| Authors |
김도형, 박승찬, 조민경, 권정남, 홍진우, 이인. |
| Abstract |
Objectives : This study was performed to evaluate the effects of moxibustion on cerebral blood flow, peripheral blood flow and blood pressure.
Methods : We designed a randomized, cross-over study that included 20 healthy, male volunteers who were randomly assigned to one of two groups (the moxibustion group or the control group). The initial trial was followed by a washout period of one week before the groups were switched and the trial repeated. The cerebral blood flow and peripheral blood flow of the volunteers in both groups were measured by mean velocity (Vm), peak systolic velocity (Vs), pulsatility index (PI), perfusion units (PU) and mean blood pressure (BP) before the intervention (baseline), 30 minutes after the intervention, and again 60 minutes after the intervention.
Results : 1. The Vm increased significantly in the moxibustion group. The Vs also constantly increased in moxibustion group, but there was no significant difference. 2. The PI decreased significantly in the control group at 0-30 minutes and in the moxibustion group at 30-60 minutes. 3. The PU constantly decreased in moxibustion group. In control group, the PU decreased at 30 minutes and increased slightly at 60 minutes. 4. The mean blood pressure did not show any significant difference between the two groups.
Conclusions : This study shows that moxibustion at CV12 increased the cerebral blood flow. Based on this result, we can suggest that moxibustion at CV12 might be helpful in improving the functional recovery of stroke patients. However, further research needs to be conducted on a larger numbers of subjects in order to confirm these effects. |