The following provides a general programme of how we are carrying out this investigation:-

(Current status indicators are printed in blue)

Preliminary literature research

- Analysing the surviving moxibustion literature of traditional oriental medicine from the last two thousand years. (completed)

- Resourcing and analysing the key scientific papers on treatment of TB with moxa from Japan (in Japanese). (complete)

- Resourcing and analysing the key scientific papers on the immunological and histological effects of moxa (in Japanese). (completed)

 - Collating the above and publishing accordingly. (Two part paper in print with the European Journal of Oriental Medicine)

Conducting our own primary research

 - On temperatures at base of moxa cones of different sizes and with different types of moxa. (Completed - paper in preparation for publication)

– On potential improvements in CD4 count in long term HIV/AIDS patients in the UK currently on ARV medication with the use of daily direct moxa.  (Deferred subject to further assistance from Freshwinds charity which we hope to collaborate with on this)

– on potential simple blood changes in healthy individuals. (Deferred - not seen as so relevant to current development of project)

Establishing collaborative partnerships including training healthworkers

 - A fact finding feasibility study establishing how African health workers and patients receive the idea of moxa treatment . (Trip completed to Lyantonde, Uganda)

- Developing a collaborative partnership with the Kiswa Health Centre in Kampala with a view to training selected health workers in the moxa protocol, who in turn will train TB patients' cares in a daily regime.(In hand. Trip planned tto Kampala March 2010)

- Developing further similar collaborative partnerships (up to five) as opportunities arise.

- Collaboratively refining appropriate treatment protocols in each facility to suit local challenges.

 - Agreeing simple and flexible feedback systems for the purpose of later general data analysis from each facility.


Supplying raw materials and ongoing support

- Maintaining moxa supplies for the duration of the partnerships

- Providing technical and physical advise and support whenever necessary

 - Acting as network hub to each facility to maximise potential efficacies, further refine techniques and to maximise safety issues.

Developing a research project with an African University to establish validity of any reported treatemnt benefits from the facilities (Currently developing relationship with the University of the Western Cape, Capetown, South Africa)

 - Provide advice concerning the  moxa treatment and design guidance for the university

 - Utilising all the experience and knowledge gained from the partnerships to best inform the treatment design

 - Provide advice and support to facilititate requisite approvals to initiate research

 - Assist in training of those directly involved in the research

 - Provide raw materials fot treatment throughout the research period

 - Provide advice and support during research period

 - Assist in collation of data, and assist in preparation of paper for publication if seen as appropriate.

Finally -

Subject to overall analysis and assessment of results, to publicise the results in any appropriate media in order to facilitate wider implementation of moxa treatment for TB in the developing world.