SHINKYUU SHISHOH: PRINCIPLES OF ACUPUNCTURE & MOXABUSTION. by IMAMURA, Ryoan

Kyoto 1864, Izumo. Stitched buff wrs., very good, 17 x 26 cm complete in 1 volume, [22+3] double-folded leaves, 37 pages of woodblock illustrations, woodblock printed on hand-made mulberry paper, very clean, minor old worming, but solid. This excellent illustrated resource shows a wide variety of good views to the human anatomy and where the vital acupun- ture and moxa "points" are located. Giving details of exact measurements for locating the "points". Measurement of the "points" are based on a the 2nd digit of the left middle finger and called "Issun" and form the basis for all other measurements per the book. The spinal column, head & facial "points," hand, arm, rib cage, neck, foot, leg, thigh, fing- ers, shoulder, low back & hip areas are carefully illustrat- ed & addressed with all "points" noted, along with what ail- ments are relieved by treatment. This work was influenced by its Chinese physicians and is written in Kambun a form of old Chinese used by the Japanese, with Furigana sounds to give meaning for Japanese readers. A useful reference and text for Japanese physicians and students of acupuncture and moxa [artemisia vulgaris latifolia]. Moxa was also dampened then formed on the end of needles already inserted in the body. Then when dried, were lit to provide additional heat and stimulus to the "point" for maximum results. Moxa was also burned in small lumps on various parts on the body to stimulate "points" & on occasion was burned after placing a small slab of garlic on the body on the "point," then apply- ing the moxa above that. Imamura [1814-1890] was a clebrated physician & medical author, and is cited in Mestler on pages 169 & 297 and also lists his other titles. For additional & useful discussion of this topic, see G. Mestler: A GALAXY OF OLD MEDICAL BOOKS IN JAPAN, pp.468-480 et al. The first pub- lished writing on moxa was written T. Watare: KWANREI SOKYU SHINSHO SHINSHO in 1534, and layed down the basis for all future works on the subject. Scans can be sent by email. .