[The observation on analgesic effect of moxibustion in rats]

Radiant heat exposure on Ciliao point was taken as radiant heat moxibustion (RHM). When temperature of surface of point was modulated within the range of 38-39 C and 43-44 C, the latency of tail flick threshold (LTH) in rats was increased by 17.8 +/- 2.1% and 22.2 +/- 2.5% after 5 min. and by 16.1 +/- 2.9%, 22.1 +/- 3.4% and 21.9 +/- 3.2% (50-52 degrees C) after 10 min. respectively. LTH was increased by 19.8 +/- 3.1% after 10 min. with needing plus moxibustion. The change of latency after RHM in every group and needing with moxibustion group had statistical significance (P < 0.05). There was no difference of analgesic effect among all groups (P > 0.05). The analgesic effect of RHM on Ciliao point was more powerful than Zusanli and Zhiyang (P < 0.05).