Ultrasonic device developed for non-invasive moxibustion therapy

Abstract

Background Recently, some adverse effects of moxibustion has been reported such as burns, smoke, allergies, and so on. To overcome the adverse effects of traditional moxibustion, an ultrasonic moxibustion device (UMD) was designed, simulated, fabricated, and tested. The objective of this study is to provide detailed information about the main design parameters, simulation outcome, and performance-test results. Methods The main components of the UMD are a 1-MHz ultrasonic transducer (UT) with concave lens, and its applicator. The acoustic pressure and temperature distribution of the UT was simulated and described graphically using COMSOL software, which is based on the finite element method (FEM). Experimental verification of the temperature distribution was performed on the skin of pork. The temperature-change profiles of pork in relation to increase of therapy time were obtained at an unfocused point (2 mm) and at a focal distance of 13 mm. For the performance test, moxibustion therapy was conducted on the abdominal skin of mice for 120 min using the new UMD and its histological images were acquired to analyze the skin-tissue damage. Results The FEM simulation of temperature distribution and acoustic pressure agreed with the experimental outcome. Histological images showed that there was no skin-tissue damage to the mouse abdomens after therapy. The results clearly show that the newly developed UMD can overcome the disadvantages of traditional moxibustion therapy and achieve the proposed design parameters. Conclusion The FEM simulation and performance tests provided valuable information about developing future UMDs. In addition, its performance can be compared with traditional moxibustion therapy for future study.

Moxibustion for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

“…The series of moxibustion therapies involves many techniques, such as moxa stick moxibustion, moxa cone moxibustion, direct moxibustion, and indirect moxibustion. Moreover, many distinctive complex moxibustion manipulations are organically combined, such as partitioned moxibustion, moxa-moxibustion, and warm moxibustion [12] . Studies that combine moxibustion with other therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, drugs, and physical interventions, will be included if they can prove that moxibustion is effective.…”

A utilização da moxabustão como terapia na cicatrização por segunda intenção em cães: relato de dois casos

“…A aplicação da moxabustão na pele pode ser efetuada por métodos indireto ou direto (KIM et al, 2021). No método indireto, colocam-se materiais entre a pele e a moxa, podendo ser utilizado gengibre, alho, sal ou o próprio ar para favorecer a resposta terapêutica (SILVA FILHO, 2020).…”

“…O sangue também chamado de Xue é definido como uma das substâncias vitais, que complementa a ação nutriente do Qi e flui para todo o organismo (SCHWARTZ, 2008). Um meridiano é um canal que percorre por debaixo da superfície da pele e por A emissão de ondas de radiação de longa duração da moxabustão (KIM et al, 2021;PACH;BRINKHAUS;WILLICH, 2009) afeta os tecidos melhorando a função celular e a circulação sanguínea (GUAITA, 2021;WIDMER et al, 2007). A moxabustão age a partir da fumaça, das ervas e dos efeitos biofísicos no potencial infravermelho (HUANG et al, 2016).…”

Moxibustion for diarrhea in COVID-19

“…[9] At the present stage, moxibustion has been proven to participate in the treatment of COVID-19 as an auxiliary means and has achieved good results. [10,11] But, there is no high-quality evidence on moxibustion for diarrhea in COVID-19. Therefore, we designed this study to better understand the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion therapy for diarrhea in patients with COVID-19.…”

“…Animal experiments have shown that moxibustion can reduce serum inflammatory factors and improve intestinal dysfunction in a rat model of diarrhea [9] . At the present stage, moxibustion has been proven to participate in the treatment of COVID-19 as an auxiliary means and has achieved good results [10,11] . But, there is no high-quality evidence on moxibustion for diarrhea in COVID-19.…”