Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Moxibustion

Abstract

Moxibustion has been a part of acupuncture practice for 1,000 years, and the mechanisms of this traditional technique need scientific investigation and explanation. Up to the present, there has been no consensus of opinion on the mechanism of action which results in moxibustion’s therapeutic effects in clinical settings. This chapter presents information on recent advances in the understanding of the mechanism of moxibustion’s effect from the following three aspects: pharmacological action, thermal effect, and infrared physical properties. Previous studies have shown that there are many constituent elements in the smoke. In the literature on moxibustion’s effects, there is significant support for the proposition that thermal effects play a key role in the therapeutic benefits of moxibustion. According to this theory, the moxibustion effect is mainly due to the warm–hot (thermal) stimulative effect of burning moxa. However, this thermal effect hypothesis has been challenged by researchers who question that this effect contributes to moxibustion’s therapeutic benefits. Various studies indicate that the nonthermal action may affect the therapeutic effects significantly. Based on analysis of infrared radiation, the therapeutic effect produced by a traditional moxa stick may be the result of potent thermal action. The effects of indirect moxibustion with traditional media result both from thermal action and infrared radiation resonance between indirect moxibustion and acupuncture points. The apparatus with specific wavelength of infrared radiation similar to that of human acupoint was effective in rabbits with bradycardia and patients having osteoarthritis of knee. It should be further promoted in clinical application. Lastly, we will comment on several unsolved issues and future directions of the research concerning moxibustion treatment.