User:Madalibi/History of moxibustion

Origins and early history
, Wushi'er Bingfang, all found in Mawangdui (see Mawangdui Silk Texts).

The origin of cauterization (the burning of the skin for therapeutic purpose) and moxibustion (cauterization with moxa) in China is unclear. Japanese historian Yamada Keiji suspects. The first textual evidence for therapeutic cauterization dates to about 200 BC, when the texts that were found in the Han tomb sealed in 168 BC were copied. A text titled Recipes for Fifty-Two Ailments and two Cauterization Canons – Yin Yang Shiyi Mai Jiujing and Zubi Shiyi Mai Jiujing – recommend cauterization for various illnesses. They do not mention moxa, so this is not moxibustion. These texts also do not mention acupuncture, which appeared later.

In late imperial China
According to a nineteenth-century Chinese saying, acupuncture and moxibustion were "absolutely inappropriate to all gentlemen".

Twentieth century
Cheng Dan'an, who modernized acupuncture points in the 1930s, As practiced at the time, moxibustion often resulted in burns and scars. Besides advocating the use of fine needles for acupuncture, Cheng Dan'an suggested that moxa not be allowed to burn the skin directly.