Objective To observe changes of skin temperature along the Governor Vessel(GV)after moxibustion stimulation.Methods A total of 36 healthy volunteer subjects were recruited in the present study.The skin temperature of Mingmen(GV 4)

Dazhui(GV 14)

Shenzhu(GV 12)

Zhiyang(GV 9)

Zhongshu(GV 7)

Yaoyangguan(GV 3)regions and their bilateral control sites(1.5 cunlateral to GV 4)was detected by using a Thermo Tracer TH 9100.Results Following moxibustion stimulation of GV 4region

a marked infrared radiant track along the central part of the back covering the GV was observed in the healthy volunteer subjects

and the skin temperature levels of both GV 4and its bilateral control points were significantly increased(P<0.001).The skin temperature of GV 4was remarkably higher than those of both left and right control points(P<0.001).After moxibustion stimulation

the average skin temperature levels of GV 9

GV 7

GV 4and GV 3were all up-regulated in comparison with pre-moxibustion(P<0.01).Conclusion Moxibustion stimulation of Mingmen(GV 4)can induce an infrared radiant track along the central part of the back covering the GV and raise skin temperature of acupoint areas of the GV.