ABSTRACT
The scientific basis of moxibustion using moxa was investigated, focusing on the characteristics and thermal stimulation properties of moxa, its biochemical characteristics and actions, and morphological changes in skin tissue treated with moxibustion. The presentations by and viewpoints of the symposists are outlined below:<BR>1) Characteristics and thermal stimulation properties of moxa:The thermal stimulation properties of Artemisia princes Pamp., moxa, materials other than Artemisia princes Pamp., and materials similar to moxa were presented. Re-investigation of the results of common views of Artemisia princes Pamp. and moxa by experiments and a survey were also presented. <BR>2) Biochemical characteristics and actions of moxa:Chemical substances contained in Artemisia princes Pamp. and moxa, and diverse physiological actions of moxa, such as an anti-oxidative stress action, signal transduction, activation of energy metabolism, and anti-inflammatory action, were presented with viewpoints. In addition, biochemical actions were reviewed based on the extraction of new chemical components. <BR>3) Morphological changes in skin tissue treated with moxibustion:Moxibustion-induced morphological changes in the epidermis, connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerve tissue were presented. Regarding skin tissue regeneration, viewpoints were presented, emphasizing that actions of corneocytes and fibroblasts are particularly important, in addition to revascularization, nerve fibers are not regenerated unless the skin tissue is repaired to a certain degree.
ABSTRACT
A symposium was held to focus attention on the position of the meridian point GV 14, which has been con-troversial over the centuries.<BR>To summarize the symposium opinions : (1) Since the positions of meridian points have changed with time and culture and according to the therapeutic target, objective, and instruments, the changes of the position of GV 14 from above the spinous process of the second cervical vertebra to between the spinous processes of the 6 th and 7 th cervical vertebrae and to between the spinous processes of the 7 th cervical and the 1 st thoracic vertebrae are not exceptional. (2) If the position of GV 14, which is a standard for the determination of meridian points on the back, changes, its clinical value is nullified. It should be, therefore, standardized as being between the spinous processes of the 6 th and 7 th cervical vertebrae. (3) The 6 th cervical vertebra is important in body surface clinical science, and the 7 th cervical vertebra is important in the mobility and anatomical segmentation of the spine. However, in consideration of the development processes of acupuncture, it is more reasonable to determine the position of GV 14 on the basis of clinical effects. (4) The proposed international standardization of the position of GV 14 as between the spinous processes of the 7 th cervical and 1 st thoracic vertebrae is acceptable, because there has been no objection from China or Korea.<BR>No agreement was reached in this symposium, but the position of GV 14, which bears great clinical significance, must be evaluated further.