Changes in Skin Surface Temperature at An Acupuncture Point with Moxibustion

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study evaluates the thermographic changes associated with moxa burner moxibustion at the SP6 acupuncture point to establish an appropriate, safe distance of efficacy for moxibustion.MethodsBaseline temperature changes using a moxa burner were obtained for a paper substrate at various distances and times, and the tested with volunteers in a pilot study. A single-group trial was then conducted with 36 healthy women to monitor temperature changes on the body surface at the acupuncture point (SP6).ResultsBased on the temperature changes seen for the paper substrate and in the pilot study, a distance of 3 cm was chosen as the intervention distance. Moxibustion significantly increased the SP6 point skin surface temperature, with a peak increase of 11°C at 4 min (p <0.001). This study also found that during moxibustion the temperature of the moxa burner's rubber layer and moxa cautery were 56.9±0.9°C and 65.8±1.2°C, as compared to baseline values of 35.1°C and 43.8°C (p<0.001).ConclusionsWe determined 3 cm was a safe distance between the moxa burner and acupuncture point. Moxibustion can increase the skin surface temperature at the SP6 point. This data will aid traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners in gauging safer treatment distances when using moxibustion treatments.

Safety of Moxibustion: A Systematic Review of Case Reports

“…Some have observed the impact of moxibustion at different distances on local skin temperature. The safe distance for indirect moxibustion seems to be 3-4 cm [ 35 , 36 ]. The temperature of burning moxa can play a therapeutic role, but it offers a risk of burns if administered improperly.…”

Moxibustion Therapy at CV4 Prevents Postoperative Dysuria after Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids

“…Moxibustion at CV4 can regulate San Jiao, warm and invigorate kidney qi, and promote bladder gasification to improve urination and defecation. Wormwood [ 9 ] belongs to the feverfew family of plants and is bitter in flavor, warm in nature, and fragrant in odor. It is flammable and produces moderate heat when burned.…”

Intra‐ and Interrater Reliability of Infrared Image Analysis of Facial Acupoints in Individuals with Facial Paralysis

“…e authors observed that there was significant increase in temperature at a region of interest (ROI) around the Dazhui (GV14) acupoint. Lin et al [6] used IRT to monitor skin temperature changes of human body in 36 healthy female subjects at acupoints during moxibustion and discovered that the maximum temperature increased by 11°C at the SP6 acupoint. With the application of IRT, Raith et al [7] studied the rising phenomenon of skin temperature at Hegu (LI4) during laser acupuncture therapy.…”