Relationship between the sensor temperature and moxibustion distance of mild moxibustion

Abstract Objective To explore the relationship between the receptor temperature and moxibustion distance of mild moxibustion, and provide evidence for clinical moxibustion distance. Methods Mild moxibustion was carried out for 15min by adopting moxibustion shelf, and the moxibustion ash was shook off automatically for once every 3 min. The distance between moxa stick and temperature sensor was set as 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm and 5 cm, respectively, by ruler. The temperature was recorded for once every 2 s with photothermal detection system for moxibustion combustion to form a temperature profile. The initial temperature, maximum temperature and average temperature were observed, and the experimental data were analyzed via SPSS18.0 statistical software. Results The initial receptor temperature was (25.33±0.29) °C when the moxibustion distance was 2 cm, (25.29±0.05) °C when the moxibustion distance was 3 cm, (25.43±0.17) °C when the moxibustion distance was 4cm, and (25.16±0.22) °C when the moxibustion distance was 5 cm, respectively. The maximum temperature was (74.96±1.20) °C when the moxibustion distance was 2 cm, (51.70±0.74) °C when the moxibustion distance was 3 cm, (49.33±0.40) °C when the moxibustion distance was 4 cm, and (42.50±0.26) °C when the moxibustion distance was 5 cm, respectively. The average temperature was (62.40±7.84) °C–(62.68±7.58) °C when the moxibustion distance was 2 cm, (44.77±3.31) °C–(45.11±3.21) °C when the moxibustion distance was 3 cm, (42.72±3.86) °C–(43.12±3.54) °C when the moxibustion distance was 4 cm, and (38.45±1.67) C–(38.50±1.63) °C when the moxibustion distance was 5 cm, respectively. The temperature curve showed that the fluctuation range was the maximum when the moxibustion distance was 2 cm, larger when the moxibustion distance was 3 cm, smaller when the moxibustion distance was 4 cm, and minimum when the moxibustion distance was 5 cm. There was no significant difference in the initial temperature of mild moxibustion at different distances, however, the maximum temperature, average temperature and the fluctuation range of temperature curve were closely related to the moxibustion distance. Conclusion The nearer the distance is, the higher the maximum temperature and average temperature as well as the larger the fluctuation range will be, and the farther the distance is, the lower the maximum temperature and average temperature as well as the smaller the fluctuation range will be. According to preliminary analysis, the temperature will be the most suitable when the moxibustion distance is 3 cm–4 cm.