THERMOLYTIC EFFECT OF MOXIBUSTION AND ITS RELATION TO ACUPOINT RECEPTORS

In the present paper, the effect of moxibustion stimulation (by using a computer automaticallycontrolled condensed light) of Dazhui (GV 14) etc. on auricular temperature changes was observed in the rabbit after intravenous injection of endotoxin. Changes of rabbit’s auricular temperature were sampled and recorded by using a thermistorthermometer (connected with a computer) before and after moxibustion stimulation. Results indicated that moxibustion making the skin temperature reach to 48℃ could inhibit the endotoxininduced lowering reaction of auricular temperature, while moxibustion making the skin temperature of 40℃ had no this effect. It revealed that higherskintemperature moxibustion had a thermolytic effect on bodyfever, which had a close relation mainly with polymodal receptors rather than with temperature receptor. It also demonstrated that endotoxininduced changes of auricular temperature could be used as an index for evaluating the thermolytic effect of moxibustion.

ANTIPYRETIC ACTION OF MOXIBUSTION AND ITS RELATION WITH ACUPOINT RECEPTORS

In our previous study, we observed that there was a close relation between the therapeutic effect and the warm receptors (WRs) or polymodal receptors (PRs). In accordance with the most sensitivity of WRs and the thermal threshold value, we used computer controlled projector light at a constant temperature 40°C and 47°C to irradiate (moxibustion) Dazhui (GV 14) and Baihui (GV 20) (it is located between the spines of the 7th lumbar vertebra and the its sacral vertebra in the rabbit) and observed its antipyretic action on fever induced by intravenous injection of endotoxin in the rabbit. Results showed that this kind of moxibustion at 40°C had no significant effect while that at 47°C had a very striking antipyretic effect, indicating that the antipyretic effect of moxibustion is mediated primarily by PRs. This fact also provides an important experimental evidence for moxibustion treatment of heat syndrome of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Key Points and Solutions to Enhance the Curative Effects of Moxibustion Therapy

Objective： To elucidate the key effects of moxibustion points and quantity of moxibustion used in order to enhance the curative effect of moxibustion therapy. Methods： It analyzed the occurrence rules of acupoint heat-sensitization and its relationship to the moxibustion location and dose, in view of the original definition of acupoints in Nei Jing （Internal Canon） and the acupoint heat-sensitization in clinical practice. Results： （1） The original definition of acupoint is the reflecting area of a disease on surface of the body, which is individualized, motive and sensitive; （2） The location in which heat-sensitization is generated relating to a heat-sensitive acupoint, which therefore depicts the best choice for point selection and also the most accurate area to give moxibustion; （3） The heat-sensitization time can be taken as a clinical index to quantify the moxibustion dose, in order to apply sufficient moxibustion for each individual. Conclusion： The key points for enhancing the curative effect of moxibustion therapy are to identify heat-sensitive points and a scientific moxibustion dose.

Experimental research progress on the effect of moxibustion on liver and its influence factors

Through retrieving the relevant experimental researches from Pubmed,CNKI,Wanfang and VIP databases,it is discovered that the effects of moxibustion on liver are mainly reflected in the following three aspects,namely,maintaining the normal functions of liver,promoting the repair of liver injury and delaying liver aging.By further analysis and in view of experiments,the factors influencing these effects may include stimulation site,stimulation intensity and heat source.The effects of moxibustion on liver and its influencing factors are explored and discovered in the perspective of experimental researches and these discoveries have been verified in clinical practice correspondingly.Based on the current study situation,moxibustion therapy is still limited in clinical studies on liver disorders as compared with the experimental researches.Hence,the deep exploration of moxibustion on its specific biological effect and mechanism and the excavation of moxibustion on its clinical application are likely to be the coming emphasis of the basic research and clinical practice for moxibustion.