Abstract
Effect of multiple moxibustion on the regular cyclicity in aged rats and the movement disorders of aged rats has been studied by using the vaginal smear method and the swim test. Vaginal smear were recorded every day during the moxibustion period and swim test were measured by the 15-minute test.
Female rats (Wistar-KY. Shizuoka Lavoratory Animal Center) were used as experimental animals. The swim performance and smear of rats 12 months old was compared with that of 4-month-old rats. 15mg of moxa was divided into 6 cones and they were treated by each 2 cones at right GB-25, left GB-25 and GV-20 once a week.
There were no difference of vigor performance between young abult and aged rats. However, the swimming of rats 12 months old were less successful in keeping their heads above water. These movement dysfunctions of the older animals reversed by the moxibustion treatment once a week, and furthermore, irregular estrous cycles in aged rats were capable of recovering the regular cyclicity by the multiple moxibustion.
It is suggested that these treatment induces the intrinsic enhancement of the activity in host defense system.
