Warming Needle Moxibustion Research Articles

Development and application of the practical training instrument of warming needle moxibustion with quantifiable evaluation.

Based on summarizing the essential procedures and elements of traditional manipulation techniques of warming needle moxibustion and determining the quantitative parameters and indicators for evaluating the operation of this acupuncture technique, a training instrument of warming needle moxibustion was developed and adopted in the curriculum teaching of practice. It showed that this instrument could quantify the speed of fixing mugwort ball on the needle handle, the number of the prepared mugwort ball, the duration for anti-vibration, the frequency of anti-vibration and the burning time of mugwort ball. The instrument could objectively evaluate the skills of warming needle moxibustion and the effects of fixing mugwort ball. Besides, it may provide the references to improve the protocol of the future research. The development and application of the practical training instrument of warming needle moxibustion is conductive to cultivate the standardization and accuracy of the technique operation in students, and it is significant for objectif-ying the teaching course of warming needle and teaching assessment, as well as for diversifying the teaching modes. Moreover, it plays an exemplary role in the practical training of other acupuncture and moxibustion techniques.

Retracted: Clinical Effect of Catgut Embedding plus Warm Needle Moxibustion on Improving Inflammation and Quality of Life of Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Retracted: Clinical Effect of Catgut Embedding plus Warm Needle Moxibustion on Improving Inflammation and Quality of Life of Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Retracted: Comparison of Warming Needle Moxibustion and Drug Therapy for Treating Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/3056109.].

Clinical Effect of Catgut Embedding plus Warm Needle Moxibustion on Improving Inflammation and Quality of Life of Knee Osteoarthritis Patients.

Objective To clarify influence of catgut embedding plus warm needle moxibustion on improving inflammation and quality of life of knee osteoarthritis patients. Materials and Methods The data of 120 patients with knee osteoarthritis admitted to our hospital from June 2018 to June 2021 were used for retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into control group and observation group in a random manner, with 60 cases each. The control group was orally administrated with one diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablet (100 mg) once a day, for 8 courses with 7 days for each course. The observation group underwent catgut embedding plus warm needle moxibustion. Results The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index and gonitis Lequesne scores in two groups were decreased after treatment and were lower in observation group than control group (P < 0.05). Quality of life scores presented elevation after treatment and were higher in observation group than control group (P < 0.05). Curative efficacy presented no difference between two groups (P > 0.05), while clinical cure rate was higher in observation group than control group (X2 = 8.257, P = 0.006). Conclusion Warm needle moxibustion plus functional exercise can effectively improve clinical symptoms of knee osteoarthritis patients, and improve their knee joint function and inflammatory response.

Warming-needle moxibustion with different lengths of moxa stick for asthenospermia with kidney deficiency and liver depression: a randomized controlled trial

To explore the clinical effect of warming-needle moxibustion with different lengths of moxa stick for asthenospermia with kidney deficiency and liver depression. A total of 240 patients with asthenospermia of kidney deficiency and liver depression were randomly divided into a 4-cm group (moxibustion with 4-cm moxa stick, 60 cases, 3 cases dropped off), a 3-cm group (moxibustion with 3-cm moxa stick, 60 cases, 4 cases dropped off), a 2-cm group (moxibustion with 2-cm moxa stick, 60 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and an acupuncture group (60 cases, 3 cases dropped off). All patients were treated with warming-needle moxibustion with different lengths of moxa stick or conventicnal acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3), Guilai (ST 29), Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Guanyuanshu (BL 26), etc., once a day, five times a week; 4-week treatment was taken as one course, a total of two courses of treatment were given. The semen routine indexes, seminal plasma biochemical indexes, sex hormone levels and TCM syndrome score were compared before and after treatment among the 4 groups. After treatment, the sperm density, sperm viability, ratio of grade A sperm, ratio of grade A and B sperm, seminal plasma fructose and neutral α-glucosidase were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the sperm deformity rates were lower than those before treatment in the 4-cm group and the 3-cm group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The ratio of grade A sperm, ratio of grade A and B sperm, seminal plasma fructose and neutral α-glucosidase in the 4-cm group were higher than the other three groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the sperm deformity rate was lower than the other three groups (P<0.05). After treatment, except for dizziness and tinnitus score, each-domain score and total scores of TCM syndrome scale in the 4-cm group and the 3-cm group were lower than those before treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05). The each-domain score of depression, weak waist and knees, low sexual function and total score in the 4-cm group were lower than those in the other three groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total effective rate was 87.7% (50/57) in the 4-cm group, which was higher than 78.6% (44/56) in the 3-cm group, 77.6% (45/58) in the 2-cm group and 70.2% (40/57) in the acupuncture group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The warming-needle moxibustion with 4-cm moxa stick could effectively improve quality and motility of sperm and clinical symptoms in patients with asthenospermia of kidney deficiency and liver depression, which is superior to moxibustion with 3-cm, 2-cm moxa sticks and conventional acupuncture.

Comparison of Warming Needle Moxibustion and Drug Therapy for Treating Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective To compare the efficacy of warming needle moxibustion (WNM) with that of drug therapy for treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA), so as to provide evidence-based reference for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Methods PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, VIP, WanFang, and CNKI were searched from inception to March 23, 2022. Literature selection was processed in strict accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment tool was applied for quality assessment of included studies. Data analysis and publication bias assessment were performed using Stata 15.0. Results There were 30 RCTs included, with 1324 participants in the WNM group and 1293 in the control group. Meta-analysis showed that the WNM group yielded more excellent effect than the control group (RR = 1.22, 95% CI (1.17, 1.27), p = 0), improvement in WOMAC scores was greater in the WNM group than in the control group (WMD = −8.48, 95% CI (-13.13, -3.83), p = 0.002), activity of daily living (ADL) score was higher in the WNM group than in the control group (WMD = −7.66, 95% CI (-10.22, -5.09), p = 0.01), improvement in joint stiffness scores was greater in the WNM group than in the control group (WMD = -1.72, 95% CI (-2.50, -0.93), p = 0.005), and improvement in pain scores was greater in the WNM group than in the control group (SMD = −1.09, 95% CI (-1.38, -0.79), p = 0.001). Conclusions WNM would be more effective in improving quality of life, decreasing WOMAC score, promoting knee function recovery, and alleviating the joint pain and stiffness, compared with orally taken drug therapies. Therefore, WNM could be given prior consideration for the treatment of KOA.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the Treatment of Adult Diarrhea Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Network Meta-analysis.

Objective This study was aimed at comparing the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion on irritable bowel syndrome complicated with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults and providing guidance for clinical treatment. Methods PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, CBM, CNKI, and VIP and Wanfang databases were searched to obtain clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of IBS-D published from establishment of the database to August 5, 2021. Relevant data were extracted to assess the risk of bias in the included studies, and statistical software Stata 16.0 was used for meta-analysis. Results Twenty-one studies were eventually included in the network meta-analysis (NMA), including 1626 patients with IBS-D and 8 therapeutic measures. NMA showed that acupuncture [OR = 0.35, 95%CI (0.25, 0.49), P < 0.05], warming needle moxibustion [OR = 6.34, 95%CI (2.83, 14.21), P < 0.05], acupuncture+sandwiched moxibustion [OR = 12.83, 95%CI (4.49, 36.64), P < 0.05], acupuncture+heat-sensitive moxibustion [OR = 9.86, 95%CI (1.77, 55.00), P < 0.05] were more effective than pinaverium bromide in the treatment of IBS-D. Cumulative ranking probability (SUCRA) showed that the comprehensive efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion (86.8%) and quality of life (QOL) (70.4%) was the best, while the comprehensive efficacy of pinaverium bromide (2.1%) and QOL (16.3%) was the worst. GV20, GV29, ST 25, ST37, ST36, SP6, LR3, and CV12 were used frequently. Conclusion Acupuncture+sandwiched moxibustion has the best effect on improving the efficacy and QOL of IBS-D patients. Limited by the number and quality of studies, we still need a large sample, multicenter, and high-quality clinical trials to confirm our findings.

Acupuncture for abducens nerve palsy after radiochemotherapy: a CARE-compliant case report

BackgroundDelayed abducens nerve palsy after chemoradiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is often accompanied by ocular ischemia and cranial nerve damage, thereby increasing the risk of conventional strabismus surgery. Therefore, patients often prefer conservative treatment. Herein we report a case of acupuncture for delayed abducens nerve palsy after chemoradiotherapy for NPC. Case presentationA 39-year-old patient who previously received chemotherapy and radiotherapy for NPC developed a unilateral abducens nerve palsy with numbness in the face and stiffness in the neck muscles after six years. Based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), medical history, and physical examination, he was diagnosed with abducens nerve palsy after chemoradiotherapy. The acupuncture treatment regimen was mainly based on periocular electroacupuncture, supplemented with wheat grain moxibustion and warming needle moxibustion, which were performed three times a week. After one month with a total of 17 acupuncture sessions, the patient's affected eye abduction function recovered completely. Facial sensory abnormalities and neck stiffness also improved significantly. Follow-up at two months reported no recurrence. ConclusionAcupuncture may be a conservative treatment option for patients with abducens nerve palsy after chemoradiotherapy.

Warming needle moxibustion for Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveTo systematically research the impact of warming needle moxibustion (WNM) for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). MethodsFour Chinese databases and six English databases were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving the use of WNM to intervene in AD patients were included. Data were extracted from the included studies and methodological quality was evaluated according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention 5.1.0. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Results8 RCTs comprising 524 patients were included. Most studies had no significant bias. The study showed that WNM was more effective in the treatment of AD than acupuncture or pharmacotherapy. The findings were as follows: MMSE (MD = 1.01, 95%CI: 0.13, 1.90, P = 0.03) and CDR (MD = -0.73, 95%CI: -0.84, -0.61, P < 0.00001) for global cognitive function, ADL (MD = -1.84, 95%CI: -2.47, -1.22, P < 0.00001) for activities of daily living, Syndrome Differentiation Scale of Dementia (SDSD) (MD = -2.67, 95%CI: -3.62, -1.72, P < 0.00001), and the total effective rate of patients (OR = 3.20, 95%CI: 1.90 to 5.38, P < 0.0001). The differences in all indicators were statistically significant. ConclusionWNM might have a significant effect on improving cognitive function and daily living ability, reducing the symptoms of AD, and increase the total effective rate. WNM is an effective non-pharmacological therapy for patients with AD.

Effect of warm-needle moxibustion intervention on immune function and intestinal flora in patients after colorectal cancer radical operation

To explore the effect of warm-needle moxibustion (WNM) on the levels of T cell subgroups and serum inflammatory factors, intestinal microecological balance and postoperative adverse reactions in patients with colorectal cancer. Eighty-four patients who underwent elective radical resection of colorectal cancer were randomly and equally divided into control (medication) group (23 men and 19 women) and WNM group (24 men and 18 women). Patients of the control group received conventional medication treatment (such as postoperative anti-infection and fluid supplementation), and those of the WNM group received conventional medication plus WNM stimulation (the acupuncture needle handle warmed by ignited moxa stick) of bilateral Zusanli(ST36), Sanyinjiao(SP6), Yinlingquan(SP9), Shangjuxu(ST37), and Zhaohai(KI6). The acupuncture needles were retained for 45 minutes every time, starting on the first day after surgery, once a day for 15 days. The number of T cell subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) positive cells was counted under fluorescence microscope, and the contents of serum tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by using ELISA, and the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was detected by using immunoturbidimetry. The levels (logarithm of colony-forming units per gram of wet fecal weight) of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus were determined. The adverse reactions (leukocyte decline, nausea and vomiting, peripheral phlebitis, cold stimulation sensitivity) were recorded after surgery. Before treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the number of T cell subgroups, TNF-α and IL-6 contents, and intestinal flora numbers (P>0.05). After the treatment, self-comparison showed that the numbers of CD3+ and CD4+ positive cells, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ and the intestinal Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus levels in the WNM group were significantly increased (P<0.05), whereas the number of CD8+positive cells, intestinal Escherichia coli and Enterococcus levels in the WNM group, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP in both groups were obviously decreased in comparison with their own pretreatment (P<0.05), but no significant changes were found in the levels of CD3+ and CD4+ positive cells, CD4+/CD8+ and intestinal Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus in the control group (P>0.05). Comparison between two groups displayed that after the treatment, the numbers of CD3+ and CD4+ positive cells, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+, as well as the levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were significantly higher in the WNM group than in the control group (P<0.05), whereas the number of CD8+ positive cells， TNF-a, IL-6 and CRP, and the levels of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus were obviously lower in the WNM group than in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions including leukopenia, nausea and vomiting, peripheral phlebitis, and sensitivity to cold stimulation in the WNM group were markedly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). WNM intervention can significantly improve the immune function, reduce the level of inflammatory factors, regulate the level of beneficial intestinal flora, and also reduce the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions in patients experiencing radical resection of colorectal cancer.

Clinical effect of oral Xingshi decoction combined with warming needle moxibustion in treating acute knee osteoarthritis

Objective To evaluate the effect of Xingshi decoction combined with warming needle moxibustion combined with conventional western medicine on acute knee arthritis. Methods A total of 86 patients with acute knee arthritis were randomly divided into two groups, 43 in each group. The control group took diclofenac capsules orally and methotrexate once a week, while the observation group took Xingshi decoction and warming needle moxibustion on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. The Rheumatoid factor (RF), high sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and IL-1β were detected by ELISA, and pain rating index (PRI), VAS and present pain intensity (PPI) were evaluated by McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ). The knee function was assessed by the evaluation scale, and the curative effect was evaluated by 28 joint disease activity-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) scores. Results The total effective rate was 88.4% (38/43) in the observation group and 62.8% (27/43) in the control group. There was significant difference between the two groups (Z=2.678, P=0.007). After treatment, ESR (30.95 ± 3.14 mm/h vs. 55.13 ± 3.28 mm/h, t=34.919), RF (81.36 ± 5.13 U/ml vs. 121.73 ± 7.25 U/ml, t=29.807), hs-CRP (10.13 ± 3.12 mg/L vs. 34.26 ± 3.17 mg/L, t=35.575), IL-1β (58.13 ± 3.12 pg/ml vs. 96.76 ± 3.17 pg/ml, t=56.952) of the observation group were significantly lower than those of control group (P<0.01); and PRI, VAS and PPI scores of SF-MPQ in observation group were significantly lower than those of control group (t values were 19.661, 11.056 and 23.524, respectively, P<0.01) and the scores of walking, swelling, sense of stability, strangulation and stair-climbing were significantly higher than those of the control group (t values were 11.071, 13.464, 9.102, 9.804, 10.012, respectively, P<0.01). Conclusions The Xingshi decoction combined with warming needle moxibustion is effective in treating acute knee arthritis. It can effectively relieve pain and inflammation of patients, thus improving knee joint function. It has certain clinical application value. Key words: Arthritis; Acute pain; Xingshi decoction; Acupuncture points; Needle warming therapy; Moisten compress therapy; Comparative effectiveness research

Warm needle moxibustion, mild moxibustion and electroacupuncture interventions have an anti-aging effect possibly by regulating hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis in aged male rats

To observe the effect of warm needle moxibustion (WNM), mild moxibustion and electroacupuncture (EA) of "Shenshu" (BL23) and "Guanyuan" (CV4) on serum gonadal hormone levels and related gene expression in the hypothalamus and testis in aged rats, so as to explore their underlying mechanisms in anti-aging. Forty male SD male rats were randomly divided into aged control, WNM, mild moxibustion, EA and medication groups (n ＝ 8 in each group), and other 8 male young adult SD rats were used as the youth control group. WNM (acupuncture plus moxibustion), mild moxibustion or EA (2 Hz /100 Hz, 1 mA) was separately applied to CV4 and bilateral BL23 for 15 min, once daily, 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Rats of the medication group received subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate injection (7 mg/kg), once every 3 days, and those of the aged and youth groups received the same dose of 0.9% NaCl solution for 8 weeks. The levels of serum testoste-rone (T) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) were measured by ELISA. The expression of Kisspeptin (KISS-1), G protein-coupled receptors 54 (GPR54), RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) and GPR147 mRNAs in the hypothalamus and GnRH-R, GPR54 and GPR147 mRNAs in the testis tissues were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. The levels of serum T and GnRH, and the expressions of KISS-1, GPR54, RFRP-3 and GPR147 mRNAs in the hypothalamus and GnRH-R and GPR54 mRNAs in the testis in the aged rats were significantly lower than those in the youth rats (P<0.05), while the expression level of GPR147 mRNA of the testis tissue was obviously higher in the aged group than that in the youth group (P<0.05). Follo-wing the treatment, the lowered serum T and GnRH contents, the down-regulated expression levels of hypothalamic KISS-1, GPR54, RFRP-3 and GPR147 mRNAs and testicle GnRH-R and GPR54 mRNAs, as well as the up-regulated testicle GPR147 mRNA expression in the aged rats were reversed in the WNM, mild moxibustion and EA groups (not the medication group except serum T) in comparison with the aged control group (P<0.05). The therapeutic effects of WNM, mild moxibustion and EA were significantly superior to those of medication in up-regulating serum GnRH content and expression levels of KISS-1, GPR54, RFRP-3 and GPR147 mRNAs in the hypothalamus and GnRH-R, GPR54 and GPR147 mRNAs in the testis (P<0.05). No significant differences were found among the WNM, mild moxibustion and EA groups in serum T and GnRH contents, and the expression levels of KISS-1, GPR54, RFRP-3 and GPR147 mRNAs in the hypothalamus and GnRH-R and GPR54 and GPR147 mRNAs in the testis (P>0.05)．. The WNM, mild moxibustion and EA therapies have an anti-aging effect by increasing serum T and GnRH levels in aged rats, which is possibly related to their effects in up-regulating the expression of hypothalamic KISS-1, GPR54, RFRP-3 and GPR147 mRNAs and testicle GnRH-R and GPR54 mRNAs, as well as down-regulating testicle GPR147 mRNA expression. The therapeutic effect of WNM, mild moxibustion and EA is evidently superior to that of medication.

Randomized controlled trial of internal heat-type acupuncture needle therapy in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of internal heat-type acupuncture needle (IHTAN) the-rapy in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain in apopletic patients. According to the random number table, 96 patients with post-stroke shoulder pain were divided into IHTAN group and warm needle moxibustion group (n＝48 in each one). Jianyu (LI15), Jianliao (TE14), Jianzhen (SI9), Binao (LI14) and Ashi points (Extra) on the affected side were selected in the two groups. For patients of the IHTAN group, internal warmth controllable acupuncture needles were inserted into the above-mentioned acupoints, and then connected to an internal heat acupuncture apparatus for stimulating the acupoints at 42 ℃， 20 min every time, once a week, for 4 weeks. For patients of the warm needle moxibustion group, the above mentioned acupoints were stimulated with filiform needles attached with an ignited moxa-stick, once every other day, for 4 weeks. If the shoulder pain disappeared or basically disappeared, it was considered to be healed, if the pain was relieved, it was considered to be effective, ot-herwise, it was considered to be ineffective. The incidence of local skin injury including burn, empyrosis, silt blue, hematoma and infection, the heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, oxyhemoglobin saturation, blood routine (hemoglobin level, white blood cell [WBC] count, platelet count), creatase and dipolymer levels were recorded or detected. Additionally, the patients' satisfaction rate about the treatment environment was recorded. Following the treatment, of the 45 and 47 cases in the warm needle moxibustion and IHTAN groups, 5 (11.11%) and 20 (42.55%) were cured, 26(57.78%) and 21(44.68%) experienced marked improvement, and 14 (31.11%) and 6 (12.77%) had no apparent changes in their shoulder pain severity, with the total effective rates being 68.89% and 87.23%, respectively. The curative rate and total effective rate of the IHTAN group were significantly higher than those of the warm needle moxibustion group (P<0.01，P<0.05). The incidence of skin injury of the IHTAN group was evidently lower than that of the warm needle moxibustion group (P<0.01), and the patients' therapeutic environment satisfaction rate was remarkably higher in the IHTNA group than in the warm needle moxibustion group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups and between pre- and post-treatment in each group in the heart rate, respiration frequency, systolic and diastolic pressures, oxyhemoglobin saturation, hemoglobin content, WBC count, platelet count, and plasma dipolymer, creatine kinase, lactic dehydrogenase, and beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase levels (P>0.05). The IHTAN therapy is effective, safe and reliable in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain. In terms of the incidence of skin injury and the satisfaction degree of therapeutic environment, the internal heat-type acupuncture needle therapy is obviously superior to the warm needle moxibustion therapy.

Short-term and long-term therapeutic effects of internal heat-type acupuncture needle therapy combined with acupoint injection of O3 for post-stroke shoulder pain

To observe the short-term and long-term therapeutic effects of internal heat-type acupuncture needle (IHTAN) therapy combined with acupoint injection of O3for post-stroke shoulder pain in apopletic patients. Patients with post-stroke shoulder pain were divided into warm needle moxibustion ＋ acupoint injection group (29 cases), acupoint injection group (30 cases) and IHTAN＋acupoint injection group (29 cases) according to the random number table. For acupoint injection, O3 solution (3 mL, 30 µg/mL) was injected into Jianyu (LI15), Jianliao (SJ14), Jianzhen (LI9), Binao (LI14) and Ashi points (4-6 acupoints every time) on the affected side, once every other day for 4 weeks. For warm needle moxibustion, the above mentioned acupoints were stimulated with filiform needles attached with an ignited moxa-stick, once every other day for 4 weeks. For IHTAN, the internal warmth controllable acupuncture needles were inserted into the above mentioned acupoints on the affected side, and then connected to an internal heat acupuncture apparatus for stimulating the acupoints at 42 ℃， 20 min every time, once a week, for 4 weeks. The severity of shoulder pain was assessed by using visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-10 points), the upper limb joint motion function evaluated using Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FMA, 0－66 points), and the ability of daily living activities (ADL) evaluated using Barthel index (0－100 points) at the ends of the 2nd and 4th week as well as the 6th month after the treatment. If the shoulder pain disappeared or basically disappeared, it was considered to be healed. If the pain was relieved, it was considered to be effective. Otherwise, it was considered to be ineffective. At the ends of the 2nd and 4th week as well as the 6th month after the treatment, the VAS scores of the IHTAN＋acupoint injection group were significantly lower than those of the warm needle moxibustion＋acupoint injection and acupoint injection groups (P<0.05), and the FMA and ADL scores were significantly higher in the IHTAN＋acupoint injection group than in the other two groups (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the warm needle moxibustion＋acupoint injection and the acupoint injection groups in the scores of VAS, FMA and ADL (P>0.05). Of the 29, 30 and 29 cases in the warm needle moxibustion＋acupoint injection, acupoint injection and IHTNA＋acupoint injection groups, 1, 0 and 7 cases at the 2nd week, 3, 2 and 12 cases at the 4th week, 4, 2 and 15 cases at the 6th month were cured; 15, 14 and 16 cases at the 2nd week, 17, 17 and 13 cases at the 4th week, and 18, 18 and 12 cases at the 6th month experienced marked improvement; 13, 16 and 6 cases at the 2nd week, 9, 11 and 4 cases at the 4th week, 7, 10 and 2 cases at the 6th month had no apparent changes in their shoulder pain severity, with the total effective rates at the 4th week and 6th month being 68.97% and 75.86%, 63.33% and 66.60%, and 86.21% and 93.10%, respectively. The internal heat-type acupuncture needle therapy combined with O3 acupoint injection has obvious short-term and long-term therapeutic effects for post-stroke shoulder pain and is obviously superior to warm needle moxibustion＋ acupoint injection and simple acupoint injection in relieving shoulder pain and improving upper limb motion function.

Twenty cases of temporomandibular disorders with warming-needle moxibustion on ginger at Xiàguān (下关ST 7)

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of treatment for temporomandibular disorders with warming-needle moxibustion on ginger at Xiàguān (下关ST 7). MethodsTwenty patients with temporomandibular disorders were given acupuncture at ST 7 of the affected side, and then the self-prepared round cake-shaped ginger with moxa was set on the needle closing to skin surface, Ignited moxa, burn out as one cone, three cones were given for once. The treatment was performed once a day, 7 times was 1 course, and the curative effect was evaluated after 1 course of treatment. ResultsAmong 20 patients, 12 were cured, improvement was observed in 7 patients, and 1 case had no response to treatment. The effective rate was up to 95.0%; improvement was observed in 14 patients after treatment for 3 times. According to follow-up visit 1 month after treatment, 1 patient relapsed due to excessive mouth opening, but the symptom was mild and relieved after rubbing. ConclusionThe clinical efficacy of treatment for temporomandibular disorders with warming-needle moxibustion on ginger at ST 7 was ideal.

Warming Needle Moxibustion Relieves Symptoms of Lumbar Disc Herniation Patients and Upregulates Plasma β-endorphin

To analyze the effect of warming needle moxibustion of Jiaji (EX-B 2), Huantiao (GB 30), etc. on lumbago and other symptoms of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients and changes of plasma β-endorphin (β-EP) content. A total of 60 LDH patients were equally randomized into warming needle moxibustion group and conventional acupuncture group. Patients of the conventional acupuncture group were treated by puncturing lumbar Jiaji (EX-B 2), Huantiao (GB 30), Weizhong (BL 40), and Yanglingquan (GB 34) with filiform acupuncture needles. Patients of the warming needle moxibustion group were treated by puncturing the same 4 acupoints, and with the acupuncture needle in lumbar EX-B 2 attached an ignited moxa-stick segment. The treatment in both groups lasted for 30 min every time, once every other day for 15 times, with 5 times being a therapeutic course and two days' rest between every two courses. The therapeutic effect was evaluated according to the "Criteria for Evaluating the Therapeutic Effect of Disorders of Traditional Chinese Medicine". The lumbago severity was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS), and the lumbar functional activity assessed using modified Oswestry dysfunction (in objects-lifting, sitting, standing, walking, sleeping, pain, activity of daily living, social activity, outing, etc.) index (ODI). The plasma β-EP content was assayed using ELISA. After the treatment, of the two 30 cases in the conventional acupuncture and warming needle moxibustion groups, 8 (26.67%) and 12 (40.00%) were under control, 8 (26.67%) and 10 (33.33%) had a marked improvement, 3 (10.00%) and 4 (13.33%) were effective, and 11 (36.66%) and 4 (13.33%) ineffective, with the effective rates being 63.34% and 86.66%, respectively. The effective rate of the warming needle moxibustion was significantly higher than that of the conventional acupuncture (P<0.05). The VAS scores and ODI values of the two groups were gradually decreased along with the prolongation of treatment, and significantly lower in the warming needle moxibustion group than in the acupuncture group at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd course of treatment (P<0.01). The levels of plasma β-EP were gradually increased in the two groups at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd course of treatment, and were obviously higher in the warming needle moxibustion group than in the conventional acupuncture group at each of the 3 courses (P<0.01). No obvious adverse reactions were observed in the two groups. Warming needle moxibustion has a better therapeutic effect in relieving lumbago and lumbar dysfunction, and can up-regulate blood β-EP level.

Treatment of Simple Obesity Patients with Phlegm Dampness Stagnation Syndrome with Warming Needle Moxibustion

To observe the therapeutic effect of warming needle moxibustion stimulation of Hegu (LI 4), Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. for simple obesity patients with phlegm dampness stagnation syndrome (PDSS)．. A total of 60 simple obesity patients with PDSS were equally randomized into control group (13 men and 17 women, 18－53 years in age) and treatment group (14 men and 16 women, 19－45 years in age). All the patients of both groups were treated by diet control (trying their best to reduce high fat, high glucose and high salt foods, supplementing proteins). Patients of the treatment group received additional treatment of warming needle moxibustion, i．e., the inserted acupuncture needles in bilateral Hegu (LI 4), Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12), and Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), etc., were manipulated for a while with reducing technique after "deqi"， followed by attachment of ignited moxa-cones at each of the needle handles for 30 min. The treatment was conducted once every other day for 8 weeks. The therapeutic effect was assessed according to the "Criteria for Diagnosis and Therapeutic Effect Evaluation of Simple Obesity" (1998). Before and after the treatment, body fat percentage (F%), body adiposity index (BAI), and body mass index (BMI) were calculated, serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (CHO), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were detected using a biochemical analyzer. Following the treatment, of the two 30 cases of obesity patients in the control and treatment groups, 0 (0.0%) and 1 (3.3%) was under control, 11(36.7%) and 16 (53.3%) had a marked improvement, 8(26.7%) and 10 (33.3%) were effective, and 11 (36.7%) and 3 (10.0%) failed in the treatment, with the effective rates being 63.3% and 90.0%, respectively. The effective rate of the warming needle moxibustion plus diet control was significantly superior to that of the simple diet control (P<0.01). After the treatment, the BMI, F%, serum CHO and TG levels and BAI in the treatment group were significantly decreased in comparison with its own pre-treatment in treatment group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while serum HDL-C of the treatment group was obviously increased compared with its own pre-treatment (P<0.01). The decreased F%, CHO and TG levels were markedly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05，P<0.01)．. Warming needle moxibustion has a positive effect for simple obesity patients with PDSS in controlling their symptoms.

Effects of warming needle moxibustion in patients with lower limbs arteriosclerosis obliterans of blood stasis type

Objective To explore the clinical effects of warming needle moxibustion on lower limbs arteriosclerosis obliterans of blood stasis type. Methods From September 2015 to September 2017, we selected 60 patients from the First Affiliated Hospital and the Second Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine. All of the patients were divided into control group and intervention group with the randomized control method, 30 cases in each group. Patients of control group were treated with Huo Xue Tong Mai Yin decoction. Patients of intervention group accepted warming needle moxibustion and Huo Xue Tong Mai Yin decoction. We compared the clinical effects, diameter and blood flow parameters of lower extremity artery, the expression of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET) between two groups before and after treatment. Results Clinlcal symptoms of patients between two groups all relieved in different degrees. For example, pain eased; the temperature of lower limb got warm again; the dull-red and pale colour weakened; the number of walk and qi-blood increased; the improvements of the symptoms in intervention group were better than those in control group with significant differences (P<0.05) . The improvements of diameter and blood flow parameters of lower extremity artery in intervention group were significantly better than those in control group (P<0.05) . After treatment, the expression of NO and ET of intervention group was (39.30±3.10) ng/L and (28.14±3.10) μmol/L respectively better than those of control group with significant differences (t=3.277, 2.716; P<0.05) . Conclusions Warming needle moxibustion has a remarkable clinical effect on lower limbs arteriosclerosis obliterans of blood stasis type. It is worth to be generalized. Key words: Nitric oxide; Arteriosclerosis obliterans of lower limbs; Blood stasis type; Warming needle moxibustion; Vascular endothelial cells

Clinical study on warming-needle moxibustion for infertility patients with thin endometrium

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of warming-needle moxibustion on the endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcome. MethodsForty infertility women, selected from those who visited the TCM department of Maternity and Child Care Centers in Fujian Province from October 2015 to October 2016, were enrolled in this study. These women had mature follicle and successful ovulation according to B ultrasound monitoring, but their endometrial thickness was thinner than 7 mm. The women were divided into warming-needle moxibustion group (group A, 20 cases) and medication group (group B, 20 cases). In group A, acupuncture, warming-needle moxibustion and electroacupuncture were conducted at different clinical stage. In group B, progynova was given to the patients from the 7th day of menstruation to the 14th day after ovulation (2 tablets, bid oral administration in the morning and evening). The treatment lasted for 3 menstrual cycles, and the endometrial thickness changes and pregnancy rate of the patients in the two groups were compared after treatment. ResultsThe endometrial thickness of patients in the two groups increased after treatment when compared with the thickness before treatment. The average endometrial thickness in group A increased from (5.23 ± 1.57) mm before treatment to (8.31 ± 2.80) mm after treatment, while the average endometrial thickness in group B increased from (5.27 ± 0.99) mm before treatment to (8.32 ± 1.97) mm after treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (both P < 0.05). The increase of endometrial thickness of the patients in group A after treatment was slightly larger than that in group B, and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). After treatment for 3 menstrual cycles, the pregnancy rate of infertility women in group A was 25%(5/20) and 15%(3/20) in group B. ConclusionWarming-needle moxibustion can increase the endometrial thickness to a certain extent, thus improving the endometrial receptivity, enhancing the embryo implantation rate, and improving the pregnancy outcome.

Acupuncture–moxibustion therapy of "banking up original qi and consolidating the foundation" for prevention and treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture–moxibustion therapy of "banking up original qi and consolidating the foundation" for prevention and treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. MethodsSixty included patients were divided into two groups according to the random number table method with 30 patients in each group. In acupuncture group, warming-needle moxibustion was carried out at Zúsānlĭ (足三里ST 36), and cone moxibustion on Fùzĭ (附子Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata) cake was conducted at Guānyuán (关元CV 4), Qìhăi (气海CV 6) and Dàzhuī (大椎GV 14). The treatment was conducted in May or June (2 months before the onset of rhinitis in this area). The treatment was carried out for once every other day and three times per week. Treatment for 24 times was considered as 1 course of treatment. No intervention treatment was conducted in control group. The score of rhinitis symptom, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score changes of total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and total non-nasal symptom score (TNNSS) of patients in 2015 and in 2016 were observed, and the clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared. Results(1) The score of rhinitis symptom, the VAS score changes of TNSS and TNNSS in acupuncture group in 2016 declined when compared with the results in 2015, which were 4.57 ± 0.82 vs 9.40 ± 1.89, 13.37 ± 4.01 vs 30.80 ± 4.77 and 15.93 ± 6.30 vs 46.13 ± 9.79 (P < 0.001), the results in acupuncture group after treatment were lower than that in control group at same time, which were 4.57 ± 0.82 vs 7.53 ± 2.06, 13.37 ± 4.01 vs 27.17 ± 6.84,15.93 ± 6.30 vs 35.53 ± 11.69(all P < 0.001). According to comparison, there was no obvious difference in the results in control group at the two time points, which were 8.60 ± 2.39 vs 7.53 ± 2.06, 29.63 ± 6.30 vs 27.17 ± 6.84 and 40.90 ± 12.31 vs 35.53 ± 11.69 (all P > 0.05). (2) The total effective rate was 96.7% (29/30) in acupuncture group and 10% (3/30) in control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). ConclusionAcupuncture–moxibustion therapy of "banking up original qi and consolidating the foundation" was effective on prevention and treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.