Study on infrared radiation spectrum characteristics of new smokeless moxibustion and traditional moxibustion

This study compares the infrared radiation spectral characteristics of new smokeless moxibustion and traditional moxibustion, thereby giving a scientific basis for the new smokeless moxa sticks as new materials for moxibustion. A highly sensitive infrared spectral detection system was employed for the detection of infrared spectra of new smokeless moxibustion and traditional moxibustion in an attempt to compare the differences between characteristic wavelength, infrared radiation peak, and infrared radiation intensity between two kinds of moxibustion. For both new smokeless and traditional moxibustion, the main peak of characteristic infrared spectra lies at 3.75 μm. There is no significant difference in the main peak of infrared radiation intensity between the two groups (P = 0.604). There is no significant difference in the two groups in terms of the total radiation intensity of the first characteristic peak (wavelength from 2.75 to 5.25μm, P = 0.240) or the radiation intensity of the second characteristic peak (wavelength from 8 to 11.75μm, P = 0.573). The total infrared radiation intensity of traditional moxibustion (wavelength from 1.5 to 18μm, P = 0.029) is stronger in comparison to that of the new smokeless moxibustion. In terms of infrared spectral characteristics, the new smokeless moxibustion is virtually similar to traditional moxibustion. The highest radiation peak (wavelength 3.75 μm) is identical among the two groups. Thus, the new smokeless moxibustion has the potential as an alternative to traditional moxibustion in the future. The data that support the findings of this study are available from thecorresponding author upon reasonable request.