A Measurement of Direct Moxibustion Temperature. The Influence of density and height of moxa cones.

VernacularTitle:透熱灸の温度と燃焼時間　がいしゅの密度および高さの影響
Author: Hitoshi YAMASHITA ; Masato EGAWA
Publication Type:Journal Article
From:Journal of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 1995;45(3):203-207
CountryJapan
Language:Japanese
Abstract: With the purpose of clarifying the influence of density and height of moxa cones on the quantity and quality of direct moxibustion stimulation, temperature changes at the bottom of moxa cones the size of a “rice grain” were measured with a thermocouple on an asbestos board.
As a result, the mean peak temperature of each density group (height of 5mm, bottom diameter of 3mm) was between 140°C and 160°C. There was a significant linear regression between density (mg/11.8mm³) and heating temperature duration above 45°C (seconds) (y=1.9+3.2x, r=0.92, p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the velocity of temperature increase (32-45°C) between two groups of cones of different height and the same density, meaning there is no evidence to indicate that tall moxa cones make patients feel mild heat.
From the results obtained in this experiment, the density of the moxa cone was found to be one of the most important factors affecting direct moxibustion treatment.