• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.135-140
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• 2023

Objectives : Moxibustion-related standards have been established by organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Korean Standards Association (KSA), among others. Methods : We summarized moxibustion-related standards that have been published by ISO and KSA. Results : Technical Committees 249 (ISO/TC 249), which was established in 2009, has been established moxibustion devices standards in working group (WG) 4. International standards have been established for moxibustion devices, smokeless moxibustion devices, moxa floss quality, and electric heating moxibustion equipment. Work on international standards for infrared moxibustion-like instruments and moxibustion device terminology is currently in progress. Conclusions : Korea has taken a central role establishing international standards for a wide range of moxibustion devices, supported by fundamental research data in this field. To continue its influence in establishing these international standards, further studies providing the basis for moxibustion device standardization are required.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.31-39
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• 2009

Objectives : To characterize the thermal properties of several Korean electric moxibustion apparatus and to suggest methods for improving their quality for related industry as well as the welfare of Korean. Methods : We reviewed previous literatures on traditional moxibustion to find necessary factors for electric moxibustion apparatus. We measured the thermal characteristics of electric moxibustion apparatus commercially available by using an automatic temperature acquisition system in a controlled environment. Uniformity and heat loss of the apparatus were also analysed. We followed the user's manuals of apparatus provided by manufacturers. Results : Temperature control of all apparatus could not be achieved by automatic manners. Most of them were dependent on user's discretion. Maximum temperatures obtained were barely in the therapeutic temperature of $40-45^{\circ}C$. Unnecessary heating of moxibustion parts was detected. Chemicals from moxa were not properly delivered to the human skin. Conclusions : Temperature control of all apparatus needs to be improved in terms of temperature setting, retention time and maximum temperature. Design should be altered to utilize pharmacological effects from moxa to obtain its maximum efficacy. User's manuals should be revised for its clarity.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.156-168
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• 2023

Objectives : This study aimed to determine the status of thermal stimulation devices approved in Korea for medical applications over the past 10 years, and based on this, to obtain insight for future thermal treatment in Korean medical institutions. Methods : We searched the item classification list entitled "Regulations on Medical Device Items and Rating by Item" from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Notice No. 2021-24, 2021 (Enforced March 19, 2021; www.mfds.go.kr) for individually licensed heaters using the terms "heat" and "heating". Results : We identified 17 items of thermal stimulation product group, of which 1,308 devices were licensed by February 4, 2022, and 53.2% of them (n=696) were devices with valid permits for distribution in Korea. Among the licensed devices, heating pad systems under/overlay (electric, home use) were approved the most, but combinational stimulator (for medical use, home use; Grade 2) accounted for the highest percentage among the current valid permission. Moxibustion apparatuses were licensed separately for electrical use and non-electrical use, and occupied a low percentage of the total devices. We analyzed 307 devices that were accompanied by technical documents and found that the heat sources were wires in 145 (47.2%), infrared rays in 44 (14.3%) and ultrasonic waves in 42 (13.7%) devices. Most (83.1%) devices were used for pain relief, while other applications included beauty, cancer treatment, maintenance of infant body temperature, and healing fractures. Conclusions : Thermal stimulation devices accounted for about 0.9% of all medical devices, and among them, combinational stimulators and heating pad systems under/overlay had the most valid permits. Thermal stimulation devices using heating wires and infrared rays were the most prevalent, and most were used to relieve pain. In order to develop a range of thermal stimulation devices that can be utilized in Korean medical institutions, it is imperative that they have potential applications beyond pain management, addressing various medical purposes. To achieve this, foundational research is necessary to effectively apply diverse heat sources based on medical objectives.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.1 s.29
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• pp.370-378
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• 1995

In order to consider the clinical efficacy of moxa combustion, understand the quality and quantity of heat stimulation and get the basic data for the development of electric moxibustion apparatus, the pattern of combustion temperature was measured by size of moxa(small, medium, large and maximum size). The results were as follows. 1. The pattern of combustion temperature by moxa burning was classified into input period, consisting of preheating and heating periods, and output period, consisting of heat retaining and cooling periods, in all experimental groups. But it was difficult to observe the preheating period in small sized moxa. 2. It was inclined that the more moxa size was large, the more the heating and heat retaining periods were long and the maximum temperature was high. The characteristics of moxa combustion is primarily by the rate of combustion temperature, gradient temperature and duration of combustion, and their correlation among these factors and their clinical effects in practice.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.1 s.31
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• pp.222-233
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• 1996

In order to understand the stimulation quality of Artemisine Vulgaris Folium(Bong), Mori Ramulus(Sangi) and Persicae Ramulus(Dogi) combustion, and get the basic data for the development of electric moxibustion apparatus, the average temperature, peak temperature, average gradient temperature, maximum gradient temperature and combustion time of heating period on the three moxa materials were measured. 1. The average combustion temperature was high in order of Dogi, Sangi and Bong, and these were acknowledged to have a significant difference each other in the average temperature. 2. The peak combustion temperature among those was high in order of Dogi, Sangi and Bong, and Bong was acknowledged to have significant differences with Dogi and Sangi. Sangi and Dogi however were not acknowledged to have difference each other. 3. The average gradient temperature among those was high in order of Dogi, Sangi and Bong, and Bong was proved to have significant differences with Dogi and Sangi. Sangi and Dogi however were not proved to have difference each other. 4. The maximum temperature among those was high in order of Dogi, Sangi and Bong, bong was acknowledged to have signigicant differences with Dogi and Sangi, but Sangi and Dogi were not proved to have difference each other. 5. The combustion time was short in order of Dogi, Sangi and Bong. Bong was acknowledged to have significant differences with Dogi and Sangi, but Sangi and Dogi were not. In order to understand well the characteristics of combustion, it is required to have a quantitative interpretation of combustion calory, and, in the future, we expect it is required to have a consistent study for the clinical effectiveness and the mutual relationship according to the combustion characteristics.