Analgesic effects induced by the moxibustion in rats regional differences of its effectiveness / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

Effects of moxibustion on the jaw-opening reflex (JOR) were examined in lightly anesthetized rats. The evoked EMGs of digastric muscle elicited by tooth pulp stimulation were clearly suppressed for 2-3min by the moxibustion applied to the hair-removed skin. The suppressive effects of moxibustion on the JOR indicated some regional differences. The most effective region was the contralateral fore-arm, and a slightly less effective regions were the ipsilateral face, ipsilateral fore-arm and contralateral hind-leg. The difference of the effectiveness on JOR suppression between the acupuncture point and non-acupuncture point was not apparent.<br>These results suggest that the polymodal receptor, which is undoubtly activated by moxibustion, participates in the peripheral process of the induction of analgesic effect.