We investigated intrinsic and extrinsic training methods and their effects on performance and learning among total number moxibustion students. The group of self-taught students learned moxa-cone preparation and use by using an instrument to measure moxa burning temperature and time and evaluating their own performance. And the other group of students learning from teacher learned by having their performance evaluated by a teacher without the use of the instrument.
While there was no difference in performance between two groups, comparison of subjective student self-reports indicates that self-evaluation with the use of instrument provides greater subjective confidence of having learned.
Conclusion: “Deepening in quality of practical training in moxibustion” corresponds to “provides greater subjective confidence of having learned”.

Regarding practical training in moxibustion according to the Course of Study (Oriental Medicine College Association, 1990), an experimental new teaching resource was used —a burning temperature sensor at the moxa cone. The purpose of this study was an attempt to improve and enrich practical training in moxibustion.
Forty-five daytime freshman were involved in the study. They were given 2 hours of practical training in moxibustion in a class according to our own lesson plan, which was especially made for that purpose.
As a result of this trial method, the following important points became evident:
1. The students can easily make a self evaluation.
2. The goal and content of the student's education can become broader.
3. Objective evaluation is possible.
The above mentioned points, and perhaps others, regarding education in practical training in moxibustion will become more apparent.
In conclusion, if the use of a temperature sensor in moxibustion is added to the Course of Study, the efficiency level of practical training in moxibustion will increase.

We made inquiries into the actual condition of the education of the professional school, which is required to exalt the mind of the students to the spirit of acupuncturists, the professionals, (below we call it socializing function.) conducting the questionnaire on our students.
In July 1993, we conducted the unsigned questionnaire on 172 students of the 3rd grade of the faculty of acupuncture.
We classified the students into 3 types, “making good progress type”, “having trouble type” and “having no purpose type”, considering from the point of view of socializing function in 3 stages, before entering the school, studing in the school and graduating from the school. Consequently, about 80 percent of the students were “making good progress type” and there weren't any “having no purpose type” students. It seems to be one of the typical characteristics of professional schools. However about 10 percent are “having trouble type” students and we consider that the more internal inquiries on this type of the students and the educational consideration toward them are our questions to answer in the future.

The effects of electro acupuncture on autonomic nerve functions associated with the pupil were examined by measuring the diameter of the iris (D1), the maximum rate of iris constriction (VC) and the maximum rate of iris dilation (VD) before, during and after electro acupuncture.
An iris recorder which can be used even in the supine position was used for measuring three parameters.
As a result, the change with the above stimulation was reflected in a diminution of D1, presumably influencing parasympathetic nerve. Besides, VC and VD tended to increase with light reflex, presumably improving pupillary reactivity.

The effects of acupuncture treatment were investigated in 292 patients (140 males and 152 females, average 9. 6 ± 1. 7 (S. D.) age) who complained of reduced visual acuity, including school boys and girls (6-12 age).
Acupuncture treatment involved leaving the needle inplace for 15min, after inserting to a depth of 10-15mm from the skin surface.
The vital points ; Taiyo (Ex-HN5), Fuchi (GB-20), Syokyu (ST-1) and Goukoku (L1-4) were the basic points used for acupuncture therapy with Ganen (GB-4), Sanchiku (BL-2), Zui (ST-8) or Kyokuchi (LI-11) as supplemental points depending on individual symptoms. These acupuncture treatments improved the mean acuity by 0.26 in the right eye and 0.22 in the left. Analysis of these results indicated that acupuncture treatment caused significant improvement of vlsual acuity (p<0.01).
Therefore, acupuncture therapy was considered an effective treatment that improved regulation of the ciliary muscle and the pupillary myosis system.

The effects of acupuncture treatment were investigated in 200 patients (99 males and 101 females, average age 16.1±0.2 (SE.)) who complained of reduced visual acuity, including juvenile myopia (age 13.25).
Acupuncture treatment involved leaving the needle in place for 15 min, after inserting to a depth of 10-5 mm from the skin surface.
The vital points Taiyo (Ex-HN5), Fuchi (GB-20), Shokyu (ST-1) and Goukoku (LI-4) were the basic points used for acupuncture therapy with Ganen (GB-4), Sanchiku (BL-2), Zui (ST-8) or Kyokuchi (LI-11) as supplemental points depending on individual symptoms. These acupuncture treatments improved the mean acuity by 0.33 in the right eye and 0.31 in the left.
Analysis of these results indicated that acupuncture treatment caused significant improvement of visual acuity (P<0.01). Therefore, acupuncture therapy was considered to be an effective treatment that improved regulation of the ciliary muscle and the pupillary myosis system.

[Objective] To compare the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture with that of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the treatment of lower back pain and to investigate problems with conducting rigorous trials in Japan. [Design] A multi-center, randomized, observer-blinded, controlled trial with two parallel arms. [Setting] Four medical facilities affiliated with universities or colleges in Japan. [Subjects and methods] Low back pain patients without sciatica suffering for at least two weeks were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture with electro stimulation group (Group A) or a TENS group (Group T). Plans called to recruit 80 patients in the protocol. Patients in both groups were treated twice a week for 2 weeks with 1 Hz electro-stimulation for 15 minutes. Visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain relief and the scores recommended by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA Score) were measured. Primary endpoint was improvement of pain that was assessed from the changes in VAS. [Results] Three patients were withdrawn after one-week run-in period and one patient was withdrawn from Group A during treatment the period. Consequently, 31 in group A and 33 in group T completed the trials and were available for evaluation. There was no difference between the groups in primary endpoint and JOA scores. [Discussion] Problem of patient recruitment should be resolved by strategically selecting facilities or by advertising for participants. Future investigation with attentive trials using adequate intervention is required to conclude whether or not acupuncture exceeds TENS in efficacy. [Conclusion] There was no statistical difference between electro-acupuncture and TENS for lumbago in this study.