Past Online Articles Create username. The use of fine needles at specific points on the body surface to treat diseases or maintain health is an ancient medical system which originated in China and has been revived and developed to become one of the most effective forms of treatment for a wide range of disorders. Acupuncture is now practiced throughout the world to treat a variety of illnesses ranging from arthritis and headaches to skin diseases, sexual dysfunction, obesity and drug and tobacco addiction.
Acupuncture is a Western word meaning needle puncture.
However, the Chinese term Zhen Jiu means acupuncture moxibustion. It is a method of treatment and prevention of diseases by applying heat to points or certain selected locations of the body with burning moxa wool in the form of sticks or cones. Moxa is the Japanese word Mokusa or Mogusa, which means burning herb. It is the dried leaf of Artemesia vulagaris or Mugwort. No one knows exactly how long acupuncture has been practiced.