What is the source of pressure pain during abdominal examination in Korean medicine?

Background

This study aimed to observe which anatomical structures change in the abdominal cavity and are involved in pressure pain during the pressurization of CV12 by using an ultrasonic diagnostic device in healthy subjects.

Methods

We recruited 52 healthy people and performed ultrasound imaging by gradually pressurizing the subject's CV12. We analyzed ultrasound images to observe the changes in abdominal anatomical structures during pressurization.

Results

A significant change in thickness appeared at the space above the peritoneum and stomach and at the space between the stomach and the abdominal aorta while pressing on CV12. Pressure pain occurred in the following two cases. One was when from the posterior side of the stomach to the inner surface of the rectus abdominis became approximately 1.8 cm. The other was when the anterior side of the abdominal aorta approached the inner surface of the rectus abdominis by approximately 3 cm. Pressure pain occurred when CV12 was pressed to a depth of approximately 2.4 cm for females, 3.1 cm for males and 2.7 cm on average.

Conclusion

The stomach and tissues around the stomach undergo the greatest pressure change during the pressurization of CV12, and in particular, pressure pain occurs when the posterior wall of the stomach is under pressure. However, further study should be done for clinical application.

Single and triple moxibustion with large, indirect moxa induced differential effects on skin temperature and blood perfusion in healthy human subjects: Counterevidence to a previous report

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the possible differences in skin temperature and blood perfusion changes between single and triple moxibustion.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Thirty healthy volunteers were randomly divided into two groups: a triple moxibustion group (n=15) received indirect moxibustion on CV12 for 30min and a single moxibustion group (n=15) for 10min. After 10min of bed rest, skin temperature and blood perfusion were measured by digital infrared thermal imaging and laser Doppler perfusion imaging eight times in total, pre-moxibustion and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30min post moxibustion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

The changes in the skin temperature and blood perfusion in an area 5cm in diameter around CV12 at 0min post treatment compared to baseline was the main outcome measurement.

RESULTS

The difference of changes in skin temperature and blood perfusion on CV12 between the two groups remained statistically significant for 30min in an area 5cm in diameter around CV12 and for 25min in a 15-cm-diameter area. No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Triple moxibustion with large, indirect moxa appeared to induce greater increases in skin temperature and blood perfusion than single moxibustion.