Objective: To compare the pyrogenic model of Kangwei electron "moxibustion" and the effect of traditional moxibustion in the rabbits.

Methods: A computer-aided detection-analysis system was used to determine the pyrogenic range, skin temperature and heat-penetrating depth of Kangwei electron moxibustion, moxa-stick, drug-plate moxibustion, WS-30lC Frequency Spectrum Apparatus in New Zealand rabbits. Indexes of observation were: (1) Pyrogenic model: temperature change curves during 20minutes' heating; (2) Range of heat radiation: from the center of the concentric circle toward the outer space on the horizontal level; (3) changes of the temperature curve of the subcutaneous dermis layer during 10 minutes' heating; and (4) changes of the temperature curve l cm under the skin.

Results: (1) Basic characteristics of temperature curve: Kangwei electron moxibustion: after moxibustion for 10 min, the temperature presented an increase tendency, about 1°C /min, the curve reached a platform from 10min to 20min, with a lowering tendency of about 2-4°C. Moxa-stick moxibustion: 3 min after moxibustion, the temperature began to rise by 3°C; then presented a platform, about 37-39°C, with the highest value being 40° C. Moxa-cone moxibustion: 5 min after moxibustion, the temperature reached about 20°C, followed by decrease of 3-5°C/min. When lowered below 40°C, the temperature began to decrease in speed. Frequency spectrum apparatus moxibustion: l0 min after heating stimulation, the temperature could rise up to about 20°C, with the lowering tendency being smaller; (2) Heat radiation range: Kangwei electron moxibustion: the
　　temperature in the central part of the radiation region was higher, While that of its periphery region was lower significantly. The highness (distance between the probe and the skin) and the central area and the radiation region were closely related each other in temperature values. Moxa-stick moxibustion: the diameter of the central area was about 2.5 -3cm, While its periphery radiation was not clear No central area existed for frequency spectrum apparatus; (3) Subcutaneous temperature: The temperature curve of Kangwei moxibustion had no clear difference in comparison with the basic curve, only the temperature decrease was about 6-7° C. Moxa-stick: the temperature increase was later than that of Kangwei electron moxibustion; when rose to 39°C, the temperature curve formed a platform and lowered gradually after removing the moxa-stick. Drug plate moxibustion: 8min after moxibustion, the temperature rose to 30°C, while at this time, that of Kangwei moxibustion rose to 43°C. -The subcutaneous temperature for frequency spectrum apparatus was lower about 8-l0°C than that of basic curve; (4) Depth of heat penetrating: The temperature curve for Kangwei moxibustion was 4l.2°C, being lower about l2.5±0.3°C than that of the basic curve. Its tendency of temperature curve was close to that of moxa-stick moxibustion. The temperature curve of moxa-stick moxibustion of the muscular layer was 38. 1°C, being lower about 2.4±0.2°C than that of the basic curve. The temperature curve for drug-plate moxibustion rose more slowly, the peak temperature was 45. 1°C, being lower about 14.7±0.3 °C than that of the basic curve, and the descending branch of the curve was steeper. The temperature curve for frequency spectrum apparatus was smooth, being 30°C 2min after applying radiation stimulation; and the peak value was 37.6±0.5°C at 10min after radiation.

Conclusion: Kangwei electron moxibustion has its specific pyrogenic model and a better heat-penetrating depth and is superior to traditional moxa-stick or moxa-plate moxibustion in raising the therapeutic effect.

　　By Han Zhong, Xu Xiaoqing, Xiao Dingbo & Wh Xiaodi.
　　Shanghai Institute of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Meridians, Shanghai; University, Shanghai, China.