Asian, Japanese Netsuke showing a man applying moxa, Japanese, late 18th century

Asian, Japanese Netsuke showing a man applying moxa, Japanese, late 18th century. Wooden netsuke figure showing moxibustion, signed Miwa with Kakihan. A netsuke is a form of miniature sculpture developed in Japan over a period of several hundred years. They were often beautifully decorated with elaborate carving, lacquer work, or inlays, and were attached to the end of a cord and tucked into the sash of the kimono. Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese therapy. It involves burning pellets of a herb called moxa (wormwood), or a stick of moxa, above particular points and meridians on the surface of the body, cauterising the skin. As in acupuncture, the points on the body are related to the flow of ïchi or ïqi, or life force, and the aim is to restore what is considered to be the correct, balanced flow of ïchi or ïqi to all parts of the body. ©SSPL/Science Museum