year apprenticeship in Kototama Acupuncture at that time. He began studying with T. Koei Kuwahara Sensei in January 2001 and is a senior teacher for the Hari seminar series. Ehrland is a former clinical supervisor and assistant professor at the International Institute of Chinese Medicine and Southwest Acupuncture College. He has traveled to Japan, Peru, Ecuador, and Nepal to study acupuncture, moxibustion, and traditional herbal medicine. Ehrland is a founding member of the High Desert Hari Society and currently maintains a private practice in Santa Fe, NM.
Dr. Gretchen Lorenson, AP, DOM
Gretchen has been studying and practicing Hari Traditional Japanese Acupuncture as taught by Sensei T. Koei Kuwahara since 2007, when she was introduced to it by Kuwahara Sensei’s senior student, Ehrland Truitt. She has been in private practice since graduating with her Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) from Southwest Acupuncture College in 2008, she has worked alongside Dr. Truitt to establish the High Desert Hari Society, bringing Japanese acupuncture education to students and professionals.
Gretchen’s passion for Hari as a treatment style extends beyond her patient work to her role both teaching and assisting her teachers in sharing knowledge with students and practitioners worldwide. She also helped to launch the Integrative Medicine and Health department at the Florida campus of Mayo Clinic bringing this unique treatment style to an allopathic medicine audience.
Providing this complete Foundational Training for the first time in Florida has been a dream of hers since moving here in 2017 and to teach alongside these highly experienced and dedicated instructors is an honor. She looks forward to sharing her passion for Hari and helping others find the joy of learning and practicing this true hands-on healing art.
Dr. Cameron Bishop, AP, DAOM
After graduating from Seattle Pacific University with degrees in Psychology and Anthropology, Cameron sold his car and bought a one-way ticket to Japan. Where he lived and worked for four years studying healing and martial arts. He obtained black belts in Aikido and Heiho Nitenichiryu, (the double sword style of Miyamoto Musashi). In Japan he was introduced into Japanese Acupuncture arts. Upon his return to the United States he attended and graduated Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NIAOM) with a Masters in Acupuncture. He obtained his Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine specializing in Women’s Health and Pain Management. Which included working in several hospitals and clinics in Japan, China, and the USA.
Cameron has been in full time acupuncture practice for over twenty five years in South Florida where is saw over 100 patients a week. He is a popular teacher in many acupuncture venues. He has taught Japanese Acupuncture classes and served as a table translator for national conferences in the USA, Japan and Europe.
At Pacific College he developed the popular Integrative Pain Management class and Integrative Case Management. He has a passion for teaching and strives to make his classes practical and growth provoking. He has been teaching over 25 years at Atlantic College of Oriental Medicine including TCM Gynecology, Modern Medicine, Internal/External Medicine, and Japanese Acupuncture techniques.
DATES
Must attend both days of each module to receive CE credits. Certificates for 15 CE’s will be provided after each module.
All classes run from 9am-5:30pm.
Module 1 January 24-25 – Ehrland Truitt, Gretchen Lorenson and Cameron Bishop instructing
- Sat: Introduction, History, Root/Branch, Kototama, Sho Diagnosis, Primary Diagnosis, Oshide/Sashide, Mind/Body Posture
- Sun: Ch.69 Point Selection, Side of the Body to Treat, Tonification Needling, Live Point Location, Pulse Feedback
Module 2 February 21-22 – Gretchen Lorenson and Cameron Bishop instructing
- Sat: Hara Diagnosis, Secondary Diagnosis, Ja Ki and Causes of Disease, Dispersion Needling Technique
- Sun: Pulse Diagnosis – Six Position Pulse Dx, Eight Basic Pulse Quality Dx Deepening Pulse Feedback
Module 3 March 28-29 – Gretchen Lorenson and Cameron Bishop instructing
- Sat: Touch Diagnosis, Materials and Methods, Branch Treatments (moxa, intradermal needles, sanshin, tools – enshin/zanshin)
- Sun: Extraordinary Vessels and Shigo (clock method) (Miyawaki Style)
Module 4 April 25-26 – Gretchen Lorenson and Cameron Bishop instructing
- Sat: Kigai/Ketsubon (Neck and Inguinal Treatment)
- Sun: Full treatment practice – Root and Branch, Selection of Branch Treatment Methods
LOCATION
Academy for 5 Element Acupuncture
315 SE 2nd Ave
Gainesville, FL
REGISTRATION FEES
– Professionals $1600
– Students $1200
– 50% discount for those who have attended a full Hari Training Series or Toyohari Training series in the past.
**Full payment due by 11/1/2025 in order to secure your space**
CANCELLATION POLICY