ABSTRACT
[Objective]To clarify that acupuncture of Cu and Zn at dynamic acupoints had significantly decreased oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) in the local epidermis. In this study, we evaluated the influences of moxibustion on the ORP and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the local epidermis.<BR>[Methods]In volunteers and patient groups, direct moxibustion, moxa-needle and BANSHIN were performed.<BR>[Results]In all stimulation methods, the ORP showed no changes at non-acupoints, but it significantly decreased at dynamic acupoints. A significant decrease in pH was observed after direct moxibustion at both non-acupoints and dynamic acupoints. On the contrary, pH showed a significant increase after moxa-needle, and radiant heat of which had been cut off.<BR>[Conclusion]Direct moxibustion at plus points and moxa-needle at minus points clarified a part of the mechanisms of the effects of direct moxibustion and moxa-needle.