Overview
ISO/TS 25144-1:2026 sets a unified vocabulary and definitions for moxibustion devices used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Moxibustion, a key TCM therapy, applies burning moxa (mugwort) for heat stimulation to specific points on the body. With a diverse range of moxibustion devices being developed and used globally, consistent terminology is essential for clear communication between manufacturers, practitioners, and consumers. This technical specification establishes standard terms for device types, components, materials, combustion processes, and usage. Importantly, it does not cover devices using non-combustion heat sources such as electric moxibustion devices.
Key Topics
- Device Types and Classification
- Definitions for moxa-heating devices, moxibustion devices, filtered and smokeless moxibustion devices, and moxibustion-like devices.
- Core Device Components
- Standardized terms for parts such as body, combustion chamber, vents, mesh, heat outlets, insulation pads, and accessories like fixing needles, bands, and brackets.
- Material Definitions
- Precise vocabulary for materials such as wood, bamboo, metal, plastic, heat-resistant plastic, and various forms of moxibustion material (moxa floss, carbonized moxa).
- Combustion and Operation
- Terms related to combustion processes, complete and incomplete combustion, combustion time and temperature, and safety concepts such as temperature control and insulation.
- Usage and Specifications
- Definitions for operational terms: ignition, quenching, adjusting heat, fixing the moxa stick, and concepts like moxibustion dose, specification, flush reaction, and burn risks.
Applications
ISO/TS 25144-1:2026 supports:
- Manufacturers: Provides a reference vocabulary for design, production, quality control, and product information, ensuring accuracy and consistency of device descriptions and technical documentation.
- Healthcare Providers and Practitioners: Offers a standard lexicon for training, clinical protocols, and operation manuals, improving safety and efficacy in moxibustion therapies.
- Regulators and Trade Entities: Facilitates regulatory reviews, product registration, and international trade in TCM devices by harmonizing technical language and reducing ambiguity.
- Consumers: Enhances clarity and understanding for users of moxibustion devices through precise labeling and instructions.
- Research and Education: Enables consistent terminology for academic publications, research projects, and educational materials on moxibustion and traditional Chinese medical devices.
By aligning definitions, the standard reduces confusion, supports consumer safety, and promotes global trade and adoption of TCM devices.
Related Standards
For comprehensive application and understanding, the following ISO standards are closely related to ISO/TS 25144-1:2026:
- ISO 18666:2021 - General requirements of moxibustion devices
- ISO 21366:2019 - General requirements for smokeless moxibustion devices
- ISO/TS 16843-3:2017 - Health informatics: Categorial structures for representation of acupuncture - Part 3: Moxibustion
- ISO 24294:2021 - Timber vocabulary (applicable to wood components)
- ISO 17540:2016 - Terms and definitions for combustion processes
- ISO 28842:2013 - Guidelines for elements such as cantilevers applicable to device accessories
ISO/TS 25144-1 is part of the wider ISO 25144 series dedicated to standardizing terminology for TCM devices.
By adopting ISO/TS 25144-1:2026, stakeholders in the traditional Chinese medicine field and the broader medical device industry ensure enhanced communication, safety, and market access for moxibustion devices that use combustion as a heat source. This standard forms the foundation for further harmonization as the international TCM market continues to expand.
