A Survey of the Body’s Response to Clinical Exposure to Moxa Smoke

Aim: By observing the responses of participants to exposure to moxa smoke, the safety of clinical application of moxibustion was assessed. Methods: Individuals who had been exposed to moxa smoke for over one month and met the inclusion criteria filled out a questionnaire survey administered by multiple professionals in order to determine the body's response to exposure to moxa smoke. Results: Symptoms detected at frequencies higher than 10% were mainly observed in the eyes and throat: In the throat area, the frequency of dry throat was the highest (16.7%); in the eye area, the frequency of dry eye was the highest (16.4%); in the respiratory system, the frequency of coughing was the highest (10.7%); in the nose area, the frequency of itchy nose was the highest (9.7%); in the skin, the frequency of local dry skin and flushing was the highest (8.7%). Symptoms detected at frequencies lower than 10% included eye pain, sore throat, headache and sneezing. Conclusion: After exposure to moxa smoke, the body's responses were most notable in areas with exposed mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose, and throat. KEYWORD: moxa smoke; body's response; assessment; survey