The Effect of Moxibustion Stimulation on the Growth of Hair in the Mice / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

Moxibustion causes localized dermal vasodilation and increased capillary permeability, and this is expected to provide the clinical basis for the concept that Oriental medical herb therapies promote physiological activity in general. Hence, moxibustion has been carried out as one of the basic therapeutic methods in Oriental medicine. The aim of this study is to investigate the modulation effect of moxibustion on the local metabolism which was usually experienced as telangiectasia. This effect was evaluated by the hair growth rate and associated with histological findings of the hair root.<br>CH3/HeNCrJ mice with telogen hairs were used. The dorsal hair was shaved in an area approximately 8cm² at 6 weeks of age, and moxibustion stimulation was carried out at the center of the shaved area. The growth of the hair was examined by the hair length and the HE-stained subcutis preparation up to 11 weeks.<br>It was concluded that the vasodilation effect of moxibustion lasted for a fairly long period, and the number of hair follicle cells were increased by moxibustion.