• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.114-127
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• 2002

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 time and temperature 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 in each period during a combustion of moxa. Results : 1. The combustion time in the preheating period was about 30sec in both moxaes on the non-contact heated surface. 2. The combustion time in the heating period was about 345sec in LMA and about 1391 sec in LMB, about 4 times longer in LMB on the non-contact surface. 3. The maximum temperature in the heating period was $44.5^{\circ}C$ in LMA and $45.4^{\circ}C$ in LMB respectively, higher by $0.9^{\circ}C$ in LMB. The average temperature in the heating period was $35.5{\sim}37.6^{\circ}C$ in LMA and $36.0{\sim}39.8^{\circ}C$ in LMB, a little higher in LMB. 4. The combustion time in the retaining period in LMA was 45.4sec and 13% of that in the heating period, and in LMB 594.7sec and 43% of that in the heating period on the non-contact surface. 5. On the point(PH) measured maximum temperature, the average temperature during the retaining period was $44.0^{\circ}C$, $42.9^{\circ}C$ respectively and the temperature at an end of the retaining period was $43.0^{\circ}C$, $40.2^{\circ}C$ respectively. 6. The time at a beginning of the cooling period was about 418 sec from ignition in LMA and 2021sec in LMB, and the temperature at that time was $36.9{\sim}39.1^{\circ}C$ on the non-contact surface. 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.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.171-187
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• 2001

Objective : Moxibustion has been proved efficacious for many diseases, but isn't widespread in the clinics due to a danger of skin burning, the smoke produced while burning a moxa combustion and so on. Therefore, another type of moxa that can be resolved these troubles is required. To improve the effect of moxibustion and develop the new thermal stimulating treatment, the performance of commercial moxibustion widely used are studied systematically and found out quantitatively. Methods : We have selected two types (small-size moxa A(sMA), small-size moxa B (sMB)) among small-size moxaes used widely in the clinic. We examined combustion time, various temperatures, temperature gradient in each period during a combustion of moxa. Results : 1. The combustion time in the preheating period appeared somewhat longer in sMA than in sMB. 2, The combustion time in the heating period appeared longer in sMA by 26% than in sMB. 3. The average temperature in the heating period was $37.6{\sim}37.8^{\circ}C\;in\;sMA\;and\;36.2{\sim}36.8^{\circ}C$ in sMB and the maximum temperature measured at a center of contact surface in sMA was $48.6^{\circ}C$, higher by over $2.8^{\circ}C$ than that of sMB moxibustion. 4. The average ascending temperature gradient in the heating period was $0.08{\sim}0.1^{\circ}C/sec$ in both moxaes, and the average ascending temperature gradient of heating period in sMB appeared larger. The maximum ascending temperature gradient appeared higher in sMB, and the time reaching maximum ascending temperature gradient appeared much earlier in sMA than in sMB. 5. The combustion time in the retaining period was around 100 sec in sMA and around 275 sec in sMB. 6. The average temperature in the retaining period was $42.2{\sim}46.0^{\circ}C\;in\;sMA\;and\;39.3{\sim}41.4^{\circ}C/sec$ in sMB. The minimum temperature in the retaining period was over $38.80^{\circ}C$ in sMA but just $34.7^{\circ}C$ in sMB. 7. The average descending temperature gradient in sMA was $-0.050{\sim}0.067^{\circ}C/sec$ and in sMB was $-0.030{\sim}0.037^{\circ}C/sec$ 8. The combustion time in the cooling period appeared longer over two times in sMA than in sMB, and the time which the cooling period (minimum temperature) finished at appeared later in sMB by 55 sec. 9. We classified the combustion process that the measured temperature rose over body heat($37^{\circ}C$) into the effective combustion period. The effective combustion time was 233.3 sec in sMA and 300.4 sec in sMB respectively, and was longer by about 29% in sMB. The average temperature and maximum temperature in the effective combustion time appeared higher in sMA. The time taken until the maximum temperature was reached was 225.1 sec in sMA and 244.5 sec in sMB, faster by about 20 sec in sMA. The maximum ascending temperature gradient during the effective combustion period appeared larger about 1.4 times in sMB, but the time when the maximum ascending temperature gradient happened was faster in sMA. Conclusion : It appears that sMB, compared with sMA, is proper if necessary to apply the long time and weak stimulus, because of the gentle stimulus during the relatively longer time. In contrast, sMA that the symmetrical combustion happened is proper if necessary to apply the short time and strong stimulus.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.31-51
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• 2004

Objective: The propose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of combustion in indirect moxibustion with garlic. Methods: We observed the characteristics of combustion by the variations of the thickness(3mm, 4mm, 5mm) of a slice for indirect moxibustion with garlic and mass(80mg, 100mg, 120mg) of moxa cone and existence of holes. The temperature of indirect moxibustion for garlic insulation with holes was higher than temperature of indirect moxibustion for garlic insulation without holes. Combustions time in the preheating period is about 1 minute, it varies by the existence of holes, the thickness of a slice for indirect moxibustion with garlic, and the density of moxa cone. Results: Maximum temperature of heating period was $38.7{\sim}46.2^{\circ}C$, combustion time in the heating period was 118~164sec and maximum ascending temperature gradient was $0.102{\sim}0.264^{\circ}C/sec$. Retaining period was shorter than heating period and stimulus of heating retains more, because it is higher than body temperature. By this report, indirect moxibustion with garlic is more effective with holes and the appropriate thickness of a slice for indirect moxibustion with garlic is 3.5~4mm. It is appropriate that the diameter of moxa cone is 8mm and height of that is 10mm. With this condition, effective combustion period is 120sec, maximum temperature is $42{\sim}44^{\circ}C$, maximum ascending temperature gradient is $0.14{\sim}0.16^{\circ}C/sec$. It is necessary to study clinical correlations for more accurate quantitative standard.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.233-248
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• 2004

Objective : The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism and effect of moxibustion with monkshood cake, slice & black pepper cake. objectively, to be used as the quantitative data through the measurement of temperatqre, and to grasp the thermodynamic characteristics of moxibustion with monkshood cake, slice & black pepper cake. Methods : We have selected of the moxibustion with monkshood cake, slice & black pepper cake. indirect moxibustion. We make a comparative study of the thermodynamic characteristics of moxibustion with monkshood cake, slice & black pepper cake. We examined combustion times, temperatures, temperature gradients in each period during a combustion of moxa. Results & Conclusions : 1. We can design the moxibustion with monkshood cake that it has thermodynamic characteristics of 173sec effective combustion time, $44^{\circ}C$ maximum temperature, $0.22^{\circ}C/sec$ ascending maximum temperature, if we use 3mm thickness or 3mm and below of monkshood cake and the moxa cone is formed the conical shape that the base diameter was 8mm, the height was 10mm, the density was $600mg/cm^3$. 2. We can design the moxibustion with monkshood cake that it has thermodynamic characteristics of 205~271sec effective combustion period time, $44.6{\sim}46.1^{\circ}C$ maximum temperature, $0.18{\sim}0.24^{\circ}C/sec$ ascending maximum temperature, if we use 3mm thickness of monkshood cake and the moxa cone is formed the conical shape that the base diameter was 8mm, the height was 10mm, the density was $480{\sim}720mg/cm^3$.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.71-78
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• 2010

Objectives : The warm needling technique is a combination of acupuncture and moxibustion. The purpose of this study was to find the physical and thermal characteristics in order to identify the effects and mechanisms of the warm needling technique. Methods : In this study, the thermal changes were observed with a testo 845 device, which is an infra-red thermometer specifically designed for measuring a combustion of corn shaped moxibustion(moxa-corn). The thermal changes at the apex of the moxa-corn placed on the top of the an acupuncture were observed at the level of 1 cm and 2 cm from the apex to understand heat conduction through acupuncture needle for combustion of moxa-corn. Results and Conclusions : The thermal conduction through acupuncture needle from the moxa-corn was relative to the weight of moxa-corn and was inversely relative to the distance of the moxa-corn and acupuncture needle length. And the value of thermal conduction to the apex of the acupuncture needle from the moxa-corn was about $3{\sim}5^{\circ}C$. The above results suggest that the present study may be useful in finding the mechanism and effects of the warming needling technique.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.193-214
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• 2004

Objective : The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism and effect of moxibustion with ginger objectively, to be used as the quantitative data through the measurement of temperature, and to grasp the thermodynamic characteristics of moxibustion with ginger. Methods : We have selected the indirect moxibustion with ginger among many indirect moxibustions. We produced a slice of ginger to a thickness of 3, 4, 5mm and the moxa cone having a diameter of 8mm, a height of 10mm for making a comparative study of characteristics of moxa cone according to change the density. We have made a comparative study of the thermodynamic characteristics of moxibustion with ginger with or without holes. We measured combustion times and calculated temperatures, temperature gradients in each period during a combustion of moxa. Results : 1. We found out it was not significantly influenced by the existence of the punched holes in a slice of ginger because the punched holes grow smaller immediately. 2. The duration of the preheating period became longer according to thickness of a slice of ginger and was not directly proportional to the density of moxa cone. The duration of the preheating period was extremely short when it burned a 100mg moxa cone. That was influenced by the density of moxa cone. 3. The duration of the heating period became longer according to thickness of a slice of ginger likewise the preheating period bacause the density of moxa cone had effected on the combustion characteristics. The duration of the heating period was extremely long when it burned a 100mg moxa cone. On the other hand the maximum temperature in the heating period was appeared that the combustion with a thin slice of ginger was highest and measured that the large density of moxa cone was higher. But the maximum temperature in the heating period was about $37.8^{\circ}C{\sim}44.2^{\circ}C$respectively lower in others. 4. The duration of the retaining period was some doubling shorter than that of the heating period that is concerned the shape of moxa cone. The temperature measured the close of a retaining period was $36.6^{\circ}C{\sim}41.8^{\circ}C$, that was considerably lower temperature. 5. The mean ascending temperature velocity and the mean descending temperature velocity were $0.042{\sim}0.073^{\circ}C/sec$, $-0.027{\sim}-0.064^{\circ}C/sec$ respectively. Then, the ascending temperature velocity was some faster than the ascending temperature velocity. Conclusions : The quantitative standard for obtaining the effective heating stimulation is that if the slice of ginger made a hole in it, we had to use the needle above 1.5mm diameter. The recommended size of a slice ginger is the 14mm diameter and the 2~3mm thickness. The moxa cone is formed the conical shape that the base diameter was 8mm, the height was 10mm, the density was $600mg/cm^2$.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.1356-1361
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• 2004

Moxa-combustion therapy make use of heat stimulus and chemicals result form when cauterize the skin with moxa cones to medical cares. However, recently moxibustion have been utilized less than acupuncture for treatment of disease in a practicing oriental physicians. To determine variable parameters (the numbers, the times, the quantities, the locations) affected moxibustion's effects, the gastrin serum level in rats were observed. In experiment, male Spraque-Dawley rats (body wt. 140-160g) were selected. Anything is performed to normal group. Control group were only anesthetized with inhalation in normal group. Experimental group were anesthetized and cauterized with moxa at BL21 by way of direct moxibustion. The size of moxa cone is 1.6±0.2㎎. The moxibustion as 5 times a day for five days has shown most significant effects and the moxibustion as a aquantity of 1, 5, 10 times moxa united one respectly, inverse to quantity in effects. The moxibustion for five days has also shown an most significant effects. The moxibustion at unilateral acupoints BL21 have less effects than bilateral one and these effects had no difference between control group after vagotomy. This results indicate that moxibustion's effects are not direct proportion to moxa cone size and frequency but imply that there is adequate value of moxibustion.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.1 s.31
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• pp.222-233
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• 1996

In order to understand the stimulation quality of Artemisine Vulgaris Folium(Bong), Mori Ramulus(Sangi) and Persicae Ramulus(Dogi) combustion, and get the basic data for the development of electric moxibustion apparatus, the average temperature, peak temperature, average gradient temperature, maximum gradient temperature and combustion time of heating period on the three moxa materials were measured. 1. The average combustion temperature was high in order of Dogi, Sangi and Bong, and these were acknowledged to have a significant difference each other in the average temperature. 2. The peak combustion temperature among those was high in order of Dogi, Sangi and Bong, and Bong was acknowledged to have significant differences with Dogi and Sangi. Sangi and Dogi however were not acknowledged to have difference each other. 3. The average gradient temperature among those was high in order of Dogi, Sangi and Bong, and Bong was proved to have significant differences with Dogi and Sangi. Sangi and Dogi however were not proved to have difference each other. 4. The maximum temperature among those was high in order of Dogi, Sangi and Bong, bong was acknowledged to have signigicant differences with Dogi and Sangi, but Sangi and Dogi were not proved to have difference each other. 5. The combustion time was short in order of Dogi, Sangi and Bong. Bong was acknowledged to have significant differences with Dogi and Sangi, but Sangi and Dogi were not. In order to understand well the characteristics of combustion, it is required to have a quantitative interpretation of combustion calory, and, in the future, we expect it is required to have a consistent study for the clinical effectiveness and the mutual relationship according to the combustion characteristics.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.1561-1566
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• 2012

Moxa cautery has long been used(among the public) due to its widespread efficacy with few side effects, and is still in use for a variety of purposes. However, conventional indirect moxa cautery accompanied with some problems such as smoke from its combustion and ashes which are difficult to clean. As parts of effects to deal with such problems, this research conducted a survey while referring to a variety of relevant documents. In the survey, 80% of respondents said that their current moxa tools are inconvenient to use. Many of them pointed out smoke, hot temperature problem, and the difficulty of fixing the tool as major sources of inconveniences in using moxa cautery.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.64-76
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• 2002

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 $0.0384^{\circ}C/sec$, $0.0123^{\circ}C/sec$ 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, 411sec respectively. 2. The minimum descending temperature gradient in the retaining period was $-0.0250^{\circ}C/sec$, $-0.0090^{\circ}C/sec$ respectively and the average descending temperature gradient was $-0.0160^{\circ}C/sec$, $-0.0037^{\circ}C/sec$ respectively on the non-contact surface. 3. On the basis of the non-contact surface($A_I$), 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 $0.9^{\circ}C$ 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.