Japanese abdominal diagnosis or Fukushin is the diagnostic art developed in medieval Japan  (Edo period 1603-1867 CE) based on the classical writings by Zhang Zhongjing. Careful  inspection of the Shanghan Zabing Lun reveals countless references to abdominal conditions that  could only have been diagnosed by actual palpation of the abdomen. The skill however never  fully developed in China but flourished in Japan. Throughout history, two major schools and  types of abdominal diagnosis developed; Nanjing and Shanghan Lun schools, which respectively  diagnose the abdomen in service of either acupuncture or meridian treatment, and herbal  treatment.  

The purpose of this class is to improve practitioners’ clinical skills to diagnose. They will learn to  match abdominal findings with herbal prescriptions.  

Class begins September 12, 2025

Kumiko grew up in Kobe, Japan. At the age of fourteen years, she moved to Eugene, Oregon with her parents to study English. Influenced by her mother, Taiji master Machiko Shirai, she learned to appreciate Asian medical and martial arts from an early age. Kumiko has been practicing Aikido for almost twenty years. After graduating from high school, Kumiko attended Oregon State University (OSU) where she majored in Chinese Studies and graduated with a Bachelor in Science. She then continued her studies in Chinese philosophy and science by enrolling in the School of Classical Chinese Medicine at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, where she ultimately graduated with her Masters in Science of Oriental Medicine. Kumiko completed her studies at Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM), earning her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

Having experienced both Eastern and Western cultures, Kumiko understands how the ancient medicine of East Asia benefits the people of the West. She is able to bridge cultures and approach each individual by teaching them about Eastern wisdom for the benefit of their physical and mental health.

Beside acupuncture, Kumiko is specialized in classical herbal medicine in which she received rigorous training by Dr. Arnaud Versluys in the Han-dynasty style of Chinese herbal prescriptions. She also continued her specialization by training with Dr. Nigel Dawes in Japanese abdominal diagnosis, also known as Fukushin. Kumiko also received focused instruction in gynecology and obstetrics by Dr. Xiaoli Chen.

Kumiko is currently in private medical practice in Portland, Oregon. She teaches Abdominal Diagnosis seminars both in the US and in Europe. Kumiko enjoys training Aikido, Taiji, gardening, and traveling especially to her home, Japan.