Moxibustion has been traditionally utilized not only by licensed therapists but also by lay people in Japan. Although there is not much evidence, many older Japanese people have empirically believed that periodic use of moxibustion restores them and prevents various diseases. Especially, they believe that epidemic diseases such as the common cold or influenza can be prevented. Some clinical studies in China suggest the possible immunomodulatory effect of moxibustion (Shen et al., 1990; Zhu et al., 1991; Wu et al., 1997). These studies might support the older Japanese people's belief in moxibustion. However, direct moxibustion is more popular in Japan while indirect moxibustion is usually practiced in China or other countries. The direct moxibustion method produces a pricking pain for a few seconds, and causes a minimal burn with a small blister of 2-3 mm in diameter, for example, in our practice. Thus, direct moxibustion is different from indirect moxibustion. We should therefore not apply the experimental findings for indirect moxibustion to the effects of direct moxibustion.