Heat-sensitive moxibustion attenuates the inflammation after focal cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion injury

Heat-sensitive moxibustion has neuroprotective effects against focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, however its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, rat models of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were treated with suspended moxibustion at acupoint Dazhui （DU14） for 35 minutes. Results showed that suspended moxibustion decreased infarct volume, reduced cortical myeloperoxidase activity, and suppressed serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines in rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Our experimental findings indicated that heat-sensitive moxibustion can attenuate inflammation and promote repair after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Heat-sensitive Moxibustion via the NF-κB Signaling Pathway on Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Ischemic stroke is universally acknowledged as a common cause of long-term disability or even death. Suspended moxibustion, an indirect form of moxibustion, is when moxibustion is placed superficially over the skin without being in contact with it. Some researchers have used this method to treat stroke patients, but strong evidence of its therapeutic effectiveness is lacking. However, the effect of traditional suspended moxibustion has recently been improved with the development of heat-sensitive suspended moxibustion. Our previous studies showed that moxibustion for 35 min provided a more effective treatment strategy than moxibustion for 15 min, and moxibustion by 35 min with tail temperature increase had a better outcome than that without, however, the mechanism underlying the effect is not clear. In this study, we treated the stroke rats with moxibustion by 35min and divided them into non-heat sensitive moxibustion(NHSM) group and heat sensitive moxibustion (HSM) group according to difference in the tail temperature increase, then we compared the effect and investigated the mechanisms between NHSM and HSM. We found that HSM significantly decreased tail-flick latency, increased neurological function score, decreased infarct volume, reduced inflammatory cells, decreased the expression of inflammatory factor ICAM-1 and reduced the expression of NF-κB p65 and p-IKKα/β in rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Our experimental findings revealed that HSM exerted its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects from MCAO-induced injury by decreasing the expression of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

The molecular mechanism of meridian qi sensory transmission by heat-sensitive moxibustion in the treatment of cerebral infarction

Background:To explore the potential mechanism of thermal moxibustion in the treatment of i schemic strok e by using the method of network pharmacology and to partially explain the mechanism of acupoint meridian qi sense transmission.Methods:In this project,a training set was formed by researching the intersection of the reported components of M ugwort leaves that entered the blood after combustion and obtained the targets of heat-sensitive moxibustion meridian qi sensing and thermal effect by querying the literature.The Encyclopedia of Tr ad itional Chinese Medicine is used to search and screen the highly active chemical constituents of Artemisia argyi to predict potential targets;search i schemic strok e-related targets through GeneCards,O nline Mendelian Inheritance in Man,Drugbank databases.Gene Oncology functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes signaling pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the potential targets of the blood components of Artemisia argyi and molecular docking simulated the binding activity of key candidate active components and core genes.Results:192 ischemic stroke disease targets with r elevance score greater than 10 were screened out for analysis.Through the database Encyclopedia of Tr ad itional Chinese Medicine query of the action targets(243)of Mugwort leaves and the intersection of heat-sensitive moxibustion effect targets and ischemic stroke-related targets,a Venn diagram was drawn and a total of 17 were obtained.Finally,the effective components of Mugwort leaves into the blood were screened out.Five main volatile components were molecularly docked with 17 targets and 9 targets of acupoint meridian gas sensing/thermal effect.The docking results showed that the main volatile components showed good affinities for binding to key targets,respectively.Conclusion:Using the characteristics of“multi-component-multi-target-multi-pathway”of traditional Chinese medicine,the potential mechanism of action of Artemisia argyi in the treatment of i schemic strok e is explored,which provides a certain basis for the follow-up scientific research and clinical application of Artemisia argyi in the treatment of IS.

Effect and cerebral mechanism of moxibustion at heat-sensitized Yaoyangguan(GV3)in patients with lumbar disc herniation and myofascial pain syndrome by resting-state functionality magnetic resonance imaging:protocol for an observational study

We want to explore the analgesic brain effect of the moxibustion at heat-sensitized Yaoyangguan(GV3)in patients with lumbar disc herniation(LDH)and myofascial pain syndrome(MPS).In an assessor-blinded observational study,we will include 15 LDH and 15 MPS.They will accept same treatment of heat-sensitive moxibustion at Yaoyangguan(GV3).The resting-state functionality magnetic resonance imaging image data of brain activities before and after treatment will be analyzed by mean fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation,regional homogeneity analysis and brain functional connection.We select seed of first sensory cortex,second sensory cortex,insula cortex,periaqueductal gray and anterior cingulate cortex as the regions of interest to analyse the relationship between brain functional connectivity of pain-related networks and clinical data.Our study could disclose key brain targets and central response characteristics of the analgesic brain effect and the brain functional connection of heat-sensitive moxibustion.

Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) treated with moxibustion on heat-sensitive acupoints: a randomized controlled trial

Objective To compare the effects between acupuncture combined with moxibustion on heat-sensitive acupoints and acupuncture on irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea （IBS-D）. Methods Sixty-four cases were randomly divided into an acupuncture and moxibustion group （n=32） and an acupuncture group （n=32）. Conventional acupuncture at Tiānshū （天枢 ST 14）, Zúsānlǐ （足三里 ST 36）, Gōngsūn （公孙 SP 4） and other acupoints was used in the two groups, and moxibustion on heat-sensitive acupoints was added in the acupuncture and moxibustion group. The treatment frequency was 5 times a week, and 4 weeks were a course. After 2 courses, the therapeutic effect was evaluated. Results The clinical symptom scores after treatment in two groups decreased obviously than those before treatment （both P〈0.01）. The cured and markedly effective rate in the acupuncture and moxibustion group was 87.5% （28/32）, and that in the acupuncture group was 37.5% （12/32）, so the effect in the acupuncture and moxibustion group was better than that in the acupuncture group （P〈0.01）. The improvement of all kinds of symptom scores in the acupuncture and moxibustion group was all better than that in the acupuncture group （all P〈0.05）. Conclusion The clinical effect of acupuncture combined with moxibustion on heat-sensitive acupoints on IBS-D is better than that of acupuncture.

Effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus psychological intervention on SP, 5-HT and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Objective： To observe the effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus psychological intervention on serum contents of substance P（SP） and 5-hydroxytryptamine（5-HT）, as well as the quality of life（QOL） in patients with irritable bowel syndrome（IBS）. Methods： A total of 120 IBS patients were divided into three groups by random sampling method, 40 cases in each group. The heat-sensitive moxibustion group received heat-sensitive moxibustion, the psychological intervention group received psychological intervention, while the observation group received both methods. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated after 3 courses of treatment. Results： After treatment, the therapeutic efficacy of the observation group was better than that of the heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the psychological intervention group（P〈0.01）, and the heat-sensitive moxibsution group was better than the psychological intervention group（P〈0.05）. In comparing the bowel symptom scale（BSS）, the observation group was better than the other two groups（P〈0.05）, and there was a significant difference between the heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the psychological intervention group（P〈0.05）. In the comparison of QOL, the observation group was significantly superior to the other two groups（P〈0.05）, and there was a significant difference between the heat-sensitive moxibustion group and psychological intervention group（P〈0.05）. In comparing serum SP and 5-HT, the observation group was markedly better than the other two groups（P〈0.05）, and there were significant differences between the heat-sensitive moxibustion group and psychological intervention group（P〈0.05）. The self-rating anxiety scale（SAS） and self-rating depression scale（SDS） were used to estimate the mental state of the three groups, revealing that the observation group was better than the heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the psychological intervention group（P〈0.05）, and there were significant differences between the latter two groups（P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Heat-sensitive moxibustion plus psychological intervention can regulate the levels of SP and 5-HT, improve BSS, SDS, SAS and QOL in treating IBS.

Therapeutic effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus medications for senile osteoporosis and its effect on serum BMP-2 and OPG levels

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus medications on senile osteoporosis(SOP),and to explore the related mechanisms.Methods:A total of 70 elderly participants with osteoporosis were randomly divided into an observation group and control group,with 35 cases in each group.The control group was treated with conventional drugs,and the observation group was treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion on the basis of the conventional drugs.Both groups were treated for 3 months.Before and after treatment,assessed the visual analog scale(VAS)and Oswestry disability index(ODI)scores,determined the bone mineral density of the participants'lumbar spine(L2-L4)and left femoral neck,and detected the participants'serum bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2)and osteoprotegerin(OPG)levels.Results:After treatment,the VAS scores of both groups were lower than before treatment(both P<0.05),and the VAS score of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the bone mineral density values of the lumbar spine and left femoral neck in both groups were significantly higher than before treatment(both P<0.05),and the bone mineral density values of the observation group were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the ODI scores of the two groups were lower than those before treatment(both P<0.05),and the ODI score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the serum BMP-2 and OPG levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(both P<0.05).Conclusion:Heat-sensitive moxibustion plus medications for SOP can significantly relieve patients'pain,improve dysfunction,and increase bone density,which may be related to the improvement of the serum BMP-2 and OPG levels.

Clinical observation on heat-sensitive moxibustion plus lactulose for postoperative constipation of mixed hemorrhoid due to spleen deficiency

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus lactulose oral liquid for postoperative constipation of mixed hemorrhoid.Methods:A total of 70 patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group,with 35 cases in each group by a random number table.Patients in the control group received lactulose oral liquid alone,while those in the treatment group received additional heat-sensitive moxibustion at Shenque(CV 8).The treatment was given once a day for 15 consecutive days.The defecation interval time,defecation duration,the scores of stool form,visual analog scale(VAS)and patient assessment of constipation quality of life questionnaire(PAC-QOL),as well as the serum substance P(SP)and nitric oxide(NO)levels were measured before and after treatment.Results:After treatment,the stool form score,defecation interval time and defecation duration in the two groups dropped significantly(all P<0.05),and they were lower in the treatment group than in the control group(all P<0.05).After treatment,the VAS scores in the two groups dropped significantly(both P<0.05),and it was lower in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the PAC-QOL scores in the two groups dropped significantly(both P<0.05),and it was lower in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the serum SP and NO levels in the two groups improved significantly(all P<0.05),and showed statistically significant differences between the treatment group and the control group(both P<0.05).Conclusion:Heat-sensitive moxibustion plus lactulose oral liquid can improve stool form,shorten defecation interval time and defecation duration,alleviate defecation pain,and improve quality of life(QOL)for patients with postoperative constipation of mixed hemorrhoid,which may be related to the regulation of the SP and NO levels.

System evaluation and Meta analysis on clinical effi cacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion in treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion in treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy（CSR）. Methods Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure（CNKI）, China Biology Medical（CBM） database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database（VIP）, Wan Fang Data, Pubmed and Cochrane Library were retrieved to search the randomized controlled trials（RCT） on heat-sensitive moxibustion in treatment of CSR, and Meta analysis was conducted by applying Rev Man 5.3 software. Results Eventually, 10 papers were included in this study, including 1008 subjects. Meta analysis result showed： the total effective rate of treatment group was higher than that of control group, and the difference was statistically significant [RR=1.13, 95%CI（1.06, 1.21）, Z=3.54, P=0.000 4]; the cure rate of treatment group was higher than that of control group, and the difference was statistically significant [RR=1.80, 95%CI（1.52, 2.13）, Z=6.82, P〈0.000 01]; the improvement of short-form Mc Gill pain questionnaire（SF-MPQ） of treatment group was superior to that of control group, and the difference was statistically significant [MD=–4.44, 95%CI（–6.38,-2.50）, Z=4.49, P〈0.000 01]; visual analogue scale（VAS） of treatment group was lower than that of control group, and the difference was statistically significant [MD=-0.36, 95%CI（-0.50, –0.23）, Z=5.42, P〈0.00001]; and the improvement of interleukin-6（IL-6） of treatment group was superior to that of control group, and the difference was statistically significant [MD=–7.32, 95%CI（-11.49, –3.14）, Z=3.44, P=0.000 6]. Conclusion It is indicated from the Meta analysis result that the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion or acupuncture combined with heat-sensitive moxibustion in treatment of CSR is superior to that of simple acupuncture or traditional suspended moxibustion, providing a new therapeutic method for treatment of CSR. However, the abovementioned conclusion still needs to be confirmed through randomized blind controlled trials with high quality and large sample size since the sample size of included studies was small, and the quality was low.

Therapeutic observation of acupuncture plus heat-sensitive moxibustion for chronic pelvic inflammatory disease

Objective：To observe the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture plus heat-sensitive moxibustion in treating chronic pelvic inflammatory disease （CPID）, for selecting an effective acupuncture-moxibustion method in treating chronic pelvic inflammation. Methods：Eighty CPID subjects were enrolled and divided into two groups by randomized single-blind method, 40 in each group. The observation group was intervened by acupuncture plus heat-sensitive moxibustion, while the control group was by acupuncture plus box-moxibustion, once every other day, 10 sessions as a treatment course, but the period time was skipped. The therapeutic efficacy was observed after 3 treatment courses. Results：The recovery rate was 45.0% and the total effective rate was 95.0% in the observation group, versus 20.0% and 80.0% in the control roup. There were significant differences in comparing the recovery rate and the total effective rate between the two groups （P〈0.05）. Conclusion：Acupuncture plus heat-sensitive moxibustion can produce a higher therapeutic efficacy in treating CPID than acupuncture plus box-moxibustion, and this is an easy-to-operate and safe method without adverse effect.

Clinical study on skin needling plus heat-sensitive moxibustion for chronic facial paralysis

Objective：To observe the clinical efficacy of skin needling plus heat-sensitive moxibustion in treating chronic facial paralysis. Methods：Sixty patients with chronic facial paralysis were divided into an observation group and an acupuncture group by using the random number table, 30 in each group. Patients in the observation group were given skin needling plus heat-sensitive moxibustion; while patients in the acupuncture group were given conventional acupuncture. Results：Three treatment courses later, the total effective rate was 93.3% in the observation group versus 86.7% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant （P〈0.05）. Conclusion：Skin needling plus heat-sensitive moxibustion can produce a more significant efficacy than conventional acupuncture in treating chronic facial paralysis.

Comparative observation of the effect of electroacupuncture combined with heat-sensitive moxibustion and western medicine for premature ovarian failure

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy between electroacupuncture combined with heat-sensitive moxibustion and western medicine for treatment of premature ovarian failure. Methods Eighty patients were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture combined with heat-sensitive moxibustion group（group A, n=40） and a western medicine group（group B, n=40）. Zǐgōng（子宫 EX-CA 1）, Xuèhǎi（血海 SP 10）, Gānshū（肝俞 BL 18） and Shènshū（肾俞 BL 23） were selected in group A, and acupuncture combined with heat-sensitive moxibustion were carried out. Climen was taken orally in group B. The score changes of menstrual cycle, tidal fever and sweatiness, emotional excitement, soreness and weakness of waist and knees, dizziness and tinnitus, as well as the cured and markedly effective rate of the patients in the two groups before and after two courses of treatment were compared. Results The cured and markedly effective rate of group A was 72.5%（29/40）, which was superior to that of group B（37.5%, 15/40）（ P〈0.05）. The symptom scores were improved significantly in the two groups after treatment（all P〈0.05）, and the improvement in group A was superior to that in group B（all P〈0.05）. Conclusion The efficacy of electroacupuncture combined with heat-sensitive moxibustion is superior to that of conventional western medicine in treatment of premature ovarian failure.

Clinical observation of heat-sensitive moxibustion for acute ischemic stroke

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion in intervening acute ischemic stroke.Methods A total of 112 patients were divided into a control group and an observation group by the random number table method,with 56 cases in each group.The control group was treated with conventional treatment,and the observation group was treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion on the basis of the treatment in the control group.The National Institute of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)and modified Barthel index(MBI)were evaluated,and the intracranial hemodynamic indicators including mean velocity(Vm),pulsatility index(PI)and resistance index(RI)were recorded,and the serum levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and homocysteine(HCY)were measured before and after treatment.Clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment.Results The total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the NIHSS scores in both groups decreased significantly(both P<0.05),and the MBI scores increased significantly(both P<0.05).The improvements of NIHSS and MBI scores in the observation group were superior to those in the control group(both P<0.05).Vm in both groups increased significantly(both P<0.05),PI and RI decreased(all P<0.05),and Vm,PI and RI in the observation group were superior to those in the control group(all P<0.05).The serum levels of SOD and HCY in the observation group were significantly improved,and were statistically different from those in the control group(both P<0.05).Conclusion Conventional treatment plus heat-sensitive moxibustion is effective in intervening acute ischemic stroke.It can promote the recovery of neurological function,improve daily activities,and improve intracranial blood flow,which may be related to the regulation of serum SOD and HCY levels.

Therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion for vascular dementia

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion for vascular dementia and explore its mechanism.Methods:A total of 70 patients with vascular dementia were randomized into an observation group and a control group,with 35 cases in each group.The control group was treated with piracetam,and the observation group was treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion on the basis of the treatment of the control group.The treatment lasted for 8 weeks.Before and after the treatment,the mini-mental state examination(MMSE),activity of daily living(ADL)and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptom scores were assessed,and the levels of acetyl choline(Ach)and homocysteine(Hcy)were measured.The efficacy was evaluated after treatment.Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the MMSE and ADL scores in the observation group decreased significantly,and were lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05);the TCM symptom score of the observation group decreased significantly(P<0.05),while that of the control group had no significant change(P>0.05);the plasma Ach level in the observation group increased significantly(P<0.05),and the Hcy level decreased significantly(P<0.05),which were statistically different from those in the control group(both P<0.05).Conclusion:Heat-sensitive moxibustion plus piracetam is effective in treating vascular dementia.It can significantly improve dementia symptoms and ADL,which may be related to the correction of plasma Ach and Hcy levels.

Observation on therapeutic efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus Western medicine for diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus Western medicine in treating patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN).Methods:A total of 70 patients with DPN were divided into an observation group and a control group by sealed envelope method combined with the random number table method,with 35 cases in each group.The control group was treated with routine medicine,and the observation group was treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion on the basis of the treatment in the control group.After 2 courses of treatment,the scores of Toronto clinical scoring system(TCSS)and vibration perception threshold(VPT)in both groups were observed,and the clinical efficacy was compared.Results:During treatment,3 cases dropped out in the control group and 4 cases in the observation group.After treatment,the total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The scores of TCSS and VPT in both groups decreased after treatment,and the intra-group comparison showed statistical significance(both P<0.05).The scores of TCSS and VPT in the observation group were lower than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(both P<0.05).Conclusion:Heat-sensitive moxibustion plus Western medicine can improve the symptoms in patients with DPN,and has a better curative effect than the Western medicine alone.

Effect observation on heat-sensitive moxibustion for cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type

Objective： To observe the difference of the therapeutic effect between heat-sensitive moxibustion and warm needling therapy for cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type （CSA）. Methods： A total of 60 cases with CSA who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a heat-sensitive moxibustion （HSM） group and a warm needling therapy （WNT） group according to the visiting sequences, with 30 cases in each group. Patients in the former group were treated by heat-sensitive moxibustion, while patients in the latter group were treated by warm needling therapy. Both groups were treated once every other day, with 10 times as 1 course of treatment, and the therapeutic effects were evaluated after I course of treatment. Results： After 1 course of treatment, the total effective rate of the HSM group was 93.3%, versus 83.3% in the WNT group. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Heat-sensitive moxibustion has better therapeutic effect for CSA than warm needling therapy.

Effectiveness and safety of heat-sensitive moxibustion on bronchial asthma:a Meta-analysis of randomized control trials

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of heat-sensitive moxibustion(HSM)onasthma.METHODS: Large databases in China and overseas were searched by electronic and manual means to collect information on randomized controlled trials(RCTs).Two evaluators independently extracted data and evaluated the quality of RCTs according to Cochrane Review Handbook v5.0. RevMan v5.0.20 was used for statisticalanalyses.RESULTS: Fourteen RCTs involving 637 patients were collected.Thirteen RCTs compared the effects of HSM and Western Medicine. After 3-month treatment and after 6-month follow-up, there was no significant difference in effective rate [relative risk(RR)=1.01, 95% CI(0.92, 1.12), and 1.12,(0.93, 1.36),respectively], in the asthma control test score of asthma symptoms [weighted mean difference(WMD)=﹣1.54, 95% CI(﹣3.54, 0.47), and 1.41,(﹣0.48, 3.29), respectively] and in the forced expiratory volumein 1 second(FEV1)and peak expiratory flow(PEF). One RCT compared the effect of HSM with warm-suspended moxibustion. After 6-month follow-up, there was a significant difference in FEV1 and PEF [WMD=0.51, 95% CI(0.10, 0.92), and 1.78,(1.06, 2.50), respectively]. After 3-month treatment,there was no significant difference between the two groups. One RCT compared the effect of HSM with acupoint application. After 3-month treatment, there was no significant difference in the effectiverate[RR=0.68,95%CI(0.42,1.12)].CONCLUSION: HSM did not show superiority to conventional Western Medicine and acupoint application in terms of curative effects, and may be superior to warm-suspended moxibustion with regard to long-term curative effects. Because of low quality of the included RCTs, this conclusion must be bolstered with higher-quality RCTs.

Effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion on facial function score in patients with facial paralysis

Objective： To observe and compare the therapeutic efficacies of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus Western medication, dry Western medication, and acupuncture plus TDP in treating peripheral facial palsy （FP）. Methods： Ninety FP patients were randomized into a Western medication group, a heat-sensitive moxibustion group, and an acupuncture group by using sealed envelope, 30 cases in each group. The Western medication group was intervened by conventional Western medication; the heat-sensitive moxibustion group was by heat-sensitive moxibustion in addition to the same Western medication; the acupuncture group was by the Western medication plus acupuncture and TDP radiation. For the three groups, 6-day treatment was taken as a treatment course, with a 2-day interval between 2 courses, and totally 4 treatment courses were observed. Results： After intervention, the modified Portmann scores were changed significantly in the three groups （P〈0.05）, and the improvements in the heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the acupuncture group were both superior to that in the Western medication group. The recovery plus markedly effective rate of the acupuncture group was significantly different from that of the Western medication group （P〈0.05）, and there was a significant difference in comparing the recovery plus markedly effective rate between the heat-sensitive moxibustion group and acupuncture group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Heat-sensitive moxibustion is effective in treatment peripheral facial paralysis, and this method is free of pain, causing no adverse reactions, and worth promotion in clinic.

Therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion for adjuvant treatment of depression in Parkinson disease

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion for adjuvant treatment of depression in Parkinson disease and explore its mechanism.Methods:A total of 80 patients with Parkinson disease coupled with depression were randomized into an observation group and a control group,with 40 cases in each group.The control group was treated with levodopa and benserazide hydrochloride tablets and paroxetine tablets,while the observation group was treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion on the basis of the medications in the control group.The treatment course was 2 months.The Hamilton depression scale-17(HAMD-17),unified Parkinson's disease rating scale(UPDRS)and Parkinson's disease quality of life questionnaire-39(PDQ-39)were scored before and after the treatment,and the efficacy was evaluated after treatment.Levels of patients'serum dopamine(DA),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)were detected before and after the treatment.Results:After treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The HAMD-17 scores in the two groups decreased significantly after treatment(both P<0.05),and the score in the observation group was obviously lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The component scores and total scores of UPDRS in both groups decreased significantly(all P<0.05),and the scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05).The score of PDQ-39 in the observation group decreased significantly(P<0.05),and was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the serum DA and 5-HT levels in the observation group increased significantly(both P<0.05)and the TNF-αand IL-6 levels decreased significantly(both P<0.05),which were statistically different from those in the control group(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Heat-sensitive moxibustion has certain auxiliary effect in treating depression in Parkinson disease,significantly improving clinical symptoms and the quality of life,which may be related to the up-regulation of DA and 5-HT levels and down-regulation of TNF-αand IL-6 levels.

42 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 of the ordinary type with the adjuvant treatment of heat-sensitive moxibustion

Objective:To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of adjuvant treatment with heat-sensitive moxibustion for coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)of the ordinary type.Methods:A total of 42 patients with COVID-19 of the ordinary type were adopted.Shenque(神阙CV8)and Tianshu(天枢ST25)were selected.Heat-sensitive moxibustion was operated according to the required standard,40 min to 60 min each time,once daily.Before and after moxibustion,the improvements in clinical symptoms were evaluated,such as chest oppression,poor appetite,lassitude and negative emotions.Results:(1)The number of cases and the incidence was 21 cases(50.0%),24 cases(57.1%)and 26 cases(61.9%)for chest oppression,poor appetite and lassitude before heat-sensitive moxibustion.The number of cases was reduced to be 10 cases(23.8%),7 cases(16.7%)and 4 cases(9.5%)after the 1 st treatment of heat-sensitive moxibustion for chest oppression,poor appetite,and lassitude.It was reduced to be 11 cases(26.2%),8 cases(19.0%)and 4 cases(9.5%)after the 2 nd treatment of moxibustion and it was reduced to be 18 cases(42.9%),10 cases(23.8%)and 6 cases(14.3%)after the 3 rd treatment of moxibustion.The incidences of the symptoms were all reduced obviously as compared with those before treatment.(2)Before treatment with heat-sensitive moxibustion,there were 24 cases of negative emotions(57.1%).It was reduced to be 16 cases(38.1%),11 cases(26.2%)and 3 cases(7.1%)after the 1 st,2 nd and 3 rd treatment of heat-sensitive moxibustion successively.The incidences were all reduced obviously as compared with those before treatment.(3)After the 1 st treatment,the active acceptance rate of heat-sensitive moxibustion was 100%(42/42)in the patients,higher than 11.9%(5/42)before treatment.Conclusion:Adjuvant treatment with heat-sensitive moxibustion effectively relieves the symptoms of COVID-19 such as chest oppression,poor appetite and lassitude,and alleviates the negative emotions,such as tension and anxiety.This therapy improves the therapeutic effect of COVID-19 and deserves to be promoted in clinical practice.