[Introduction] Moxibustion on ST36 (Zusanli) has been traditionally practiced and is expected to improve endurance capacity. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of moxibustion stimulation on ST36 before exercise on respiratory metabolism during incremental exercise.[Subjects and Methods] The study included 14 healthy adult males who provided informed consent. A randomized crossover design was employed, with a Moxa period and a Cont (control) period. During the Moxa period, three sessions of moxibustion stimulation (Takashima, Senefa Co.) were applied to bilateral ST36 daily for three consecutive days before the exercise. Incremental exercise loading was performed using a bicycle ergometer. Respiratory metabolism was evaluated at ventilatory threshold (VT), respiratory compensation point (RC), and peak exercise (Peak). Oxidative stress markers, including the degree of oxidative stress (d-ROMs) and antioxidant potential (BAP), were also measured.[Results] During the Moxa period, significant increases (P < 0.05) were observed in Peak exercise parameters compared to the Cont period, including time to exhaustion (Time), ventilation (V・E), workload (Watt), oxygen uptake (V・O2), carbon dioxide production (V・CO2), and oxygen uptake per body weight (V・O2/W). No significant differences in oxidative stress markers (d-ROMs and BAP) were observed between the two periods. However, within the Cont period, a significant increase (P <0.05) in d-ROMs was observed between pre- and post-exercise measurements.[Discussion] At peak, the Time during the Moxa period was prolonged by 5.8% compared to the Cont period, and V・O2/W increased by 4.7%. These results suggest that moxibustion stimulation enhanced aerobic energy metabolism, improved exercise tolerance, and increased overall endurance capacity. Enhancing antioxidant activity before exercise appears to be beneficial. Based on the oxidative stress dynamics observed within each period, it is suggested that moxibustion stimulation may have suppressed significant increases in oxidative stress before and after exercise, potentially contributing to improved endurance.

[Introduction] Work-life balance has become increasingly important in modern society, leading to efforts to promote flexible working arrangements. Acupuncturists have various career options, including self-employment, employment, and freelance work. However, how these work styles impact job satisfaction and work-life balance remains underexplored. Previous surveys have classified acupuncturists' work styles into broad categories such as "self-employment" and "employment." However, recent trends show expanding career opportunities, including roles in sports, education, and beauty industries, as well as multiple job combinations. Additionally, not all licensed acupuncturists work in traditional clinical settings, suggesting diverse career paths. Despite these developments, research on the relationship between work styles, job satisfaction, and quality of life among acupuncturists remains limited. This study explores these factors, aiming to provide insights into how diverse career options influence satisfaction and work-life balance, contributing to discussions on acupuncture career development.[Methods] A cross-sectional study was conducted among currently working acupuncturists. An online questionnaire was distributed with the cooperation of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the Japan Acupuncture and Moxibustion Association, the All Japan Acupuncture and Massage Association, and a specific SNS group. The survey included items on gender, years of licensure, work style, working hours, marital status, sense of ease (time, economic, mental, and overall life), and satisfaction (work, life, and work-life balance). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors influencing satisfaction.[Results] A total of 500 responses were analyzed. Work styles were distributed as follows: self-employment (65.6%), employment (25.6%), freelance (5.8%), and other occupations (3.0%). The proportion of participants reporting a positive sense of ease ranged from 58.6% to 76.2%, and those with positive satisfaction ranged from 68.2% to 79.4%. Logistic regression analysis revealed no significant association between work style or years of licensure and satisfaction. However, longer working hours were associated with lower satisfaction in both private life and work-life balance.[Discussion] This study indicates that acupuncturists have diverse work styles, and their satisfaction levels were not significantly affected by work style or years of licensure. The presence of multiple work options allows individuals to choose a work style that suits their circumstances and values, potentially contributing to higher satisfaction and quality of life. Additionally, working hours and financial stability were key factors influencing satisfaction. These findings contribute to discussions on career paths and work styles among acupuncturists.

【Introduction】Thumbtack needles for skin stimulation are used in the field of sports medicine. Their primary therapeutic mechanism is believed to be the increase in regional blood flow mediated by the axon reflex. However, it is not clear at this time whether a medical device (acupuncture device) for skin stimulation significantly increases regional blood flow at the stimulation site. Furthermore, sterile acupuncture needles in which the acupuncture needle body is inserted into the skin with multiple needles (hereafter referred to as Multi-core thumbtack needle) have not been manufactured to date, and their usefulness and potential application for blinding is unknown.【Materials and Methods】A single-blind randomized crossover trial was conducted in 16 healthy adult males. A multi-core thumbtack needle (needle length 0.55 mm, needle base diameter 0.3 mm, number of needles 37, pitch 1.0 mm, made of biosafe resin) was placed in the center of the palmar side of the forearm for 30 seconds, and then one week later they were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to one group to receive stimulation in the same way with a sham needle (a flat disk made of the same material), or one group to receive stimulation in the opposite order. The primary endpoints were the change in regional blood flow (5 min post-stimulation vs. pre-stimulation) and the rate of change at the stimulation site, which were measured using a laser perfusion meter. The secondary endpoint was heart rate. A linear mixed model was used as the statistical method, with a significance level of 5%.【Results】Regarding the amount of change in regional blood flow, sham needles showed a mean of -0.09 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.39 to 0.21) mL/min/100g, whereas multi-core thumbtack needles showed a mean of 8.83 (95% CI: 5.86 to 11.79) mL/min/100g, indicating a significant intervention effect (P < 0.001), with no significant period effect (P = 0.474) or carryover effect (P = 0.441). There was no intervention effect on heart rate (P = 0.95).【Conclusion】A significant increase in local blood flow was observed with the use of the multi-core thumbtack needle employed in this study. As this response was not accompanied by a significant increase in heart rate, it is speculated that the effect is primarily mediated by the axonal reflex and the involvement of nitric oxide, as well as somatic-autonomic reflex mechanisms.