The State of Moxibustion Education on Japanese Vocational College Education / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

[Purpose] To evaluate the state of moxibustion therapy education.<br>[Methods] Investigation with a questionnaire at 66 vocational colleges of acupuncture and moxibustion in Japan based on the list issued by the Foundation for the Training and Licensure Examination in Anma-Massage-Shiatsu, Acupuncture and Moxibustion in April 2004.<br>[Results] The rate of valid responses was 62.1% (41/66). Basic practical moxibustion skills are taught in the first year of the three year program. For this class, 36.6% (15/66) of colleges gave students two credits. Most colleges devote more class time to direct moxibustion compared to indirect moxibustion. Students must learn to prepare a small, perfect shape, smaller than a grain of rice. The direct moxa cones are typically burned only 70∼80% to reduce the chance of burns.<br>More than 80% of colleges responded that moxibustion therapy was very available. The biggest problem is afflicting burns. Although more than 90% of colleges teach direct moxibustion with one's fellow students, the problem of burns remains. Colleges in eastern Japan tend to teach lower temperature moxa stimulation than western ones.<br>[Conclusion] The state of Japanese moxibustion education in vocational colleges of acupuncture and moxibustion is clear. In the future it is important that we consider new methods of moxibustion therapy based on safety and patient comfort, while maintaining traditional Japanese methods. Further it is necessary to investigate the state of Japanese moxibustion therapy at the clinical bed side.