• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.71-80
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• 2013

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the difference of abdominal skin temperature responses following moxibustion comparing stimulation method. Methods : Moxibustion was applied on the acupuncture points of $CV_4$, $CV_6$, $CV_{12}$. Thirty healthy men were randomly divided into two groups, one receiving a single moxibustion stimulation in three locations '$CV_4{\cdot}CV_6{\cdot}CV_{12}$'(n=15) and the other receiving triple moxibustion stimulations in one location '$CV_{12}$'(n=15) for 30 min. To obtain the skin temperature on abdominal region, a thermograph was used. Three arbitrary frames(the upper abdominal, lower abdominal, whole abdominal regions) were made to analyse skin temperature. Thermographic images were obtained at before and after the procedure of indirect moxibustion and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 min afterwards. Results : An increase in skin temperature on the three abdominal regions was observed following both one point and three points moxibustion administrations. Significant increase in skin temperature of the whole abdominal region was observed at 30 min after the procedure of three points moxibustion compared with one point moxibustion stimulation. A tendency of skin temperature changes over time was observed. Conclusions : In this study, skin temperature of lower abdominal region does not increase after triple moxibustion stimulations on $CV_{12}$. Administration of single moxibustion on $CV_4$, $CV_6$, $CV_{12}$ makes greater changes in skin temperature on the whole abdominal region than triple moxibustion on $CV_{12}$.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.111-119
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• 2009

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism and effect of moxa bucket moxibustion, to be used as the quantitative data through the measurement of temperature, and to grasp the thermodynamic characteristics of moxa bucket moxibustion. Methods : We have selected the moxa bucket moxibustion. We have made a comparative study of the thermodynamic characteristics of moxa bucket moxibustion. We have examined combustion times, temperatures, temperature gradients in each period during a combustion of moxa bucket moxibustion made by oak wood. Results : 1. We could design the moxa bucket moxibustion so that it has $57.6^{\circ}C$ maximum temperature with 7g weight and 10mm height, if we use more weight of moxa or lower height of moxa, we can observe relatively elevated maximum temperature. We observed the maximum temperature following the measuring position of moxa bucket and we could see higher temperature at the center of the moxa bucket and lower temperature at the side of the moxa bucket. 2. We could design the moxa bucket moxibustion with 5g moxa and 10mm height so that it has 0.12 $1^{\circ}C/sec$ of maximum temperature gradient, and it has relatively high temperature gradient at lower weight and height condition. 3. We could design the moxa bucket moxibustion with 7g moxa and 15mm height so that it has 4,135sec of the longest effective temperature combustion time. If we use more weight of moxa or higher height of moxa, we can observe relatively extended effective temperature combustion time. Conclusions : We observed the longest effective combustion time following the measuring position of moxa bucket. We can see a higher temperature at the center of the moxa bucket and a lower temperature at the side of the moxa bucket.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.49-77
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• 2007

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism and effect of moxa bucket moxibustion. Objectively, to be used as the quantitative data through the measurement of temperature, and to grasp the thermodynamic characteristics of moxa bucket moxibustion. Methods: We have selected of the moxa bucket moxibustion. We make a comparative study of the thermodynamic characteristics of moxa bucket moxibustion. We examined combustion times, temperatures, temperature gradients in each period during a combustion of moxa bucket moxibustion made by oak wood. Results: 1. We can design the moxa bucket moxibustion that it has 57.6$^{\circ}C$ maximum temperature with 7g weight and 10mm height, if we use more weight of moxa or lower the height of moxa, we can observe relatively elavated maximum temperature. We observe the maximum temperature following the measuring position of moxa bucket and we can see higher temperature at the center of the moxa bucket and lower temperature at the side of the moxa bucket. 2. We can design the moxa bucket moxibustion with 5g moxa and 10mm height that it has 0.121 $^{\circ}C$/sec of maximum temperature gradient, and it has relatively high temperature gradient at lower weight and height condition. 3. We can design the moxa bucket moxibustion with 7g moxa and 15mm height that it has 4,135sec of the longest effective temperature combustion time, if we use more weight of moxa or higher height of moxa, we can observe relatively extended effective temperature combustion time. We observe the longest effective combustion time following the measuring position of moxa bucket. We can see higher temperature at the center of the moxa bucket and lower temperature at the side of the moxa bucket.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.31-51
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• 2004

Objective: The propose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of combustion in indirect moxibustion with garlic. Methods: We observed the characteristics of combustion by the variations of the thickness(3mm, 4mm, 5mm) of a slice for indirect moxibustion with garlic and mass(80mg, 100mg, 120mg) of moxa cone and existence of holes. The temperature of indirect moxibustion for garlic insulation with holes was higher than temperature of indirect moxibustion for garlic insulation without holes. Combustions time in the preheating period is about 1 minute, it varies by the existence of holes, the thickness of a slice for indirect moxibustion with garlic, and the density of moxa cone. Results: Maximum temperature of heating period was $38.7{\sim}46.2^{\circ}C$, combustion time in the heating period was 118~164sec and maximum ascending temperature gradient was $0.102{\sim}0.264^{\circ}C/sec$. Retaining period was shorter than heating period and stimulus of heating retains more, because it is higher than body temperature. By this report, indirect moxibustion with garlic is more effective with holes and the appropriate thickness of a slice for indirect moxibustion with garlic is 3.5~4mm. It is appropriate that the diameter of moxa cone is 8mm and height of that is 10mm. With this condition, effective combustion period is 120sec, maximum temperature is $42{\sim}44^{\circ}C$, maximum ascending temperature gradient is $0.14{\sim}0.16^{\circ}C/sec$. It is necessary to study clinical correlations for more accurate quantitative standard.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.75-85
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• 2012

Objectives : Indirect moxibustion is one of the thermotherapy in Korean medicine and buffer of ginger and mankshood slice are common materials to be used. However it is difficult to control the power of thermal stimulation and the stimulation is greatly influenced by the characteristic of buffer. So we research on the buffer characteristic of indirect moxibustion according to the thickness, diameter and water content changes. Methods : We used thermocouples to measure temperature from surface to depth of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14mm on tissue model and calculated peak temperature($^{\circ}C$). The data were analyzed with student t-test and one-way ANOVA(p<0.05). Results : 1. The peak temperature of indirect moxibustion with ginger were determined by thickness of ginger slice and temperature changes according to the thickness at intervals of 1mm but according to the diameter at intervals of 4mm. 2. The peak temperature of indirect moxibustion with mankshood were determined by thickness of mankshood slice also. The peak temperature of mankshood moxibustion was higher than that of ginger moxibustion. 3. In this study, 2mm-thick-ginger slice and 3mm-thick-mankshood slice were suitable for indirect moxibustion. Variation in the thickness of which is more efficient to control the power of thermal stimulation on indirect moxibustion. 4. The more water loss we got on ginger slice, the higher peak temperature we measured at the surface of moxibustion. But the thermal stimulation was not conducted more than 2mm in the depth. 5. The thickness and water content of buffer are important in indirect moxibustion. Conclusions : The temperature of indirect moxibustion depends on the thickness of buffer than the diameter of it. Therefore, it is more efficient according to the thickness of buffer so that we control the power of thermal stimulation. And water content of buffer is one of the important factor in indirect moxibustion.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.282-289
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• 2021

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to construct a model of the possible thermal runaway of electronic moxibustion and to implement an appropriate risk management method. Methods : To reproduce the system error situation of the electronic moxibustion circuit equipped with microcontroller unit, temperature sensor and heater, a code was set to disable the signal input to temperature sensor and maintain "high" heating signal to heater. The temperature change of electronic moxibustion was compared between 3 types of heater module; module 1 consisting of a combination of heater+0 ohm+0 ohm resistance, module 2 consisting of a combination of heater+Polymeric Positive Temperature Coefficient (PPTC)+0 ohm resistance, and module 3 consisting of a combination of heater+PPTC+10 ohm resistance. The temperature change was measured using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) silicone phantom. After maintaining surface temperature of the phantom at 31~32℃ for 20 seconds, electronic moxibustion was applied. After operating electronic moxibustion, the temperature change was measured for 660 seconds on the surface and 900 seconds at 2 mm depth. Results : Regardless of the module type, the time-dependent change in temperature showed a rapid rise followed by a gentle curve, and a sharp drop in temperature after reaching the maximum temperature about 10 minutes after the switching the moxibustion on. Temperature measured at the depth of 2 mm below the surface increased slower and to a lesser extent. Module 1 reached highest peak temperature with largest change of temperature at both depths followed by module 2, and 3. Conclusions : Through the combination of PPTC+resistance with the heater of electronic moxibustion, it is possible to limit the rise in temperature even with the software error. Thus, this setting can be used as an independent safety measure for the electronic moxibustion control unit.

• 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.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.75-87
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment at SP6(Sanyinjiao) on the temperature change of feet in healthy adults and evaluate whether SP6 has an effect on cold hypersensitivity of feet. Methods : Subjects of this study were 61 healthy adults consisting of 21 in the acupuncture treatment group, 21 in the moxibustion treatment group and 19 in the control group, selected at random. After starting the experiment, the subjects laid straight on their back and relaxed for 30 minutes. Pictures were then taken of their feet by DITI 3 times before and after treatment. The treatment was carried out by either 15 minutes of acupuncture or 2 pieces of moxibustion at SP6. Whilst the control group rested lying straight. After taking pictures the temperatures of LR2, GB42, ST42, KI1, center of the plantar, and center of the calcaneus were checked and the SPSS for Windows Version 20.0 was used to evaluate the statistical significance by the paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed-ranks test(in group) and the Mann-Whitney U-test(between the groups). Results : Some temperature changes before and after treatment were observed in each of the 12 areas, most of which were not significant. But as a result of comparing the temperature difference of all the samples without dividing the area of each group, the mean temperatures in the acupuncture and moxibustion group were significantly elevated. A comparison between the groups showed the mean temperature of the acupuncture and moxibustion group to be significantly elevated, more so than the control group. Conclusion : The result of this study suggests acupuncture and moxibustion treatment at SP6 has the effect of the rising temperature of feet temporarily.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.129-138
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• 2008

Objectives : The moxibustion is the method in using the heat stimulation made of attached and burned a moxa or other herbal materials on a healing point or acupuncture point and the chemical stimulation of a resin made from burning them. We need to standardize the characteristics of moxa combustion in order to get more systematic and objective result in operation mechanism and effects and then get more clinical abilities in these fields. Methods : In this study, using of labview system on the moxibustion. 1. we studied relation the size of barley and jujube seed with the moxa cone's peak combustion temperature and then measured and compared the moxa cone's peak combustion temperature by tonification and sedation method. 2. we measured the peak combustion temperature of indirect moxibustion. Results & comclusions : 1. When we measured a direct moxibustion's combustion temperature, the jujube seed sized moxa cone's peak temperature was higher than the barley sized moxa cone's when it burned and the time to peak temperature of the barley sized moxa cone was shorter than the jujube seed sized moxa cone's. 2. When the direct moxibustion was burned by the tonification and sedation method, the sedation method's peak temperature was higher than the tonification method's, the tonification's time to peak temperature was shorter than the sedation method's. 3. When we measured the temperature of the moxa combustion in the kinds of sliced herbal materials, the peak temperature of indirect moxibustion with a ginger when it sliced a 1.3mm size and a 1.5mm size was degreed within $40^{\circ}C$ to $52^{\circ}C$ and the peak temperature of indirect moxibustion with a garlic when it sliced a 1.7mm size was degreed within $46^{\circ}C$ to $62^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.35-45
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• 2010

Backgrounds : Recently, commercial indirect moxibustion has been widely used as a substitute for traditional indirect moxibustion by clinicians due to its convenience in using. But, there has been lack of studies about the similarity of thermal stimulation between commercial indirect moxibustion and traditional indirect moxibustion. Objectives : To demonstrate commercial indirect moxibustion can substitute for traditional indirect moxibustion by comparing thermal stimulation between the two. Methods : We measured bottom temperature of commercial indirect moxibustion and traditional indirect moxibustion with various thicknesses of ginger and garlic. A clinical trial was performed on 18 healthy subjects to evaluate thermal stimualtion. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups, traditional indirect moxibustion with ginger and garlic. The skin temperature and heating time were measured. They received moxibustion therapy with commercial indirect moxibustion and traditional indirect moxibustion according to their groups. Acupoint Chogcoe($LU_6$), Zusanli($ST_{36}$) and Tianshu($ST_{25}$) were used in each group for 3 times. Results : There was no difference in bottom temperature among commercial indirect moxibustion, traditional indirect moxibustion with 2mm ginger and 3mm garlic. No major difference was detected in the subjects' baseline data. There was no difference in skin temperature and heating time among these 3 type of moxibustions. Also, No major difference was detected in VAS score of thermal stimulation and frequency of burns among these 3 type of moxibustions. But, most subjects regarded their sensation weren't identical because of its own distinct characteristics. Conclusions : Commercial indirect moxibustion, traditional indirect moxibustion with 2mm ginger and 3mm garlic have same thermal stimulation. Thus, commercial indirect moxibustion can substitute for traditional indirect moxibustion.