Although Dr. Mukaino studied Western Medicine at university, his first exposure to medicine was through his father, a renowned acupuncturist, who treated many serious conditions at the family home. This early exposure had a strong impact on Dr. Mukaino and his goal has always been to bridge the gulf between acupuncture and Western Medicine.  In fact, he first came to public attention in Japan though his successful application of auricular acupuncture for weight loss while he was a medical intern.

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The M-Test was developed out of a need to create a standardized and repeatable acupuncture protocol, one that could be understood and accepted by his physician colleagues. Inspiration for the M-Test came in part from working with athletes in the Sports Science Department at Fukuoka University. Now, the M-Test is used at Fukuoka University Hospital and is part of the curriculum for first year medical students. Dr. Mukaino regularly holds seminars throughout Japan and doctors and nurses, without a background in acupuncture, make up about half of attendees.