Effect of three-volt moxibustion with helium-neon laser irradiation on quality of care in patients with lumbar radiculopathy spondylosis

BACKGROUND Lumbar radiculopathy spondylosis is a relatively common orthopedic disease with a high incidence rate.It most commonly occurs in the lumbar 4-5 and lumbar 5-sacral 1 vertebrae,which account for approximately 95%of cases.It mostly occurs in people aged 30-50 years old and greatly affects their quality of life.AIM To determine the effect of triple-voltage acupuncture combined with helium-neon laser irradiation on the quality of care and improvement of symptoms in patients with lumbar radiculopathy spondylolisthesis.METHODS In this study,we selected 120 patients with lumbar radiculopathy spondylosis who were treated at our hospital between June 2019 to June 2020.The patients were divided into control and observation groups according to the random number table method,with 60 patients in each group.Patients in the observation group were treated with three-volt moxibustion combined with helium-neon laser irradiation,and those in the control group were treated with lumbar traction.After 1 month of treatment,the lumbar pain scores,lumbar spine motor functions,clinical treatment effects,and nursing satisfaction of the two groups were compared.RESULTS The results showed that acupuncture combined with laser irradiation significantly improved the patients'clinical symptoms,i.e.,reduced their low back pain,significantly lower numerical rating scale pain scores in the observation group than in the control group,and better lumbar spine motility than in the control group,compared to lumbar traction.In addition,they were cared for.The treatment effectiveness rate of the observation group was 95.5%,which was significantly higher than that of the control group(81.67%).Satisfaction with care was higher than 90 points in both groups,but the difference was not statistically significant.CONCLUSION Our study provides a clinical rationale for the future treatment of patients with lumbar spine disease.However,further extensive research is needed for validation.

Research progress and key scientific problems of traditional Chinese moxibustion

Moxibustion Moxibustion(written as“jiū(灸)”in Chinese),also known as“jiūruò(灸焫)”in ancient Chinese,was described in the ancient Chinese book Shuo Wen Jie Zi as having the meaning of burning and possessing the properties of fire,while sharing the same pronunciation as“jiǔ(久).”“Moxibustion is a method of curing diseases that uses lighted moxa to press and cauterize acupoints.”Moxibustion is a traditional external treatment method that involves the application of moxa wool or other materials,either directly or indirectly(such as through burning or fumigation),to stimulate specific points or areas on body surface.It is used for purposes such as prevention,treatment,rehabilitation,and health care.Moxibustion originated in ancient times,prevailed during the Qin and Han dynasties(221 B.C.E.–220 C.E.),experienced a period of decline during the Ming and Qing dynasties(1368–1912 C.E.),and was revitalized in the contemporary era.

Moxibustion at ST36 activates peritoneal macrophages in CTX-induced immunosuppression in mouse model via IFN-γ

Background:To explored whether moxa cone moxibustion can reduce peritoneal inflammation by increasing the content of peritoneal macrophages and B cells via interferon-gamma.Methods:The mice were randomly divided into three groups with six mice in each group:the control group,model group,and moxibustion group,and the model was established in mice using cyclophosphamide.In the moxibustion group,the mice received moxa cone moxibustion at Zusanli(ST36)for 7 days.Analysis of Peritoneal cell were detected by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence,the protein expression level in the peritoneal fluid were measured with mouse cytokine antibody arrays and verified by enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay test,and RNA-Sequencing was used for peritoneal cell RNA analysis.Results:Our results showed that moxa cone moxibustion could reduce the loss of large peritoneal macrophages and B1 cells(P<0.05).With the cytokine array analysis and enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay test of peritoneal fluid,we found that IFN‐γwas up-regulated in moxibustion group(P<0.05).There were 169 genes were down-regulated in the model group and up-regulated in the moxibustion group while 19 genes that were up-regulated in the model group and down-regulated in the moxibustion group via RNA-sequencing.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis of 188 intersect differentially expressed genes were found that the top 3 pathways with the highest enrichment of up-regulated genes included Hematopoietic cell lineage,Inflammatory bowel disease and Malaria.The differentially expressed genes visualization protein-protein interaction network shows the top 10 genes including Ifng,Grb2,CCR7,CTLA4,CXCR5,Foxp3,kit,PRF1,CD5 and klrg1.Conclusion:These findings showed that moxa cone moxibustion can alleviate chemotherapy-induced diarrhea by reducing the loss of large peritoneal macrophages and B1 cells in the peritoneal cavity,possibly through up-regulating inflammatory bowel disease signaling pathway via interferon-gamma to regulate the survival and function of large peritoneal macrophages and B1 cells.

International Communication of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Popular in the West

With the development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)acupuncture and moxibustion,research on acupuncture and moxibustion in the Western world is deepening.The concept of acupuncture and moxibustion popular in the West is formed.By investigating the localization of acupuncture and moxibustion in the Western world,this paper introduces several kinds of acupuncture and moxibustion popular in the West and concludes the spread of acupuncture and moxibustion popular in the West through hospitals and clinics,academic works,social organizations,education,and training.This paper provides a global vision developing domestic acupuncture and moxibustion and promoting academic prosperity and technical progress of world acupuncture and moxibustion system.

Recent Situation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the Treatment of Stomach Pain with Deficiency and Cold of Spleen and Stomach

Stomachache is one of the most common diseases of digestive system, among which stomach pain of deficiency cold of spleen and stomach is the most common. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy as an external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine for relieving stomach pain due to deficiency of spleen and stomach, has the advantages of convenient operation, small adverse reactions and remarkable curative effect, which is easy for patients to accept. In this paper, acupuncture and moxibustion therapy such as moxibustion and warm acupuncture therapy for stomach pain of spleen and stomach deficiency cold type is summarized to provide evidence-based basis for clinical treatment of stomach pain of spleen and stomach deficiency cold type.

An Investigation of Moxibustion Treatment for Abscesses in the Song Dynasty:Focusing on the“Jiu Ai Tu”

Jiu Ai Tu(The Moxa Treatment)from the Song dynasty is the earliest surviving painting that focuses on the subject of acupuncture and moxibustion.This paper takes the medical activities depicted in the artwork as its research object and systematically analyzes the external treatment methods for abscesses during the Song dynasty reflected in Jiu Ai Tu.By examining the understanding of abscesses during that period,the paper explores the level of development in external medicine techniques.By analyzing the medical awareness and behaviors of patients when facing such severe illnesses,it aims to explore the societal cognition and experiences regarding health and disease.The paper attempts to present the folk medical ecology of the Song dynasty represented by Jiu Ai Tu.

The“Ukiyo”of Moxibustion Reflected in the Ukiyo-e

Ukiyo-e(浮世絵)was a genre of popular art during the Edo and Meiji periods in Japan.Moxibustion,which was originally introduced from China,was also in its heyday and became one of the popular topics for ukiyo-e artists at that time.Using the images as historical evidence perspective,this article focuses on the moxibustion used in daily life in Japan depicted in the ukiyo-e arts.With the perspective of acu-moxa therapy,one may identify some specific issues in the acupoint selection,leading to the discovery of special application of moxibustion used by the group of yūjo(遊女)at that time.The article concludes by exploring gender issues in ukiyo-e arts and the implications of punishment attached to moxibustion treatment.

Effects of different moxibustion durations on lumbar disk herniation:a clinical study

Objective:To explore the best duration of moxibustion on lumbar disk herniation(LDH).Methods:A total of 88 patients were randomly divided into control group and 15-min,30-min,and 45-min moxibustion groups.The control group was treated with conventional therapy,while the other 3 groups were intervened with different moxibustion durations.Low back pain,dysfunction,lumbar function,and effective rates were evaluated before,in the first week and second week of intervention.Results:In low back pain,compared with the control group,the score of the 15-min group had no significant difference,but it was significantly lower in the 30-min and 45-min groups.In dysfunction and lumbar function,compared with the control group,the scores of the 15-min,30-min,and 45-min groups were significantly higher,and the scores of the 30-min and 45-min groups were significantly higher,but there was no significant difference between the 30-min and 45-min group.In effective rates,there was no significant difference between the control group and 15-min group;the effective rates of the 30-min and 45-min groups were significantly higher than those of the control group.Conclusions:Moxibustion has good therapeutic effect on LDH with specific moxibustion time.

Exploring the Effect of Qi Cross-Shaped Moxibustion on the Recovery of Gastrointestinal Function after Hip Fracture in the Elderly

Objective:To explore the effect of Qi cross-shaped moxibustion on the recovery of gastrointestinal function in elderly hip fracture patients after surgery.Methods:62 elderly hip fracture surgery patients were selected as the base analysis sample,enrolled in January 2023-May 2024,and divided into an observation group(n=31)and a control group(n=31)using the digital table random draw scheme.The patients in the control group underwent conventional dietary intervention,and the patients in the observation group underwent Qi cross-shaped moxibustion intervention,comparing the gastrointestinal function recovery time and quality of life scores(PAC-QOL)of patients with constipation between the two groups.Results:The gastrointestinal function recovery time of the observation group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);the PAC-QOL score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group after the intervention(P<0.05).Conclusion:Qi cross-shaped moxibustion can shorten the recovery time of gastrointestinal function and improve the quality of life of elderly hip fracture patients after surgery,and it has the value of promotion and application.

Observation on the Nursing Effect of Ginger Moxibustion on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients with Heart Failure Due to Yang Qi Deficiency

Objective:To evaluate the nursing measures and effects of ginger moxibustion in the treatment of heart failure(yang qi deficiency type)with gastrointestinal symptoms.Methods:86 patients with heart failure(yang qi deficiency type)accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms who were admitted to the hospital between January 2023 and January 2024 were selected and divided into 43 cases in each group by random number table grouping;Group I implemented integrated care,while Group II adopted conventional care.The indicators of care were compared between the two groups.Results:After the nursing care,the digestive symptom scores of Group I were lower than those of Group I,and the psychological scores were lower than those of Group II(P<0.05).Conclusion:Ginger moxibustion can improve gastrointestinal symptoms and enhance the psychological health of patients with heart failure(yang qi deficiency type)with gastrointestinal symptoms.

A study on the treatment of chloasma with moxibustion based on the theory of“Yang transforming Qi,and Yin shaping”

Background:“Yang Transforming Qi and Yin shaping”comes from“Plain Question Yin and Yang should be like the theory”.Chinese medicine believes that the imbalance of yin and yang is the cause of human diseases.One of the strengths of TCM in treating diseases is holistic regulation.The theory of“Yang transforming Qi,and Yin shaping”implies a strong holistic view.Chloasma,one of the common skin diseases,seriously affects the physical and mental health of patients due to its unclear etiology,difficult treatment and easy recurrence.The occurrence and development of chloasma are closely related to internal organs.This paper is based on the theory of internal meridian,“Yang transforming Qi,and Yin shaping”which attaches importance to the concept of“Yang Qi”,from a new understanding of the pathogenesis etiology of chloasma.Methods:The author believes that the incidence of the disease is the deficiency of Yang Qi,which can’t promote the movement of Qi and blood to nourish the face,resulting in tangible material condensation,so proposes that this disease needs to be promoted by Yang transforming Qi and warm to dissipate.Moxibustion belongs to the fire,and its warming effect can dissipate the tangible evil.Results:Combined with clinical practice and the theory of internal meridian,the author elaborated that moxibustion is one of the effective methods for treating chloasma,which provides a new way of thinking for the treatment of chloasma.Conclusion:“Yang Transforming Qi and Yin shaping”can be used to guide the treatment of chloasma.

Analysis of the Clinical Effect of Chinese Medicine Combined with Acupuncture and Moxibustion on Insomnia

Objective:To explore and analyze the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of insomnia.Method:80 patients with primary insomnia were selected as the study sample,with 20 cases randomly selected as the control group and the rest as the observation group.The control group was treated with ordinary western medicine,while the observation group patients were treated with traditional Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and moxibustion based on this syndrome differentiation.The comparison items were treatment effect,sleep quality,mental health,quality of life,specific sleep indicators,cerebral blood flow and neurotransmitters.Result:The treatment effectiveness showed that the observation group had a higher treatment effectiveness rate than the control group(P<0.05);The results of sleep quality showed that after treatment,the scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group in seven dimensions:sleep quality,sleep time,sleep onset time,sleep efficiency,sleep disorders,hypnotic drugs,and daytime dysfunc‐tion score(P<0.05);The quality of life results showed that after treatment,the observa‐tion group had higher scores than the control group in eight dimensions:physiological function,physiological function,physical pain,health status,energy,social function,emotional function,and mental health(P<0.05);The results of slow wave sleep time and fast eye movement sleep time showed that after treatment,the HAMA and HAMD scores of the physiological mechanism in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05);The results of cerebral blood flow and neurotransmitter indica‐tors show that after treatment,glutamateγ-The peak systolic blood flow velocity of ami‐nobutyric acid,vertebral artery,and basilar artery in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The clinical treatment of Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of insomnia patients can significantly improve the clinical treatment effect,and improve the cerebral hemorrhage and neurotransmitter status of patients,promote the improvement of their physical and mental status,can more significantly improve the quality of sleep,reduce sleep difficulties,reduce the dosage of sleeping pills,which has important clinical application value.

Historical review and reflections on the participation of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of epidemics in the People’s Republic of China (from 1950 until now)

Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, both the Communist Party and the government have placed great emphasis on the advancement of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture and moxibustion have been actively involved in combating major epidemics such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and COVID-19. This article conducts a historical review of these three significant cases to elucidate how the acupuncture community has effectively utilized its unique advantages and characteristics through theoretical discussions, clinical practices, experimental research, as well as receiving administrative leadership and political support from the Communist Party of China and government. We provide an objective evaluation of their effectiveness while summarizing historical experiences to serve as a reference for future utilization of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in epidemic relief efforts. Additionally, propose four suggestions: strengthening Party leadership and enhancing political support;timely summarization of experiences to establish programs and systems;deepening scientific research by integrating experimental findings with clinical practice;focusing on public awareness campaigns and education to solidify grassroots foundations.

Clinical Nursing Intervention of Moxibustion on Abdominal Distension Symptoms in Heart Failure (Heart and Kidney Yang Deficiency and Blood Stasis Blocking Collaterals Syndrome)

Objective:To investigate the clinical nursing intervention effect of moxibustion on abdominal distension symptoms in heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome).Methods:62 patients with heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome)admitted to our hospital from February 2023 to February 2024 were selected and divided into the observation group(n=31)and the control group(n=31)by using the random numerical table method.The control group adopted conventional nursing interventions,and the observation group received the nursing program of the control group with the addition of moxibustion nursing interventions.The nursing effectiveness,quality of life scores,and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups.Results:The nursing effectiveness of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05);the quality of life score of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05);the nursing satisfaction of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The use of moxibustion nursing intervention in patients with heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome)can effectively relieve the symptoms of abdominal distension,improve patients'quality of life,and increase nursing satisfaction,which has promotion and application values.

基于气络学说运用芪归通络口服液联合艾灸治疗气虚血瘀型慢性疲劳综合征的临床观察

【目的】观察基于气络学说,运用芪归通络口服液(广东省第二中医院院内制剂,由黄芪、当归、三七、赤芍、牛膝、鸡血藤、丹参、地龙等中药组成)联合艾灸治疗气虚血瘀型慢性疲劳综合征(chronic fatigue syndrome,CFS)的临床疗效。【方法】采用回顾性研究方法,根据治疗方法的不同将60例气虚血瘀型CFS患者分为观察组和对照组,每组各30例。对照组给予艾条温和灸神阙穴治疗,观察组在对照组的基础上联合芪归通络口服液治疗,疗程为4周。观察2组患者治疗前后中医证候积分、疲劳量表-14(FS-14)评分、血清免疫球蛋白IgA、IgM、IgG含量及皮质醇(COR)水平的变化情况,并评价2组患者的临床疗效和安全性。【结果】(1)疗效方面,治疗4周后,观察组的总有效率为96.67%(29/30),对照组为80.00%(24/30),组间比较,观察组的临床疗效明显优于对照组(P<0.05)。(2)量表评分方面,治疗后,2组患者的中医证候积分、FS-14评分均较治疗前明显降低(P<0.01),且观察组对中医证候积分、FS-14评分的降低作用均明显优于对照组(P<0.01)。(3)实验室指标方面,治疗后,2组患者血清IgA、IgG水平以及观察组血清IgM、COR水平均较治疗前明显升高(P<0.01),且观察组对血清IgA、IgM、IgG及COR水平的升高作用均明显优于对照组(P<0.05或P<0.01)。(4)安全性方面,治疗过程中,2组患者均未发生明显不良反应。【结论】基于中医气络学说,以正虚络阻为CFS核心病机,运用补虚通络法,采用芪归通络口服液联合艾灸治疗气虚血瘀型CFS患者疗效确切,能明显缓解患者的临床症状,提高患者的免疫力水平,调节患者的神经-内分泌-免疫(NEI)网络。

艾灸联合耳穴压豆对肺癌化疗患者生活质量以及癌因性疲乏的影响分析

目的艾灸联合耳穴压豆对肺癌化疗患者生活质量以及癌因性疲乏的影响。方法60例肺癌化疗患者,随机分为对照组和试验组,每组30例。对照组患者给予临床常规健康教育,试验组在对照组的基础上采取艾灸联合耳穴压豆治疗。比较两组患者癌因性疲乏缓解效果、治疗前后的生活质量评分、毒副反应的缓解效果。结果试验组患者癌因性疲乏缓解率93.33%高于对照组的46.67%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,试验组患者生活质量评分(2.21±0.17)分高于对照组的(0.35±0.14)分,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。试验组毒副反应缓解率为83.33%,高于对照组的50.00%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论采取艾灸联合耳穴压豆对肺癌化疗患者的治疗效果显著,有效改善生活质量、癌因性疲乏及毒副反应,并且操作简单,经济,患者容易接受,值得在临床推广。

艾灸对去卵巢大鼠肌肉功能及骨密度的研究

目的观察艾灸“肝俞”“肾俞”对去卵巢大鼠腰部肌群杨氏模量值、后肢步态参数和骨密度的影响,基于“筋骨互用”理论探讨艾灸在改善去卵巢大鼠肌肉功能中的作用。方法将32只SD大鼠随机分为4组:假手术组、模型组、艾灸组、雌激素组,每组8只。模型组、艾灸组和雌激素组均去势,艾灸组穴取双侧“肝俞”“肾俞”,每次15 min,隔日1次,每周3次,共12周。干预结束后采用实时剪切波超声弹性成像技术(SWE)测定大鼠腰部肌群杨氏模量值;步态分析系统WalkAnalysator VTX记录后肢支撑时长(s)、摆动时长(s)、摆动速度(cm/s)和步宽(cm);Miro-CT检测右侧股骨骨密度(BMD)、骨体积分数(BV/TV)、骨小梁厚度(Tb.Th)和骨小梁分离度(Tb.Sp)。结果与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠腰部肌群杨氏模量值下降(P<0.01),后肢支撑时长、摆动时长、步宽增大(P<0.05,P<0.01),摆动速度减小(P<0.01),右侧股骨BMD、Tb.Th、BV/TV降低(P<0.01),Tb.Sp增大(P<0.01)。与模型组比较,艾灸组和雌激素组大鼠腰部肌群杨氏模量值上升(P<0.05),后肢支撑时长、摆动时长、步宽缩短(P<0.05,P<0.01),摆动速度增大(P<0.01),右侧股骨BMD、Tb.Th、BV/TV增加(P<0.01),Tb.Sp减小(P<0.01)。结论艾灸“肝俞”“肾俞”可提升去卵巢大鼠的腰部肌群杨氏模量值,影响后肢步态参数,从而改善肌肉功能以提高骨密度,从“筋骨互用”的角度为防治骨质疏松症提供中医方案。

针刺联合艾灸治疗急性期周围性面瘫的疗效观察

目的 观察针刺联合艾灸治疗急性期周围性面瘫的临床疗效。方法 将60例急性期周围性面瘫患者随机分为治疗组和对照组,每组30例。对照组采用针刺联合药物治疗,治疗组在此基础上采用按摩灸治疗。观察两组治疗前后面部House-Brackmann(H-B)面神经功能分级、肌电图、面部残疾指数(facial disability index,FDI)量表评分变化,比较两组治疗前后炎性因子[超敏C反应蛋白(hypersensitive C-reactive protein,hs-CRP)、白细胞(white blood cell, WBC)计数、中性粒细胞与淋巴细胞的比值(neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, NLR)和血小板与淋巴细胞的比值(platelet-to-lymphoccyte ratio, PLR)]变化,并比较两组临床疗效。结果 治疗组总有效率为96.7%,对照组总有效率为86.7%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。两组治疗后H-B面神经功能分级优于治疗前(P<0.05),且治疗组的H-B面神经功能分级优于对照组(P<0.05)。两组治疗后口轮匝肌、眼轮匝肌、额肌肌电图潜伏期明显低于治疗前(P<0.05),治疗组低于对照组(P<0.01)。两组治疗后口轮匝肌、眼轮匝肌、额肌患健侧肌电图波幅比值高于治疗前(P<0.01),治疗组高于对照组(P<0.01)。两组治疗后FDI躯体功能评分(facial disability index physical function,FDIP)和社会功能评分(facial disability index social function, FDIS)评分优于治疗前(P<0.01),治疗组优于对照组(P<0.01)。两组治疗后炎性因子水平低于治疗前(P<0.05),治疗组低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论 在药物治疗的基础上,针刺联合艾灸可有效促进急性期周围性面瘫患者面神经功能和社会功能的恢复,疗效优于单纯针刺治疗,其机制可能与改善急性期面神经炎症反应有关。

艾灸联合曲美他嗪对老年冠心病稳定型心绞痛患者血小板聚集功能的影响

目的 探讨艾灸联合曲美他嗪用于老年冠心病稳定型心绞痛的效果,观察血小板聚集功能变化。方法 选取2020年1月至2022年1月收治的冠心病稳定型心绞痛患者96例,随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组,每组48例。对照组给予曲美他嗪治疗,观察组在对照组基础上加用艾灸治疗。观察2组患者临床疗效,比较2组患者治疗前后中医证候评分、心功能[左心室射血分数(LVEF)、左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)]、血小板聚集功能、心绞痛发作次数、持续时间及西雅图心绞痛量表(SAQ)评分,观察不良反应发生情况。结果 观察组临床总有效率显著高于对照组(P<0.05);观察组胸痛胸闷、面色暗紫、痰多体胖、倦态乏力评分均低于治疗前且低于对照组治疗后(P<0.05);治疗后观察组2.5μmol/L、5μmol/L、300μmol/L诱导剂下的血小板聚集均显著低于治疗前且低于对照组治疗后(P<0.05);观察组LVEF、SAQ量表高于治疗前及对照组,LVEDD、LVESD、心绞痛发作次数、持续时间低于治疗前及对照组(P<0.05);2组患者不良反应差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 艾灸联合曲美他嗪可改善老年冠心病稳定型心绞痛患者心功能、血小板聚集功能,减少患者心绞痛频率及持续时间,安全性高。

艾灸督脉组穴对血管性痴呆大鼠海马p38 MAPK信号通路及细胞凋亡的影响

目的基于p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(mitogen-activated protein kinase,MAPK)通路探究艾灸督脉组穴对血管性痴呆(vascular dementia,VD)大鼠的脑保护机制。方法将60只SPF级健康雄性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组(12只)和实验组(48只);实验组大鼠采用双侧颈总动脉永久结扎法复制VD大鼠模型,随后将模型复制成功的大鼠分为模型组、艾灸组、阻滞剂组、艾灸+阻滞剂组,每组12只;艾灸组大鼠取“百会”“大椎”“风府”穴,采用温和灸法治疗,每次30 min,每日1次,治疗6 d,休息1 d,连续治疗4周;阻滞剂组在模型复制前30 min腹腔注射p38 MAPK阻滞剂(10μmol/L SB203580),模型复制成功后隔日注射1次,每次每只大鼠按1 mL/kg注射10μmol/L SB203580,连续注射4周;艾灸+阻滞剂组大鼠在阻滞剂组干预方法基础上进行艾灸治疗。采用Morris水迷宫实验检测大鼠认知功能,TUNEL法检测大鼠海马组织CA1区神经元凋亡率,Western blot法和RT-qPCR法分别检测大鼠海马组织CA1区p38 MAPK、Bcl-2、Caspase-3、Caspase-9蛋白及mRNA表达水平。结果与模型组比较,艾灸组、阻滞剂组、艾灸+阻滞剂组大鼠平均逃避潜伏期均显著缩短(P<0.05),穿越平台次数显著增加(P<0.05),海马组织CA1区神经元凋亡率显著降低(P<0.05),p38 MAPK、Caspase-3、Caspase-9蛋白及mRNA表达水平均显著降低(P<0.05),Bcl-2蛋白及mRNA表达水平均显著升高(P<0.05);艾灸+阻滞剂组大鼠平均逃避潜伏期较艾灸组、阻滞剂组显著缩短(P<0.05),穿越平台次数显著增加(P<0.05),海马组织CA1区神经元凋亡率显著降低(P<0.05),p38 MAPK、Caspase-3、Caspase-9蛋白及mRNA表达水平均显著降低(P<0.05),Bcl-2蛋白及mRNA表达水平均显著升高(P<0.05)。结论艾灸督脉组穴对VD大鼠的认知功能具有一定的改善作用,其作用机制可能与调控p38 MAPK信号通路抑制海马神经元凋亡有关。