Effects of Moxibustion on Body Core Temperature Responses in Rats

Abstract

12 Introduction Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medical therapy widely used in East Asian countries [1]. In this therapy, skin is heated directly or indirectly by burning moxa. In direct moxibustion, burning moxa in a stick is applied onto or above an acupuncture point. In contrast, indirect moxibustion uses salt, ginger, or garlic under the burning moxa to avoid skin damage [2–5]. The needle-warming technique is also used to avoid skin damage [6]. In this technique, the skin is stimulated by needle penetration at the acupuncture point, and burning moxa applied over the needle warms the skin around the acupuncture point. With all of these techniques, moxibustion evokes a warm sensation. However, the exact mechanism by which moxibustion induces this warm sensation is unknown. Information on skin temperature is received by heat receptors [7] and then conducted through Effects of Moxibustion on Body Core Temperature Responses in Rats