Thermal Properties of Direct and Indirect Moxibustion

Seung-Ho Yi 사단법인약침학회 2009 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.2 No.4

Moxibustion therapy chiefly utilizes heat generated by the combustion of moxa. Therefore, understanding the thermal properties of moxibustion is essential when studying the mechanisms involved in moxibustion therapy. Therefore, we measured temperatures of direct and indirect moxibustion. For indirect moxibustion, moxibustion on garlic was used. To determine the influence of the environment on moxibustion, we applied airflow of 0.0−0.8 m/s. An increase in the airflow caused a concomitant increase in the maximum temperature of direct moxibustion, from 160 to 300℃ and the time duration was reduced by half. However, the maximum temperature of indirect moxibustion demonstrated the opposite effect, with the temperature decreasing from 45 to 40℃. This is attributed to the upstream airflow, which indicates the importance of the air inside moxa. For indirect moxibustion using garlic slices of different thicknesses, we found the optimum condition for the buffer layer of a garlic slice. The maximum number of consecutive moxibustions using one garlic slice was three. These results are consistent with traditional methods. This observation illustrates that the importance of garlic slices in modulating the combustion heat and proper thermal stimulus to the patient. Moxibustion therapy chiefly utilizes heat generated by the combustion of moxa. Therefore, understanding the thermal properties of moxibustion is essential when studying the mechanisms involved in moxibustion therapy. Therefore, we measured temperatures of direct and indirect moxibustion. For indirect moxibustion, moxibustion on garlic was used. To determine the influence of the environment on moxibustion, we applied airflow of 0.0−0.8 m/s. An increase in the airflow caused a concomitant increase in the maximum temperature of direct moxibustion, from 160 to 300℃ and the time duration was reduced by half. However, the maximum temperature of indirect moxibustion demonstrated the opposite effect, with the temperature decreasing from 45 to 40℃. This is attributed to the upstream airflow, which indicates the importance of the air inside moxa. For indirect moxibustion using garlic slices of different thicknesses, we found the optimum condition for the buffer layer of a garlic slice. The maximum number of consecutive moxibustions using one garlic slice was three. These results are consistent with traditional methods. This observation illustrates that the importance of garlic slices in modulating the combustion heat and proper thermal stimulus to the patient.

염(鹽)의 종류(種類)에 따른 격염구(隔鹽灸)의 열전달(熱傳達) 특성(特性)에 관한 실험적(實驗的) 연구(硏究)

이건목,이건휘,서은미,Lee, Geon-mok,Lee, Gun-hyee,Seo, Eun-mi 대한침구의학회 2004 대한침구의학회지 Vol.21 No.1

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism and effect of moxibustion with salt objectively, to be used as the quantitative data through the measurement of temperature, and to grasp the thermodynamic characteristics of moxibustion with salt. Methods: We have selected of the moxibustion with salt of indirect moxibustion. We make a comparative study of the thermodynamic characteristics of moxibustion with salt as a kind of the 4 salt. We examined combustion times, temperatures, temperature gradients in each period during a combustion of moxa. Results: 1. We make out that it is not significantly change the time of thermal conduction of moxibustion with salt as a kind of 4 salt. 2. The heating period of Refined Salt was long and that of Sun-dried Salt was a short time respectively. The heating period of maximum tamperature is high Sun-dried Salt, Mechanical Salt and Refined Salt orderly. Maximun heating speed in the heating period was $0.151{\sim}0.184^{\circ}C/sec$ and at the same tendency of the maximum temperature in the heating period. 3. The retaining period was shorter than the heating period respectively, that is 15~24% of the combustion time of in the heating period. We make out that it is not significantly different the time of the retaining period as a kind of 4 salt. The mean temperature of retaining period was $43.2{\sim}48.1^{\circ}C$, that was extraordinarily high temperature. 4. We make out that it is not significantly different the time of the cooling period as a kind of 4 salt. The cooling period was measured 223~233sec. Beacuse the same density and size of moxa combustion was made an experiment. 5. The effective combustion time of Refined Salt is longer(259sec) than that of Sun-dried Salt(173sec). It is significantly different the time of the combustion time as a kind of 4 salt. 6. It is significantly different the Sample deviation of the combustion time as a kind of 4 salt because of the water content of the 4 salt individually. Conclusions: As the base on this study, we obtained the conclusion as the follows. The salt of moxibustion with salt was fitted for Sun-dried Salt due to making to Mechanical Salt recently. The Refined Salt is composition rate to another and small size comparatively. So It was fitted for the salt of moxibustion with salt. It is necessary to study continuously about the more suitable moxibustion with salt and quantitative analysis about the moxibustion with salt.

금구혈(禁灸穴)에 관한 문헌적 고찰

김광성 ( Kwang Sung Kim ),이병렬 ( Byung Ryul Lee ),임윤경 ( Yun Kyoung Yim ) 대한경락경혈학회 2009 Korean Journal of Acupuncture Vol.26 No.4

Objective: To increase the safety of moxibustion by understanding moxibustion-prohibited points` distinguishing features through literary inquiry. Method: We searched for moxibustion-prohibited points in Traditional Oriental Medical literature. Results: 1. Upon the advancement of moxibustion technique, the numbers of moxibustion-prohibited points increased. 2. Both Foot Meridians and Hand Meridians have similar percentage of moxibustion-prohibited points. Both Yin Meridians and Yang Meridians have similar percentage of moxibustion-prohibited points. 3. The face has the highest moxibustion-prohibited points ratio. The Back has the lowest moxibustion-prohibited points ratio. 4. We research 80 moxibustion-prohibited points and find 31 moxibustion-prohibitive reasons. A key reasons is that heating effect of moxibustion damages tissues, organs and meridian functions. There are also cases where the moxibustion-prohibited points can be designated upon the patients condition. Conclusions: We could learn the distinguishing characteristics of moxibustion-prohibited points from this study. These results suggest that the treatment of moxibustion is more useful and safe.

A Proposal of Both Use of Direct Moxibustion and Electro-Moxibustion for Cancer Treatment Moxibustion

Bong Kwan Jo,Soo Hyung Jeon,Jong Won Kim 대한한의학회 2017 대한한의학회지 Vol.38 No.4

A Proposal of Both Use of Direct Moxibustion and Electro-Moxibustion for Cancer Treatment Moxibustion

조봉관,전수형,김종원 대한한의학회 2017 대한한의학회지 Vol.38 No.4

Objectives: We here do propose that cancer treatment moxibustion should be used both direct moxibustion and electro-moxibustion simultaneously. Methods: Electro-moxibustion is used in 38℃ low-heat level and it will help to raise parasympathetic and to bring stability of mentality. Direct moxibustion is used in rice size and will help to raise sympathetic and to induce visceral reflection and visceral motion. Results: Electro-moxibustion increased average body heat by + 2.51℃ and kept patients from suffering pains. Direct moxibustion increased average body heat by + 1.2℃ by meridian point-internal organs reflection. Conclusions: Both use of direct moxibustion and electro-moxibustion simultaneously will be superior to the only either direct moxibustion or electro-moxibustion for cancer treatment moxibustion.

한방용 뜸기구 표준화 동향

남연경 ( Yeon Kyeong Nam ),김청수 ( Cheoung Su Kim ),( Piao Quanyu ),양승범 ( Seung Bum Yang ),김재효 ( Jae-hyo Kim ),권오상 ( O Sang Kwon ) 경락경혈학회 2023 Korean Journal of Acupuncture Vol.40 No.4

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.

A Proposal of Both Use of Direct Moxibustion and Electro-Moxibustion for Cancer Treatment Moxibustion

Jo, Bong Kwan,Jeon, Soo Hyung,Kim, Jong Won The Society of Korean Medicine 2017 대한한의학회지 Vol.38 No.4

Objectives: We here do propose that cancer treatment moxibustion should be used both direct moxibustion and electro-moxibustion simultaneously. Methods: Electro-moxibustion is used in $38^{\circ}C$ low-heat level and it will help to raise parasympathetic and to bring stability of mentality. Direct moxibustion is used in rice size and will help to raise sympathetic and to induce visceral reflection and visceral motion. Results: Electro-moxibustion increased average body heat by $+2.51^{\circ}C$ and kept patients from suffering pains. Direct moxibustion increased average body heat by $+1.2^{\circ}C$ by meridian point-internal organs reflection. Conclusions: Both use of direct moxibustion and electro-moxibustion simultaneously will be superior to the only either direct moxibustion or electro-moxibustion for cancer treatment moxibustion.

연소식 灸치료와 전자식 灸치료의 선호도에 대한 비교연구

지민정,황민혁,임성철,김재수,이현종,이봉효,정태영,서정철,이윤규 대한침구의학회 2014 대한침구의학회지 Vol.31 No.4

Objectives : The purpose of this study is reporting to compare the preference of combustible moxibustion and electronic moxibustion. Methods : 31 patients were treated by combustible moxibustion in the morning and electronic moxibustion in the afternoon for 1 day. After they were treated by each moxibustions treatment, filled out questionnaire. We repeated the above process for 3 days. And we analyzed questionnaire statistically. Results : Heat sensitivity of electronic moxibustion has statistical significance. Sex and age have no statistical significances. Heat sensitivity and persistency of combustible moxibustion, heat persistency of electronic moxibustion also have no statistical significances. Satisfaction and smoke of moxibustion have correlation to moxibustion preference. Conclusions : Heat sensitivity of electronic moxibustion, satisfaction and smoke of moxibustion have correlation to moxibustion preference.

隔物灸의 隔物 특성에 따른 온열자극 비교연구

왕개하,김은정,조현석,김갑성,이승덕,김경호 대한침구의학회 2012 대한침구의학회지 Vol.29 No.5

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, 14㎜ on tissue model and calculated peak temperature(℃). 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 1㎜ but according to the diameter at intervals of 4㎜. 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, 2㎜-thick-ginger slice and 3㎜-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 2㎜ 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.

간접구 시술이 골격근 Adiposity 유발 쥐의 근육조직에 미치는 영향

이기수,홍권의 대한침구의학회 2014 대한침구의학회지 Vol.31 No.1

Objectives : To observe the regenerative effects of indirect moxibustion, a traditional Korean medical treatment on skeletal muscles using mouse model of skeletal muscle adiposity. Methods : Twenty seven ICR male mice were randomly assigned into Intact control(n=3), glycerol treatment together without moxibustion(n=12), and glycerol treatment together with moxibustion (n=12) groups. Mice of glycerol treatment groups were injected with 50 ${\mu}l$ DW(distilled water) containing 50 % of glycerol into the two tibialis anterior. After injection, moxibustion was applied at 'Shenshu'($BL_{23}$) and 'Zusanli'($ST_{36}$) acupoints three times per each session, every days for twelve days(total 12 treatments). Phospho-Erk1/2, Myostatin protein levels were analyzed by western blotting and immunofluo-rescence staining techniques for tissues of the tibialis anterior muscle. Smad, phospho-Smad were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Results : 1. Histological analysis of sections from injected TA muscles showed that glycerol induced rapidly muscle necrosis, with a maximum at day 3. 6 days and 9 days after injection, muscle was regenerating. 2. According to western blotting and immunofluorescence staining, phospho-Erk1/2 protein signals in glycerol treatment with moxibustion group were stronger compared to Intact and glycerol treatment without moxibustion group. 3. According to western blotting and immunofluorescence staining, myostatin protein signals in glycerol treatment without moxibustion group were stronger compared to Intact and glycerol treatment with moxibustion group. 4. According to immunofluorescence staining, Smad protein signals in glycerol treatment without moxibustion group were stronger compared to Intact and glycerol treatment with moxibustion group. 5. According to immunofluorescence staining, phospho-Smad protein signals in glycerol treatment without moxibustion group were stronger compared to Intact and glycerol treatment with moxibustion group. Conclusions : These results confirm that indirect moxibustion of 'Shenshu'($BL_{23}$) and 'Zusanli'($ST_{36}$) influences muscle regeneration in mouse models of skeletal muscle adiposity. Further discussion, and the establishment of moxibustion mechanism will prompt clinical application of moxibustion.