RESUMEN
The purpose of this study is to observe the changes in peripheral blood flow in those subjects who perspired during and/or after stimulation by moxibustion. Observations were made on a total of ten subjects consisting of six males and four females with a mean age of 28. 1 years. The subjects were divided into two groups: subjects who perspired and those who did not. Stimulation was applied to the Ashi-sanri (St. 36 spot) of the right leg, and blood flow was measured with a Laser-Doppler blood flow meter attached near the stimulation point on the proximal side. Data were processed using statistical analysis method. Significant differences in the mean blood flow values were noted between the two groups (perspiring and non-perspiring). The non-perspiring group recorded lower values of peripheral blood flow than the perspiring group. Chi square testing of statistical analysis demonstrated a trend for subjects with more negative attitudes toward moxibustion treatment to perspire more during and/or after stimulation by moxibustion than those with a positive attitude (p<0.006). These results suggest that the sympathetic nervous system may be activated more strongly by application of moxibustion in those with negative attitudes toward moxibustion.
RESUMEN
The effect of moxibustion on duodenal motility was examined. Duodenal motility was measured by the balloon method in anesthetized, artificially ventilated rats. The stimulation temperature and duration of moxibustion varied. Treatments were applied to the hind paw and abdomen.<BR>The duodenal motility exhibited an excited response by pinch stimulation of hind paw, and inhibitory response by abdominal pinch stimulation. Duodenal motility did not show any response to indirect moxibustion stimulation of the hind paw and abdomen. Duodenal motility exhibited an excited response by direct application of moxibustion to the hind paw and an inhibitory response by direct application of moxibustion to the abdomen.
RESUMEN
Augmentation of skin flap survival remains one of the principle concerns in the field of reconstructive plastic surgery. Moxibustion was thought to have potential in this area because it is known to induce proliferation of the blood capillaries of the skin. The authors therefore investigated the effects of moxibustion on skin flap survival in rats.<br>Male Wistar rats of about 200g were divided into four groups: Group I was stimulated before the operation, II after the operation, III both before and after the operation and Group IV served as an unstimulated control. Ten spots were selected for five days of stimulation with moxibustion (Kamayamini) on the skin flap, however, no stimulation was given the day before or the day of the operation. The caudal skin flap (9cm×3cm) was made under pentobarbital anesthesia (intraperitoneal; 26m<i>l</i>/kg).<br>A significant increase in the survival area in Groups I and II when compared with Group IV. It was therefore concluded that stimulation with moxibustion may be a valuable method of improving skin flap survival. For clinical application, further improvements such as exclusion of scar formation may be necessary.