Moxa Stick Research Articles

Design and application of Baihui moxibustion box

On the base of the principle of penetrating moxibustion and in combination with free adjustment devices such as movable U-shaped moxa stick holder and movable clamp, a new type of moxibustion box exerted on the head is designed, with precise positioning and sufficient heat intensity. Baihui moxibustion box is composed of two sections, i.e. body section and pillow section, which is as one structure. There are several vertical bar-shaped holes distributed evenly on the movable door outside moxa box. The U-shaped moxa stick holder on the inner side of the bar-shaped hole is connected with the fixed clamp on the outside, which is movable up and down, forward and backward for height adjustment. Such moxibustion box is characterized as accurate positioning, energy saving, temperature control and manpower saving.

A comparison study of photothermal effect between moxibustion therapy and laser irradiation on biological tissue

Moxibustion and laser irradiation are perceived to achieve satisfactory therapeutic effects by inducing photothermal effects on biological tissue. Understanding the photon transport and heat transfer process is an effective way to reveal their underlying mechanism. The temperature distribution of in-vitro tissue under gentle moxibustion and 808 nm laser irradiation were measured experimentally. Photon transport was simulated by Monte Carlo models. Heat transfer models on in-vitro tissue with convolved Monte Carlo results as heat sources were developed. During moxibustion, photons emitted from burning moxa stick with long-wavelength deposited in skin layer, which induced a maximum temperature on tissue surface. While for 808 nm laser irradiation, most photons penetrated through skin, which resulted in the highest temperature in fat tissue. Laser irradiation with big beam radius could induce a wide and relatively uniform thermal effect. During moxibustion and laser irradiation, the wavelength and beam radius have a significant influence on photons distribution as well as temperature profile in biological tissue. Laser irradiation with suitable parameters can be proposed as a substitution of moxibustion in terms of photothermal effect. This work would provide valuable guidance for understanding the photothermal mechanism of moxibustion and laser irradiation in the combined view of photon transport and heat transfer.

Study on the Dose-effect Relationship of Moxa Burning Fumigation in Air Disinfection in Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinics

Objective — It’s to study the dose-effect relationship of moxa produced by Gansu Baicao Group in the air disinfection in traditional Chinese medicine clinics. Method — Use moxa sticks burning fumigation to disinfect indoor air in the clinics of traditional Chinese medicine experts; use the natural sedimentation method to detect the bacterial content in the air; compare the sterilization effects of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 moxa sticks 0 h, 1 h and 2 h after air disinfection. Results — In the 54m3 TCM clinic, there was no significant difference in the sterilization rate of air bacteria 0h, 1h, and 2h after using 1 moxa stick and 1.5 moxa sticks respectively for fumigation and disinfection (P>0.05). There was a significant difference in the sterilization rate of air bacteria between 1 moxa stick group and 0.5 moxa stick group 0 h after air disinfection (P < 0. 05). There was a significant difference in the sterilization rate of air bacteria between 0 hour and 1 hour after burning fumigation for air disinfection in 0.5 moxa group (P < 0. 05). Conclusion — The best dose of moxa burning fumigation for air disinfection in 54m3 Chinese medicine clinic is 0.5 stick; the best time for air disinfection is 1h after disinfection.

Effect specificity of the early intervention with moxibustion at “BL23” in Alzheimer's disease rats modeled by ovariectomy and D-Galactose injection 艾灸“肾俞”早期干预去卵巢合D-半乳糖注射AD样大鼠效应中的特异性

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of the early intervention with moxibustion at “Shènshū (肾俞 BL23) ” on learning and memory of Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats modeled by ovariectomy and D-Galactose (D-Gal) injection and the effect on Ca2+/CaMKII/CREB signaling pathway so as to provide the evidence for the acupoint selection in the early intervention with acupuncture and moxibustion for AD. MethodsSixty female SD rats at the age of 3 months were selected and randomly divided into a normal group, a sham-operation group, a model group, a “BL23” group, a “Wèishū” (胃俞BL21) group, and a non-acupoint group, 10 rats in each group. Except in the normal group and the sham-operation group, bilateral ovaries were removed in the other 4 groups. 3 days after the operation, D-Gal was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 150 mg/kg/d for 90 days to establish AD rat model. In the sham-operation group, only the peripheral fat of ovarian was removed and 0.9% normal saline was injected intraperitoneally of the same dose for 90 days. In the “BL23” group, the “BL21” group and the non-acupoints group, since the 2nd day after ovariectomy, moxibustion was applied at 9:00 a.m. every day in the rats. The rats were fixed on a fixed table, the mild moxibustion with self-prepared moxa stick was applied to bilateral “BL23” “BL21” and the non-acupoint of each rat, the ignited end of moxa stick was 2 cm to 3 cm far from skin surface. The infrared thermometer was adopted to measure the temperature of the epidermis of each acupoint from time to time so as to maintain the local temperature to be (41 ± 0.5) °C. Mild moxibustion lasted for 10 min each time, consecutively for 5 days a week and at an interval of 2 days. The total consecutive intervention duration was 12 weeks. In the normal group and the sham-operation group, no moxibustion intervention was performed, but the rats were restricted in a same way during the experiment. At the end of modeling and intervention, water maze test was adopted to detect the learning and memory abilities of rats in each group. The western blotting was used to detect the expressions of p-CREB, p-CaMKII, CaMKII and CREB in hippocampus of rats in each group. Results(1)Navigation test: since Day 72, compared with the sham-operation group, the escape latencies in all of the consecutive 5 days were longer in the model group (all P < 0.05). Since Day 73, compared with the normal group, the escape latency in all of the consecutive 4 days was shorter in the “BL23” group (all P < 0.05). (2) Times across platform: compared with the normal group, the number of times consecutively crossing the platform was lower in the model group (P < 0.05). After moxibustion, compared with the model group, the number of times across platform was higher in the “BL23” group, indicating a statistical significance (P < 0.05). (3)Moving track of water maze spatial probe: the “tendency” strategy was displayed in the normal group and the sham operation group. The “marginal” strategy, which is commonly seen in the AD rats, was displayed in the model group. The “random” strategy was displayed in the “BL23” group. The “marginal” strategy was presented in the “BL21” group and the non-acupoint group. (4) Expressions of hippocampal P-CAMKII, CAMKII, CREB and P-CREB in the rats: compared with the normal group, the phosphorylation degrees of CAMKII and CREB were significantly reduced (both P < 0.05) in the model group. In 12 weeks of moxibustion, compared with the model group, the levels of P-CAMKII and P-CREB were increased in the “BL23” group and the “BL21” group (all P < 0.05) and the levels in the “BL23” group were higher than that of the “BL21” group and the non-acupoint group (all P < 0.05). ConclusionMoxibustion at “BL23” achieves a better effect in improving the learning and memory of AD rats modeled by ovariectomy and D-Gal injection as compared with moxibustion at “BL21” and the non-acupoint. The effect mechanism is potentially related to the effective activation of Ca2+/CaMKII/CREB signaling pathway.

Electronic moxibustion apparatus and traditional moxibustion in treating knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the clinical efficacy of DZWJY-1 type electronic moxibustion apparatus and traditional moxibustion in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A total of 76 eligible patients were randomized into an electronic moxibustion apparatus group and a traditional moxibustion group, with 38 cases in each group. The electronic moxibustion apparatus group was intervened by DZWJY-1 type electronic moxibustion apparatus, and the traditional moxibustion group received moxa stick moxibustion for treatment. Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Dubi (ST 35), Xuehai (SP 10) and Liangqiu (ST 34) were selected for both groups and the treatment was conducted 3 times a week for a total of 12 times. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) scores were observed before treatment and after 6 and 12 sessions of treatment, respectively. There were 4 dropout cases in the traditional moxibustion group. Therefore, this trial had 72 valid cases, including 38 cases in the electronic moxibustion apparatus group and 34 cases in the traditional moxibustion group, the differences in the baseline data between the two groups were statistically insignificant (P>0.05). After 6 and 12 sessions of treatment, the VAS scores decreased significantly with the increase of treatment sessions in both groups (all P 0.05). The pain intensity was evaluated using the weighted value of VAS score. The markedly effective rate was 47.4% and the total effective rate was 89.5% in the electronic moxibustion apparatus group, versus 50.0% and 94.1% in the traditional moxibustion group, and the between-group differences were statistically insignificant (both P>0.05). After 6 and 12 sessions of treatment, the total score and the component scores including pain, stiffness and difficulty moving in the WOMAC decreased significantly with the increase of treatment sessions in both groups (all P 0.05). Electronic moxibustion apparatus and traditional moxibustion both are effective in reducing joint pain and improving joint function in KOA patients, and they are equivalent comparing the clinical efficacy.

The clinical effect of flavored qufusheng muscle paste combined with moxibustion with moxa stick in the treatment of stage III and IV pressure sores and its effect on the healing time of pressure sores

Objective To explore the clinical effect of flavored qufusheng muscle paste combined with moxibustion with moxa stick in the treatment of stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ pressure sores and its effect on the healing time of pressure sores. Methods A total of 64 patients with stage Ⅲ and stage Ⅳ pressure ulcers admitted to the rehabilitation, orthopedic and encephalopathy departments of Baoan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2019 to June 2020 who met the inclusion criteria were selected as the experimental subjects, and were randomly divided into experimental group and control group using the number table method, 32 cases of each group. The control group was treated with conventional debridement treatment, antibacterial dressing packing, alginate packing and dressing changing, etc. On this basis, the experimental group was given the patients with flavored qufusheng muscle paste external application combined with moxibustion treatment. The growth time of skin granulation tissue, the healing time of pressure ulcer wound, the curative effect and the quality of life were observed. Results The total effective rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). The growth time of skin granulation tissue and wound healing time of the experimental group were significantly shorter than those of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). The GQOL-74 quality of life score of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusions Flavored remove metatrophic ointment topical joint moxa roll maneuver, moxibustion therapy Ⅲ and Ⅳ period of pressure ulcers in, effectively shorten the patient wound healing time and granulation tissue growth time, improve the quality of life, great application value. Key words: Stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ pressure sores; Moxa twirl moxibustion; Flavored qufusheng muscle paste; Curative effect; The quality of life

Design and application of spectacle frame for eye moxibustion

The new style spectacle frame for eye moxibustion is designed, which is characterized by adjustable direction, constant temperature and smoke absorption. Combined with mechanical structure design and physical and chemical technology, a new style of moxibustion spectacle frame is designed by means of spring mechanism, damping bearing, filter cotton, etc. The moxibustion spectacle frame includes the right and left eye frames, spectacle legs, nose mask, eye mask, slide rod, screw rod, spring structure, damping bearing, support rod and pin. The eye mask can prevent from the risks induced by the burning moxa stick. A ventilate hole is designed in the lower part of the nose mask to keep breathing unobstructed. In the upper end of the ventilate hole, a filter cotton is placed to prevent from moxa smoke penetrating to the nasal cavity. The spring structure can keep relatively the fixed distance between the combustion area and the acupoints. Such device ensures the safety of eye moxibustion, reduces the complexity of operation and is suitable for moxibustion treatment for all kinds of eye diseases.

Design of moxibustion device for experimental rabbits

An experimental device is designed to solve the problem of fixing rabbits and providing moxibustion treatment at the same time. The device includes a rabbit fixing box and a moxibustion shelf. The rabbit fixing box and the moxibustion shelf are detachable, and could be used for moxibustion at the chest-back and abdomen of rabbits. A moxibustion device is placed on the moxibustion shelf. The moxibustion device can be moved forward, backward, leftward, rightward, upward and downward on the moxibustion shelf. It meets the requirements of moxibustion at multiple meridians or acupoints on the chest-back and abdomen at the same time. The moxibustion device is equipped with moxa cone or stick, which not only ensures the full burning of moxa, but also prevents the falling of moxa from hurting rabbits. In conclusion, the device has novel and unique structure, is safe and reliable, and easy to operate. It is an innovation in the experimental device of moxibustion, which could promote the animal experiment of moxibustion.

Effect of mild moxibustion on intestinal microbiota and NLRP6 inflammasome signaling in rats with post-inflammatory irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUNDAbout one-third of refractory irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) cases are caused by gastrointestinal (GI) infection/inflammation, known as post-infectious/post-inflammatory IBS (PI-IBS). Although it is known that intestinal microbiota and host NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 6 (NLRP6) inflammsome signaling are closely related to PI-IBS and moxibustion has a therapeutic effect on PI-IBS, whether moxibustion regulates the intestinal flora and host NLRP6 events in PI-IBS remains unclear.AIMTo examine the regulatory effect of moxibustion on intestinal microbiota and host NLRP6 inflammatory signaling in PI-IBS.METHODSSprague-Dawley rats were divided into a normal control group, a model control group, a mild moxibustion group, and a sham mild moxibustion group. PI-IBS rats in the mild moxibustion group were treated with moxibusiton at bilateral Tianshu (ST 25) and Zusanli (ST36) for 7 consecutive days for 10 min each time. The sham group rats were given the same treatment as the mild moxibustion group except the moxa stick was not ignited. Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score was measured to assess the visceral sensitivity, and colon histopathology and ultrastructure, colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level were measured to evaluate low-grade colonic inflammation in rats. The relative abundance of selected intestinal bacteria in rat feces was detected by 16S rDNA PCR and the NLRP6 inflammsome signaling in the colon was detected by immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blot.RESULTSThe AWR score was significantly decreased and the low-grade intestinal inflammation reflected by serum CRP and colonic MPO levels was inhibited in the mild moxibustion group compared with the sham group. Mild moxibustion remarkably increased the relative DNA abundances of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii but decreased that of Escherichia coli in the gut of PI-IBS rats. Additionally, mild moxibustion induced mRNA and protein expression of intestine lectin 1 but inhibited the expression of IL-1β, IL-18, and resistance-like molecule β by promoting the NLRP6 and reducing the mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC) and cysteinyl-aspartate-specific proteinase 1 (Caspase-1). The relative DNA abundances of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Escherichia coli in each group were correlated with the mRNA and protein expression of NLRP6, ASC, and Caspase-1 in the colon.CONCLUSIONThese findings indicated that mild moxibustion can relieve low-grade GI inflammation and alleviate visceral hypersensitivity in PI-IBS by regulating intestinal microbes and controlling NLRP6 inflammasome signaling.

Therapeutic effect of dog-day moxibustion on herbs in knee-joint osteoarthritis of yang deficiency and congealing cold type

ObjectiveTo compare the therapeutic effect difference among dog-day moxibustion on herbs, ordinary moxibution and routine western medication in treating knee-joint osteoarthritis of yang deficiency and congealing cold type. MethodsA total of 90 patients with knee-joint osteoarthritis of yang deficiency and congealing cold type were divided into dog-day moxibustion group, ordinary moxibution group and western medication group according to the registration order, and there were 30 patients in each group. Among them, the patients in the dog-day moxibustion were given dog-day moxibustion on herbs method during the dog days of 2018 (July 17 to August 25). Continuous treatment was applied on the first, second and third dog-day with 5 days for each dog-day, and once for a day, and there were totally 15 times of treatment. In the same period, the patients in the ordinary moxibustion group was treated with the pure moxa stick moxibustion, and the point selection and treatment course were the same as the dog-day moxibustion group. And in the same period, the patients in the western medication group were treated with routine western medication, and the patient took orally diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules, with 100 mg each time, once a day. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster University Arthritis Index (WOMAC), life quality score and clinical efficacy for the knee joint of the three groups before and after treatment were observed. ResultsAfter treatment, the effective rate of the dog-day moxibustion was 93.33%, the effective rate of the ordinary moxibustion group was 83.33%, and the effective rate of the western medication group was 53.33%. Compared with pre-treatment, the VAS scores and WOMAC scores of the patients with KOA in the three groups after treatment decreased, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). There were also statistically significant differences between the VAS score, total WOMAC score, pain score, joint stiffness score and joint function score of the three groups after treatment (all P < 0.05). ConclusionThe effect of dog-day moxibustion on herbs in treating knee-joint osteoarthritis of yang deficiency and congealing cold type was significantly better than ordinary moxibustion and western medication, and it was worthy of clinical promotion.

Moxibustion at CV4 alleviates atherosclerotic lesions through activation of the LXRα/ABCA1 pathway in apolipoprotein-E-deficient mice.

Objectives:To investigate the anti-atherogenic effect of moxibustion and whether it is mediated through the reverse cholesterol transport process.Methods:8-week-old male apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE−/− knockout) mice were randomly divided into two groups (n=10 per group): atherosclerosis (AS) and AS plus moxibustion (AS+M). C57BL/6J mice of the same background (n=10) were selected as controls. Mice in the AS+M group received indirect moxibustion with an ignited moxa stick held over CV4. Mice of the AS and control groups were restrained in the same holder with an unlit moxa stick held over CV4. All treatments were performed for 20 min per day, 6 days per week for 12 weeks. After the treatment, the mice were euthanased and their serum lipids were measured. The aortic roots and thoracic aortas were collected for haematoxylin and eosin and red oil O staining, respectively, to analyse the atherosclerotic lesions. Expression of adenosine triphosphate binding cassette (ABCA)A1/G1 and liver X receptor α (LXRα) in the thoracic aorta were examined with Western blotting.Results:The moxibustion-treated (AS+M) mice showed a significantly lower plaque area percentage in the aortic root and thoracic aorta, and higher expression of LXRα and ABCA1 in the thoracic aorta compared with the AS mice. No significant differences were found in average lipid area percentage in the thoracic aorta, or ABCG1 expression in the thoracic aorta, between mice in the AS+M and AS groups.Conclusion:Moxibustion treatment at CV4 suppressed the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE−/− mice. The anti-atherogenic effect of moxibustion may be achieved by: (1) regulation of lipid metabolism, and thus prevention of lipid accumulation; and (2) upregulation of LXRα- and ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux in the lesion area.

The thermal performance of biological tissue under moxibustion therapy

An understanding of the thermal performance of biological tissue under moxibustion with ash cleaning and distance adjustment (ACDA) is helpful for the optimization and standardization of moxibustion clinical treatment. This study compared surface temperature distribution of burning moxa stick with and without ash cleaning. The experimental of moxibustion treatment on in-vitro tissue and human abdomen were conducted and corresponding numerical models were developed. The effect of ACDA on thermal performance of biological tissue under moxibustion therapy were analyzed. The results show that the surface temperature of burning moxa stick with ash cleaning maintained at a higher range compared to that without ash cleaning. During moxibustion with ACDA process in in-vitro tissue experiment, the temperature increase (ΔT) at skin surface almost fluctuated in the same temperature range, and the ΔT in subcutaneous tissue (>11 mm) kept increasing. Relatively, these ΔT under moxibustion treatment without ACDA showed different trends and these values were all much smaller than those with ACDA. In addition, the position of maximum temperature of tissue under moxibustion with and without ACDA was fixed on treatment acupoint and moved away from treatment acupoint, respectively. Besides, the surface temperature of human abdomen tissue under moxibustion treatment with ACDA can be maintained at 46 °C-50 °C for a longer time compared to that under moxbustion without ACDA. In conclusion, moxibustion with ACDA can create a larger and more durable thermal effect on biological tissue. The results also suggest that ACDA may be helpful to improve moxibustion therapy efficacy in clinic treatments.

Characterization of moxa floss combustion by TG/DSC, TG-FTIR and IR

The combustion of moxa floss was investigated by thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimeter (TG/DSC), thermogravimetric/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) and an infrared radiation spectrum-detecting system. The average mass loss rate at the major stage of combustion was 1.08%/min with a peak at 7.86%/min. Moxa floss burning released the integral heat of 9188 mJ/mg from the temperature of 200 °C to 500 °C. The peak heat flow during char combustion stage was higher than those of other stages. The results indicated the combustion of moxa floss was a mild and slow process, releasing heat continuously and steadily. The infrared radiation spectra of burning moxa stick were in a range of 2.5–13.0 µm and showed double peaks at 3.75 µm and 8.75 µm. Thus, this study provided insight into why moxa floss biomass is the optimal material for thermal therapy and is beneficial for the development of electric thermal stimulation alternative.

Electroacupuncture and moxibustion pretreatments reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy in rats with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

To observe the effect of "Neiguan" (PC6)-electroacupuncture (EA) or moxibustion (Moxi) pretreatment on myocardial apoptosis and expression of autophagy related proteins light chain (LC) 3-Ⅰ and LC3-Ⅱ in rats with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI), so as to explore their mechanisms underlying improvement of MIRI. Forty SD rats (half male and half female) were randomly divided into sham operation, model, ischemic preconditioning (IP), EA and Moxi groups (n＝8 in each group). EA (10 Hz/50 Hz, 1 mA) or Moxi (ignited moxa stick) was respectively applied to bilateral "Neiguan" (PC6) for 20 min, once daily for 7 days. The MIRI model was established by occlusion of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery for 40 min, followed by reperfusion for 60 min. The ultrastructural changes and autophagy of myocardial cells were observed by electron microscopy (EM), and the myocardial cellular apoptosis [apoptotic index ＝ (number of apoptotic cells/total number of cardiomyocytes)×100%] was detected by the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) method. The expressions of LC3-Ⅰ and LC3-Ⅱ proteins (markers for autophagy) in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot. Following MI, EM observation revealed a vague structure of cardiomyocytes and muscular horizontal grain, dissolution of myofibers, mitochondrial swelling, some autophagic vacuoles and autophagic lysosomes at different degrees and surrounded by a double membrane in the model group, these situations were apparently milder in the EA and Moxi groups. The apoptosis index, myocardial LC3-Ⅰ and LC3-Ⅱ protein expression levels, and the ratio of LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ were significantly increased in the model group relevant to the sham operation group (P<0.05). After the treatment, the apoptosis index, the expression level of myocardial LC3-Ⅱ protein and the ratio of LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ were considerably down-regulated in the IP, EA and Moxi groups in comparison with those in the model group (P<0.05). The effect of EA was obviously superior to those of IP and Moxi in down-regulating the apoptosis index (P<0.05), but obviously inferior to those of IP and Moxi in down-regulating the levels of LC3-Ⅱ and LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ (P<0.05). No significant changes were found in the expression of LC3-Ⅰ after IP, EA and Moxi interventions in comparison with the model group (P>0.05), and no significant differences were observed in the apoptosis index and levels of LC3-Ⅱ and LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ between the IP and Moxi groups (P>0.05)．. Both EA and moxibustion pretreatments, similar to IP, have a positive role in reducing myocardiocyte apoptosis and regulating autophagy-related protein expression in MIRI rats, which maybe contribute to their protective effects on ischemic myocardium.

Moxibustion for alleviating side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy in people with cancer.

Moxibustion, a common treatment in traditional Chinese medicine, involves burning herbal preparations containing Artemisia vulgaris on or above the skin at acupuncture points. Its intended effect is to enhance body function, and it could reduce the side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy and improve quality of life (QoL) in people with cancer. To assess the effects of moxibustion for alleviating side effects associated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both in people with cancer. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE via Ovid, Embase via Ovid and AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine Database) from their inception to February 2018. We also searched databases in China including the Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese Medical Current Contents (CMCC), TCMonline, Chinese Dissertation Database (CDDB), China Medical Academic Conference (CMAC) and Index to Chinese Periodical Literature from inception to August 2017. Registries for clinical trials and other resources were also searched. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing moxibustion treatment, including moxa cone and moxa stick, versus sham, no treatment or conventional treatment. Two review authors (HWZ and FC) independently extracted data on study design, participants, treatment and control intervention, and outcome measures, and they also assessed risk of bias in the included studies. We performed meta-analyses, expressing dichotomous outcomes as risk ratios (RR) and continuous outcomes as mean differences (MD), with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We included 29 RCTs involving 2569 participants. Five RCTs compared moxibustion versus no treatment, 15 compared moxibustion plus conventional treatment versus conventional treatment, one compared moxibustion versus sham moxibustion, and eight compared moxibustion versus conventional medicine. The overall risk of bias was high in 18 studies and unclear in 11 studies. Studies measured outcomes in various ways, and we could rarely pool data.Moxibustion versus no treatment: low-certainty evidence from single small studies suggested that moxibustion was associated with higher white blood cell counts (MD 1.77 × 109/L; 95% CI 0.76 to 2.78; 80 participants, low-certainty evidence) and higher serum haemoglobin concentrations (MD 1.33 g/L; 95% CI 0.59 to 2.07; 66 participants, low-certainty evidence) in people with cancer, during or after chemotherapy/radiotherapy, compared with no treatment. There was no evidence of an effect on leukopenia (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.10 to 2.56; 72 participants, low-certainty evidence) between study groups. The effects on immune function (CD3, CD4, and CD8 counts) were inconsistent.Moxibustion versus sham moxibustion: low-certainty evidence from one study (50 participants) suggested that moxibustion improved QoL (measured as the score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30)) compared with sham treatment (MD 14.88 points; 95% CI 4.83 to 24.93). Low-certainty evidence from this study also showed reductions in symptom scores for nausea and vomiting (MD -38.57 points, 95% CI -48.67 to -28.47) and diarrhoea (MD -13.81, 95% CI -27.52 to -0.10), and higher mean white blood cell count (MD 1.72 × 109/L, 95% CI 0.97 to 2.47), serum haemoglobin (MD 2.06 g/L, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.86) and platelets (MD 210.79 × 109/L, 95% CI 167.02 to 254.56) when compared with sham moxibustion.Moxibustion versus conventional medicines: low-certainty evidence from one study (90 participants) suggested that moxibustion improved WBC count eight days after treatment ended compared with conventional medicines (MD 0.40 × 109/L; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.65). Low-certainty evidence from two studies (235 participants) suggested moxibustion improved serum haemoglobin concentrations compared with conventional medicines (MD 10.28 g/L; 95% CI 4.51 to 16.05).Moxibustion plus conventional treatment versus conventional treatment alone: low-certainty evidence showed that moxibustion plus conventional treatment was associated with lower incidence and severity of leukopenia (WHO grade 3 to 4) (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.64; 1 study, 56 participants), higher QoL scores on the EORTC QLQ-C30 (MD 8.85 points, 95% CI 4.25 to 13.46; 3 studies, 134 participants, I² = 26%), lower symptom scores for nausea and vomiting (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.74; 7 studies, 801participants; I² = 19%), higher white blood cell counts (data not pooled due to heterogeneity), higher serum haemoglobin (MD 3.97 g/L, 95% CI 1.40 to 6.53; 2 studies, 142 participants, I² = 0%). There was no difference in platelet counts between the two groups (MD 13.48 × 109/L; 95% CI -16.00 to 42.95; 2 studies, 142 participants; I² = 34%).Most included studies did not report related adverse events, such as burning or allergic reactions. Limited, low-certainty evidence suggests that moxibustion treatment may help to reduce the haematological and gastrointestinal toxicities of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, improving QoL in people with cancer; however, the evidence is not conclusive, and we cannot rule out benefits or risks with this treatment. High-quality studies that report adverse effects are needed.

Needle-knife therapy combined with moxa stick pressure moxibustion for cervical vertigo: a randomized controlled trial

To compare the effect difference between needle-knife therapy combined with moxa stick pressure moxibustion and western medicine for cervical vertigo. A total of 60 cervical vertigo patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The patients in the observation group were treated with needle-knife therapy combined with moxa stick pressure moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Tianzhu (BL 10), Yuzhen (BL 9), Touwei (ST 8), etc. The needle-knife therapy was given once a week, 1-3 times. The pressure moxibustion was given once a day, 6 times a week. The patients in the control group were received 12 mg of betahistine mesylate, twice a day, and 75 mg of diclofenac sodium double release capsule, once daily for oral treatment. The treatment was given for 3 weeks in both groups. The symptom and functional evaluation scale of cervical vertigo were observed before and after treatment and 3 months after treatment. The long-term effect was observed 3 months after treatment. The total effective rate in the observation group was 93.3% (28/30), which was significantly higher than 63.3% (19/30) in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the scores of vertigo symptom and functional evaluation scale, dizziness, neck and shoulder pain, headache, daily life, psychological and social adaptability were increased in the two groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Except for a slight decrease in headache and total score at the follow-up period in the observation group, the remaining 4 individual scores were higher than those after treatment (all P<0.05). At follow-up, the total score and five individual scores were lower than those after treatment in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with those in the control group, the vertigo scale scores and the five individual scores in the observation group were increased significantly after treatment and at follow-up (P<0.05, P<0.01). Needle-knife therapy combined with moxa stick pressure moxibustion can significantly relieve dizziness, headache, neck and shoulder pain in patients with CV, and can improve the quality of life . The combination therapy are better than western medicine, and have a better long-term effect.

The influence of moxibustion on the bone metabolism of persistent vegetative state patients

Abjective To observe the influence of moxibustion on the bone metabolism of persistent vegetative state patients. Methods A total of 60 patients with persistent vegetative state were divided randomly into the treatment group and control group, 30 in each. Both groups were treated with routine therapy, and the patients used moxibustion on the acupoints of zhongwan, xiawan, qihai and guanyuan. The treatment lasted 12 weeks. The changes of T-lymphoctyte subgroups, serum immunoglobulin were tested and compared before and 12th week after treatment. Result After 12th week treatment, the BMD of distal radius (0.563 ± 0.205 g/cm2vs. 0.451 ± 0.114 g/cm2, t=2.615), the second lumbar vertebra (0.596 ± 0.108 g/cm2vs. 0.533 ± 0.127 g/cm2, t=2.069) and the femoral neck (0.567 ± 0.214g/cm2 to 0.463 ± 0.163g/cm2, t=2.117) in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (Ps<0.05). The PTH (6.41 ± 0.56 pmol/L vs. 6.72 ± 0.42 pmol/L, t=0.018), CT (217.48 ± 57.35 ng/L vs. 228.46 ± 52.44ng/L, t=0.012) and BGP (9.16 ± 1.57 g/L vs. 10.37 ± 2.37 g/L, t=0.023) in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (Ps<0.05). Conclusions Moxibustion can help to treat the bone metabolism of persistent vegetative state patients and prevent the osteoporosis. Key words: Moxa stick moxibustion; Persistent vegetative state; Bone mineral density; Bone density; Osteoporosis

Moxibustion using different habitat moxa floss for moderate to severe primary knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a three-armed randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial

BackgroundAccording to the traditional Chinese medicine theory, moxa floss is the best material for moxibustion; the effect of moxibustion is closely related to the habitats of moxa floss, among which Qichun County, Hubei Province, China, is considered as the genuine origin. However, this view has not been validated by clinical studies. Moxibustion has been proven effective in alleviating pain and improving physical function and quality of life for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This trial aims to determine whether the habitat of moxa floss contributes to the effect of moxibustion and to validate the effectiveness of moxibustion for KOA.MethodsThis is a three-armed, randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial. A total of 350 patients with moderate to severe primary KOA will be randomly allocated to groups A, B, or C with a 2:2:1 ratio. Moxa stick moxibustion using moxa floss from different habitats will be applied in two experimental groups: group A, moxa floss from the habitat of Qichun County, Hubei Province, China; and group B, moxa floss from the habitat of Nanyang County, Henan Province. Group C will use non-moxa floss for sham moxibustion as control. Patients will be treated for 20 min per session, for three sessions per week for 2 weeks, and followed up for 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be the change from baseline in the pain score of the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at week 2. Secondary outcomes will include a change in the WOMAC pain score at week 6; the visual analogue scale for knee pain, the total WOMAC score, the WOMAC stiffness score, the WOMAC function score, the patient global assessment, and the responder criteria at weeks 2 and 6. Adverse events will be assessed throughout the study.DiscussionThis trial will help to identify the effectiveness of moxibustion for KOA and whether the habitat of moxa floss contributes to the effect of moxibustion.Trial registrationAcupuncture-Moxibustion Clinical Trial Registry: AMCTR-IOR-16000007. Registered on 29 February 2016.

Origin and evolution of the thunder-fire moxibustion therapy

Through analyzing the origin and evolution of the thunder-fire moxibustion therapy, the mysteries and misunderstandings of it were revealed. As a result, a more objective and comprehensive recognition of this ancient therapy was displayed to the people nowadays. The thunder-fire moxibustion therapy maybe originate from the Taoism magic arts before the Yuan Dynasty and became matured in the middle of the Ming Dynasty. Two categories were divided during the long-term evolution in the history. In one category, the peach twig was taken as the moxa material rather than moxa stick and the incantation of Taoism remained. Regarding the other category, the herbal medicine was mixed in the moxa stick and the herbal composition was relatively specified. The incantation was removed. The moxibustion in the first category vanished at the end of the Ming Dynasty. The latter one kept on development from the middle of the Ming Dynasty through the modern times. Additionally, the herbal composition of moxa material has been modified; the indication enlarged and the operation improved. This therapy is still developed and applied by many doctors at the present times.

Clinical study on treatment of acute urinary retention after anorectal surgery by comprehensive treatment of TCM

Objective Clinical observation of the effect of comprehensive treatment of TCM on the patients with Acute Urinary Retention after Anorectal Surgery. Methods A total of 90 patients with acute urinary retention after anorectal surgery were selected. The patients were divided into control group and treatment group by random number table method. The control group was treated with intramuscular injection of neostigmine. The treatment group was treated with comprehensive treatment of TCM. Both groups were observed over 24 h. The voiding patency score, abdominal fullness score, urination time, the average effective time, the first urinary bladder residual urine output and 2 h after treatment the total urination were detected and compared. Results The total effective rate was 88.89% (40/45) in the treatment group and 64.44% (29/45) in the control group. The total effective rate of the two groups was statistically significant (Z=-2.131, P=0.033). After treatment, the levels of urine patency score (0.94 ± 0.66 vs. 1.87 ± 0.74, t=-2.433), belly fullness score (0.72 ± 0.26 vs. 1.39 ± 0.35, t=-2.185), first urination time (35.72 ± 10.43 min vs. 58.69 ± 12.85 min, t=-2.210), average effective time (60.23 ± 14.60 min vs. 97.57 ± 17.33 min, t=-2.980), the urinary bladder after the first urination (23.87 ± 15.29 ml vs. 65.14 ± 17.53 ml, t=-2.125) in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). And total urination within 2h after treatment (839.77 ± 106.35 ml vs. 0.46 ± 0.55 ml, t=-2.003) in the treatment group were significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions Comprehensive treatment of TCM can significantly reduce the degree of urination and abdominal fullness fullness of the score, shorten the first timeand the average duration of urination, reduce the amount of urine after the first urination of the patients with Acute Urinary Retention after Anorectal Surgery. Key words: Urinary retention; Acute disease; Anorectal surgery; Moxa stick moxibustion; Auricular point sticking, semen vaccariae