Single and triple moxibustion with large, indirect moxa induced differential effects on skin temperature and blood perfusion in healthy human subjects: Counterevidence to a previous report

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the possible differences in skin temperature and blood perfusion changes between single and triple moxibustion. Thirty healthy volunteers were randomly divided into two groups: a triple moxibustion group (n=15) received indirect moxibustion on CV12 for 30min and a single moxibustion group (n=15) for 10min. After 10min of bed rest, skin temperature and blood perfusion were measured by digital infrared thermal imaging and laser Doppler perfusion imaging eight times in total, pre-moxibustion and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30min post moxibustion. The changes in the skin temperature and blood perfusion in an area 5cm in diameter around CV12 at 0min post treatment compared to baseline was the main outcome measurement. The difference of changes in skin temperature and blood perfusion on CV12 between the two groups remained statistically significant for 30min in an area 5cm in diameter around CV12 and for 25min in a 15-cm-diameter area. No adverse events were reported. Triple moxibustion with large, indirect moxa appeared to induce greater increases in skin temperature and blood perfusion than single moxibustion.