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GLOSSARY
Acupuncture instruments including moxa ( mogusa )
Acupuncture, a medical treatment involving the insertion of silver needles into strategic points of the body, was introduced to Japan during the Nara period (8th centry). The position of the needles for the treatment of various diseases was laid down in China in ancient times according to theory which does not accord with Western physiology. The needles are inserted painlessly to a depth of 10-50mm; in some cases they are agitated for a predetermined length of time. In recent years, some Western physicians have taken a serious interest in acupuncture, particularly in its use for anaesthesia and the relief of pain.Moxa, another ancient treatment, is applied to points of the body approximating those of acupuncture. Small cones of combustible moxa (wormwood: Artemisia absinthium) are placed on these points and allowed to burn down, Ieaving a small blister on the skin. Treatment is repeated five to ten times on the same spot. Acupuncture and moxa reatments are still widely applied in China and Japan and they have proved effective in the treatment of diseases and pain resistant to Western medical techniques.