The Moxibustion-Induced Thermal Transport Effect Between The Heart And Lung Meridians

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Although some important progresses were made in the field of the meridian research, no breakthroughs have been achieved. Besides,there are some problems in meridian researches. Particularly, previous research of meridian phenomenon involved lots of subjective elements and outcomes. Researches that use modern scientific techniques to investigate the biological characteristics of meridian phenomenon are urgently needed. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the heat transport characteristics of meridian phenomenon for the Heart and Lung meridians by using infrared thermography. Thus, the biological characteristics of meridian phenomenon could be presented objectively in a scientific methodology.

Detailed Description
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80 eligible subjects were finally included. Among them, 40 participants were assigned to the lung meridian intervention group, and 40 participants were assigned to the heart meridian intervention group. All 80 participants completed the trial.

Official Title
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The Moxibustion-Induced Thermal Transport Effect Between The Heart And Lung Meridians With Infrared Thermography

Conditions
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Meridians

Intervention / Treatment
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* Procedure: Moxibustion


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Had recent medical examination records confirming the absence of cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, hematological, endocrine and neurological diseases 20 ≤ age ≤ 40 years, male or female Had the ability to communicate with others normally An understanding of the entire study protocol Signed written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Had mental illnesses, severe depression, alcohol dependence or a history of drug abuse Pregnant or lactating Were participating in other trials

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 20 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: the lung meridian intervention group<br>moxibustion intervention was performed over Site 1 (LU5) of the lung meridian | Procedure: Moxibustion<br>* In this study, suspended moxibustion was performed by holding an ignited moxa stick at a certain distance (about 3-4 cm) over the skin surface, keeping the moxibustion Site warm without burning the skin. In the heart meridian intervention group, moxibustion was applied over Site 4 (HT3) of the heart meridian. In the lung meridian intervention group, moxibustion was performed over Site 1 (LU5) of the lung meridian.<br>|
| Experimental: the heart meridian intervention group<br>moxibustion intervention was applied over Site 4 (HT3) of the heart meridian | Procedure: Moxibustion<br>* In this study, suspended moxibustion was performed by holding an ignited moxa stick at a certain distance (about 3-4 cm) over the skin surface, keeping the moxibustion Site warm without burning the skin. In the heart meridian intervention group, moxibustion was applied over Site 4 (HT3) of the heart meridian. In the lung meridian intervention group, moxibustion was performed over Site 1 (LU5) of the lung meridian.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Temperature change of relevant sites | Infrared thermal imaging was used to record baseline temperature and the temperature change of corresponding sites along the Heart and Lung meridians. | Baseline, Moxibustion 5 min, Moxibustion 10 min, Moxibustion 15 min, 5 minutes after stopping moxibustion | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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heart and lung meridians, site specificity, infrared thermography, moxibustion, thermal transport