Changes in skin surface temperature at an acupuncture point with moxibustion

Area of Science:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
• Acupuncture
• Thermography

Background:

• Moxibustion is a therapeutic technique in TCM involving heat application.
• Determining safe and effective distances for moxibustion is crucial for clinical practice.
• The SP6 acupuncture point is commonly used in various therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate thermographic changes during moxibustion at the SP6 acupuncture point.
• To establish a safe and effective distance for moxa burner application.
• To provide data for TCM practitioners regarding moxibustion safety.

Main Methods:

• Thermographic measurements were taken on a paper substrate at varying distances and times.
• A pilot study with volunteers preceded a single-group trial.
• 36 healthy women were monitored for skin surface temperature changes at the SP6 point during moxibustion.

Main Results:

• A 3 cm distance was selected based on substrate and pilot study temperature data.
• Moxibustion significantly elevated SP6 skin surface temperature, peaking at 11°C increase after 4 minutes (p < 0.001).
• Moxa burner components reached temperatures of 56.9±0.9°C (rubber layer) and 65.8±1.2°C (cautery) compared to baseline.

Conclusions:

• A 3 cm distance between the moxa burner and the SP6 acupuncture point is deemed safe.
• Moxibustion effectively increases skin surface temperature at the SP6 point.
• This research provides valuable data for TCM practitioners to optimize moxibustion treatment distances.