OBJECTIVE:To study the effects of temperature on different facial areas by suspended moxibustion at two points,Zusanli(ST 36) and Hegu(LI 4),and probe the phenomena underlying self-regulation in the human body after thermal stimulation.METHODS:Thirty healthy volunteers accepted moxibustion over Zusanli(ST 36) and Hegu(LI 4),and the order of moxibustion points was randomly determined.Moxibustion method:suspension of moxibustion over Zusanli(ST 36) and Hegu(LI 4) on both sides was performed using an ignited moxa stick stuck in a support for 20 min.Observation method:An infrared thermal image of the face was taken before and after suspended moxibustion using a CK350 medical infrared thermal imaging instrument.Data analysis:A thermal microscopic section view system(TMTSys) was used to analyze the change in temperature in special facial areas.Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 14.0 software.RESULTS:Before moxibustion was suspended,the facial thermal image showed a T-shaped thermal area related to the vascular distribution with even temperature and good symmetry on both sides.Suspended moxibustion over Zusanli(ST 36) have a very significant increase in temperature at the forehead,around the nose,at the corners of the mouth,and at the cheeks and lips(P