Effect of Zusanli (ST36) Moxibustion on Facial Infrared Thermal Images in Infantile Spasm Patients / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effect of Zusanli(ST36) moxibustion on facial infrared thermal images in infantile spasm patients and provide a clinical basis for rehabilitation treatment of infantile spasm.Method Fifteen infantile spasm patients were enrolled. Ten healthy children constituted a normal control group. Facial infrared thermal images were observed in the infantile spasm patients. An auto-control study was also conducted in the infantile spasm patients. The infrared thermal images before and after 15 minutes of a rest state were used as a blank group and those before and after 15 minutes of moxibustion, as a treatment group. Facial infrared thermal images were produce using anATIR-M301 medical far-infrared thermograph. Changes in temperature in facial regions were observed in the control and treatment groups. A statistical analysis was carried out.Result Facial infrared thermal images showed that bilateral temperatures were evenly and symmetrically distributed in the normal group and asymmetrically distributed, with the right side temperature lower than the left side, in the spasm group of patients. There were statistically significant differences in the forehead and inner canthus(P0.05). In the treatment group, facial thermal images tended to be symmetrical after 15 minutes of moxibustion and had a statistically significant difference between before and after the moxibustion (P<0.05).Conclusion Zusanli moxibustion can improve facial blood circulation in infantile spasm patients.