Objective To observe the impact of moxa-stick with different diameters and at different distances on skin temperature in local "Zusanli"(ST36) region

so as to select suitable specifications for moxibustion. Methods A total of 120 male SD rats were randomly divided into diameters of 0.5

0.9

1.2 and 1.8 cm

and distances of 1

2

3

4 and 5 cm groups

with 6 rats in each group. Moxa-stick with different diameters mentioned above was applied to the right ST36(right hind limb) for 10 min every time at different distances(between the ignited moxa-stick tip and the skin) mentioned above

and the left ST36 was used as the control point. The skin temperature was detected by using an infrared thermometer. Results After application of moxibustion to ST36 region

the skin temperature was increased gradually along with the increased diameter of moxa-sticks and decreased along with the increased distance from the ignited moxa-stick tip to the skin. There were no significant changes in the skin temperature of the left control acupoint ST36. The skin temperature was below 40 ℃

between 43 to 55 ℃

over 43℃ and between 43 to 61 ℃

when the moxa-stick was 0.5 cm

0.9 cm

1.2 cm and 1.8 cm in diameter

and was kept 1

2

3 and 3 to 5 cm away from the skin surface

respectively. When the moxa-stick with a diameter of 1.8 cm was kept at a distance of 1 to 2 cm

the skin temperature reached 71 to 93 ℃ to cause obvious local burn lesion. Conclusion During moxibustion

the ignited moxa-sticks with diameters of 0.5

0.9

1.2 and 1.8 cm are suitable to be kept less than 1

1 to 2

2 to 3

and 3 to 5 cm away from the skin surface of ST36

respectively.