[Comparison of detecting heat-sensitive condition of Neiguan (PC 6) in heart-qi deficiency patients with moxibustion sensation and with infrared].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the method of detecting heat-sensitive (HS) condition of Neiguan (PC 6) with moxibustion sensation and with infrared in heart-qi deficiency patients (HQD), and to find an objective detection method for HS condition of acupoints.


METHODS
The study was performed on 74 HQD patients. Take infrared thermograph of the tested skin area in natural state. Then thermosensitive test was taken after infrared thermograph acquisition (suspended moxibustion for 10 min). After moxibustion infrared radiometry was implemented for the second time. The infrared radiation information of the forearms was collected and the major axis of the moxibustion reaction area was recorded. The effect of moxibustion sensation and infrared detection on HS Neiguan (PC 6) in HQD patients was compared.


RESULTS
When the Neiguan (PC 6) in HQD patients was on HS condition, most of the infrared intensity was high temperature and compared with moxibustion sensation method, the sensitivity was 66.7%, the specificity 76.9%, and the accuracy 70.3%. After moxibustion on the HS Neiguan (PC 6) area, the infrared intensity diffused longitudinally along inner side of forearms. Compared with the result of the moxibustion sensation method, its sensitivity was 87.5%, the specificity 92.3%, and the accuracy 89.2%.


CONCLUSIONS
(1) The state of HS condition of Neiguan (PC 6) in HQD patients could be detected objectively by infrared radiation. (2) After moxibustion, the HS condition of acupoints produced thermal phenomena as thermal expansion, heat transfer, which could be demonstated objectively by the infrared radiation image as well as the sensation of subjects.
Zhou
Ming-Jing
MJ
Department of Acupuncture, Jinhua Hospital of TCM, Jinhua 321017, China.
Chen
Ri-Xin
RX
Chen
Ming-Ren
MR
Li
Qiao-Lin
QL
D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009071:Moxibustion; D019413:Qi; D011874:Radiometry; D012677:Sensation; D013817:Thermography