Abstract
Abstract
Background:
Moxibustion is an Asian healing method that is able to achieve specific warming effects at acupoints. We discuss a new Japanese needle-moxa-system.
Objective:
To evaluate the effects of this new system in a transcontinental study using high-tech measuring methods.
Design, Setting, and Participants:
The study was conducted in 3 centers (Graz, Austria; Beijing, China; and Seoul, Korea). Beside basic technical temperature measurements in Seoul, 9 investigations were carried out in 6 healthy volunteers (3 women, 3 men; mean [SD] age, 27.2 [5.7] years) using different methods (thermography, laser Doppler flowmetry, laser Doppler imaging, and heart rate variability). Four persons were examined in Graz, 2 in Beijing.
Intervention:
Moxibustion was always applied at acupoint CV 6 (Qihai). In addition, biosignal registrations were carried out in Graz during painless laser acupuncture of acupoint CV 12 (Zhongwan).
Main Outcome Measures:
Changes in temperature, microcirculation, and heart rate.
Results:
Temperature distributions, changes in microcirculation (at isolated spots and as a large-area image), and trends of heart rate variability were registered. The dimensions of local and temporal effects of heat stimulation could be visualized objectively.
Conclusions:
Effects of the new moxibustion method can be quantified reliably by modern measuring equipment. Using this system, moxibustion under standardized conditions can be performed with a minimum of smoke emission and high degree of safety.
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