To the Editor: Drs Cardini and Weixin1 reported interesting findings of a randomized controlled trial of moxibustion for correction of breech presentation. They described indirect moxibustion with cigar-shaped rolls containing Artemisia vulgaris.
In our experience, the smoke from burning the moxa herbal preparation can rapidly irritate the upper and lower respiratory tracts. The authors did not report whether any of the patients, their partners, or individuals administering the treatment had underlying respiratory diseases such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. These persons could experience aggravation of their respiratory symptoms on exposure to the moxa smoke, a problem that might account for 5 subjects withdrawing from the study for unspecified reasons.
We are pleased to note that subjects were taught to avoid burn blisters from moxibustion, but the authors did not comment on the risk of local lesions from accidental burning. There is a possibility of permanent scar from the procedure.2 . . . [Full Text of this Article]
