Is There a Difference between the Effects of One-Point and Three-Point Indirect Moxibustion Stimulation on Skin Temperature Changes of the Posterior Trunk Surface?

Abstract

Objective To determine whether any difference exists in responses to indirect moxibustion relative to thermal stimulation sites. Methods Twenty one healthy men of mean±SD age 22.5±6.1 years were randomly divided into two groups, one receiving a single moxibustion stimulation in three locations (the three-point stimulation group, n=10 participants) and the other receiving three stimulations in one location (the one-point stimulation group, n=11 participants). The thermal stimulation sites were GV14, GV9 and GV4 acupuncture points. A thermograph was used to obtain the skin temperature on the posterior trunks of the participants. To analyse skin temperature, four arbitrary frames (the scapular, interscapular, lumbar and vertebral regions) were made on the posterior trunk. Result An increase in skin temperature on the posterior trunk was observed following both oneand three-point moxibustion administrations. The skin temperature of the lumbar region showed a signifi cant increase after three-point stimulation compared with single-point stimulation (p=0.011). There was also a signifi cant increase in skin temperature of the spinal region after three-point stimulation compared with one-point stimulation (p=0.046). Conclusion Administration of single moxibustion doses on the GV14, GV9 and GV4 points produces greater changes in skin temperature than three applications of moxibustion to the GV14 point only.

Difference between the effects of one-site and three-site abdominal hot-stone stimulation on the skin-temperature changes of the lower limbs

“…Previously, thermal stimulation applied to the skin has yielded an increase in local skin temperature and bloodflow volume [1][2][3] . Mori et al [2] reported that localized moxibustion stimulation to the cervical region (at the GV14 acupuncture point, located between the C7 and T1 spinous processes) increased skin temperature on the lower back; however, no differences manifested in the temperature curves and maximum temperatures with the use of two different thermal durations of indirect moxibustion.…”

“…In another study, Mori et al [2] compared indirect moxibustion applied to one location with indirect moxibustion applied to three locations, with the same duration of stimulation time. Their results showed that administrating moxibustion on three sites produced greater skin-temperature changes compared to the single-site application of moxibustion [3] . The result was similar to that of the current study, which showed a greater temperature response with three-site thermal stimulation with hot stones.…”

“…Mori et al [2] indicated that no difference existed in skin-temperature responses to indirect moxibustion relative to the duration of thermal stimulation. In another study [3] , however, they indicated that a difference does exist in skin-temperature responses to indirect moxibustion relative to one-point and threepoint indirect moxibustion stimulation. Mori et al [2] hypothesized that the increase in skin temperature following moxibustion stimulation observed in their study was elicited by the excitation of the thermal nociceptors via the autonomic nervous system.…”

“…Previous studies have suggested that thermal stimulation enhances blood flow [1] , increases skin temperature [2,3] , and modulates gastrointestinal motility [4,5] . It has been theorized that thermal-stimulation triggers the excitation of skin nociceptors such as C-fiber mechano-heat nociceptors that influence the skin's peripheral vessels, resulting in reactions such as an increase in blood flow and a rise in skin temperature [2] .…”

Changes in Skin Surface Temperature at An Acupuncture Point with Moxibustion

“…17 20 A study by Adriaensen et al 21 showed that thermal stimulation of human skin at 44.5–46.5°C activated A-fibre mechano-heat-sensitive nociceptors. Mori et al 22 23 showed that the maximum temperature for indirect moxibustion was approximately 50°C.…”