Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/tokyo/seino-1987/column/5107924/
Modified and translated by CFJA
Below is Dr. Seino’s hypothesis.
[1] China did not have the environment to practice moxibustion therapy.
[2] China did not feel the benefit of moxibustion therapy.
[3] China did not have access to good quality moxa for kneading gaishu.
[4] Cheng Dan’an could not convey the essence of moxibustion therapy.
[5] Cheng Dan’an did not have enough time to transmit the wisdom of the Japanese moxibustion therapy.
Explanation for [1]
The textbook for acumoxa techniques is Hunag di nei jing 黄帝内経 (Jp. Kotei daikei, “Inner Classics of Yellow Emperor”). It is divided into Su wen 素問 (Jp. Somon, “Simple Questions”) and Ling shu 霊枢 (Jp. Reisu, “Spiritual Pivot”), and the reason why not much attention was focused on moxibustion therapy is due to the supplementary textbook called Nan jing 難経 (Jp. nangyo, “The Classics of Difficulties”) for Su wen and Ling shu. Nan jing, written in the late middle period of the Later Han Dynasty in the late 2nd century, is compact and light. Also, the book has been respected as an acupuncturist’s bible because acupuncture theories and principles applicable in clinical practice are written clearly. It is more advanced than Su Wen and Ling Shu and there is consistency with the structure. However, although Nan jing – a literature required for the research on ancient Chinese medicine – discusses acupuncture therapy, moxibustion therapy is never mentioned. Nan jing is a literature that has extracted 81 questions from Su Wen and Ling Shu, hence, when learning about acupuncture therapy, it has been emphasized as the most basic medical book. Dr. Seino believes that the fact that moxibustion therapy was never mentioned in Nan jing has led moxibustion therapy to be regarded lightly with unimportance.
Historically, herbal therapy has been practiced the most in China, and acupuncture therapy is considered secondary. Moxibustion therapy gradually lost its importance since the 3rd century, so despite Cheng Dan’an’s endorsement, it might not have been easily embraced.
Explanation for [2]
Although Cheng Dan’an felt its effectiveness after receiving a moxibustion therapy in Japan, since they were unable to transmit through videos, there must have been a limit to the transmission merely by words. In the times when acumoxa techniques were declining and not many successors of acumoxa techniques existed, those who were not so passionate about the profession, many must have been listening dubiously, moxibustion therapy might not have moved their hearts. This might be similar to the situation of not being able to feel as much excitement when listening to someone who has just returned from a trip abroad.
Explanation for [3]
To knead gaishu, hand dexterity is necessary. Although it seems that Western people tend to feel some difficulty, since Chinese have good hand dexterity, it is unlikely for it to be problematic. However, in order to knead small gaishu, fine moxa is necessary. Moxa is produced from wool taken from the back of the mugwort leaf. The finest moxa can only be processed at 3%. Mugwort plant is harvested in summer, dried, and processed in the cold seasons in the months of January to February, however, it does not mean that this can be done in any region. The moxa factory that produces the best moxa is in Nadachi City, Niigata prefecture, Japan. ※If you are interested in the processes of moxa production, please visit the home page of Seino Acupuncture and Orthopedics Clinic (http://seino-1987.jp/html/).
No factory in China can produce moxa fine enough for practitioners to knead small gaishu, thus, it is necessary to import it from Japan. Since there was not any relationship between Japan and China back then, this is most likely one of the biggest factors. However, many Japanese acumoxa texts were translated so we will have to take a further look into how things were distributed. If anyone knows about this, please inform us.
Side note, it is believed that moxibustion therapy existed approximately 2,200 years ago, as evidenced by records found on bamboo strips (sentences written on bamboo) unearthed in Hubei Province during the Qin Dynasty. It is thought to have been transmitted to Japan through the Korean Peninsula. The practice of acumoxa therapy has been documented in the medical text called meidokyo 明堂経 brought by Chiso from the Kingdom of Wu (in China) who immigrated from Goryeo to Japan in the 23rd year of Emperor Kinmei (562 AD). This occurred around 1400 to 1500 years ago.
At that time, it seems that each household produced moxa for personal use. Mass production began during the Edo period. It was mainly produced in Mount Ibuki. Records and documents remain from the 13th year of the Kan’ei period (1636) in Kasuga, Gifu Prefecture.
Later, moxa was produced in various regions, including Nagano, Shiga, and Toyama prefectures, and by the 6 – 7th year of the Meiji period (1873-1874), it was being manufactured in 15 prefectures. Moxibustion therapy gradually became widespread among the citizens as a folk therapy. However, with the introduction of Western medicine during the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods, and the Westernization of post-war Japanese society and the implementation of western medicine, the demand for moxa decreased, leading to the closure of moxa factories.
Toward the end of the war, moxa was used as a substitute for gunpowder fuse. At that time, moxa manufacturing was limited mainly to Niigata Prefecture due to production and harvesting reasons. Although there were about 30 factories concentrated in the Joetsu region, with the end of the war and the cessation of military usage, only three factories were producing high-quality moxa by the 13th year of the Heisei period (2001). There is only one factory left in Shiga Prefecture. Lower-grade moxa is also produced in China, but high-quality moxa is a very precious commodity that can only be produced in Japan. It represents the culmination of Japan’s unique qualities such as delicacy, dexterity, intelligence, diligence, and climate, which have contributed to the world’s finest technology. The ability to knead small gaishu is only possible by this manufacturing technology, and the fact that Japan’s moxibustion technique is considered the best worldwide was only possible because of the moxa manufacturing method devised by the Japanese ancestors. Currently, Sato Takeemon Shoten’s “Sato Moxa” from Nadachi City covers 70-80% of production in Japan. We believe that it is essential to pass down this valuable moxa manufacturing method to future generations and ensure that moxibustion therapy does not disappear. Japanese acupuncturists and citizens must support the future generations.
Would someone please recommend it to be acknowledged as an intangible cultural heritage?
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