Objective : The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism and effect of moxibustion objectively and to be used as the quantitative data for developing the new thermal stimulating treatment by observing the combustion characteristics of commercial moxaes.
Methods : We have selected two types(large-size moxa A(LMA), large-size moxa B (LMB)) among large moxaes used widely in the clinic. We examined combustion times, temperatures, temperature gradients in each period during a combustion of moxa.
Results :
1. The ascending temperature gradient measured in the central point of non-contacted surface was fastest, the average ascending temperature gradient of both moxaes was 0.0384℃/sec, 0.0123℃/sec respectively, 3.1 times faster in LMA.
The maximum ascending temperature gradient was also about 2.9 times faster in LMA. The time required for the maximum ascending temperature gradient from ignition was 254sec, 411 sec respectively.
2. The minimum descending temperature gradient in the retaining period was -0.02500℃/sec, -0.0090℃/sec respectively and the average descending temperature gradient was -0.0160℃/sec, -0.0037℃/sec respectively on the non-contact surface.
3. On the basis of the non-contact surface(A,), the time at which the effective stimulus period began to occur was about 264sec, 796sec respectively after an ignition, the time at which the maximum temperature began to occur was about 373sec, 1323sec respectively after an ignition, and the maximum temperature was 0.9℃ higher in LMA. The maximum ascending temperature gradient was also about 4.2 times faster in LMA.
Conclusion
It was thought that not only the figure of moxicombustion device, but also the form and size of moxa had influence on the combustion characteristics deciding the performance of stimulus seriously.
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