Moxa

Moxa is a peculiar form of counter-irritation which was early practised in the East, particularly by the Chinese and Japanese, from whom it was learned by the Portuguese. One or more small cones, formed of the downy covering of the leaves of Artemisia Moxa (as used by the Chinese), or of the pith of various plants (as of the common sunflower), or of linen steeped in nitre, are placed on the skin over the affected part, and the ends remote from the skin are ignited. The combustion gradually proceeds through the cone and forms a superficial eschar on the skin. The surrounding parts must be protected by a pad of wet rag, with a hole in it for the moxa. It is not much used in Europe in consequence of the somewhat severe pain attending it.