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.

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.

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.

Clinical observation of electroacupuncture"Tongmin Point"combined with heat-sensitive moxibustion on knee osteoarthritis and its influence on blood lipid level and ADAMTS-4

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture"Tongmin point"combined with heat-sensitive moxibustion on knee osteoarthritis and its effect on blood lipid level,polyprotein polysaccharide enzyme-4(a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs,ADAMTS-4,matrix metalloproteinase-3(matrix metalloproteinase-3,);and MMPs-3)Impact.Methods:80 patients were randomly divided into two groups,40 cases per group,Treatment and control groups,The treatment group was given electroacupuncture combined with heat-sensitive moxibustion,Six times a week,Continuous treatment for 4 weeks;The control group was given intraarticular sodium hyaluronate,Once a week,continuous treatment for 4 weeks.Results:During the treatment period,Visual analogue scale visual analogue scale,VAS)show a downward trend,Intra-group comparisons,Differences were statistically significant(P<0.05);After 2 weeks of treatment,4 weeks of treatment and 2 weeks of follow-up,All the scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment in two groups(The Western Ontario and Mc Master Universities Osteoarthritis Index,)of osteoarthritis index,University of Western Ontario WOMAC)The scores of each item decreased significantly,treatment group was better than the control group(P<0.05).After four weeks of treatment,(Total cholesterol,)Total cholesterol TC,triglycerides(Triglyceride,);and TG,LDL(Low density lipoprotein,);and LDL-C)A decrease in content,High density lipoprotein High density lipoprotein,HDL-C)Increased content,and the improvement was better than that of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the ADAMTS-4,MMPs-3 content decreased,Intergroup comparisons,Differences were statistically significant(P<0.05);The effective rate in the treatment group was 87.5%,The control rate was 60%,treatment group was more effective(P<0.05).Conclusions:Electroacupuncture"Tongmin point"combined with heat-sensitive moxibustion can obviously improve the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis patients,Regulate blood lipids,High security,It is worth popularizing in clinic.

Heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with Xiangwu powder for erectile dysfunction with kidney deficiency and blood stasis:a randomized controlled trial

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of heatsensitive moxibustion combined with Xiangwu powder in treating erectile dysfunction with kidney deficiency and blood stasis.Methods A total of 80 patients with erectile dysfunction of kidney deficiency and blood stasis were randomly divided into a comprehensive group(40 cases,1 case dropped out)and a Chinese herb group(40 cases,2 cases dropped out).In the Chinese herb group,Xiangwu powder was applied orally,one dose per day.On the basis of the Chinese herb group,heat-sensitive moxibustion was applied after detecting the heat-sensitive points in the areas of Guanyuan(CV 4),Zhongji(CV 3),Qihai(CV 6)and bilateral Xuehai(SP 10),Sanyinjiao(SP 6)in the comprehensive group,once a day,5 times a week.Both groups were treated for 4 weeks.The international index of erectile function-5(IIEF-5)score,erectile hardness score(EHS).

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.

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.

Curative effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion on chronic persistent asthma: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE:To compare the curative effects of heat-sensitive moxibustion with conventional drugs on chronic persistent asthma and seek a valuable therapy to replaceWestern Medicine.METHODS:The participants in this multi-center,randomized,and controlled study were randomly divided into two groups:group A(n=144),treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion(50 sessions)and group B(n=144),treated with Seretide(salmeterol50μg/fluticasone 250μg,twice a day).The scores of asthma control test(ACT),forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1),peak expiratory flow(PEF),and attack frequency were measured after 15,30,60,and 90 days of treatment.Patients followed up3 and 6 months after treatment.RESULTS:There was a significant difference(P=0.0002)in the ACT score and lung function between the two groups after 3 months of treatment and(P=0.000 03)during the follow-up visits.In addition,heat-sensitive moxibustion reduced attack frequency in the period from inclusion to the6-month follow-up visit.CONCLUSION:This study shows that heat-sensitive moxibustion may have a comparable curative effect toSeretide(salmeterol/fluticasone)on asthma.

Heat-sensitive moxibustion for lumbar disc herniation:a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE:To assess the efficacy and safety of heat-sensitive moxibustion in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation(LDH).METHODS:Randomized controlled trials(RCTs) involving heat-sensitive moxibustion in the treatment of LDH were retrieved from the Chinese Biological Medical Literature database(1978-20011),Weipu database(1989-2011),Wanfang digital journal(1998-2011),China National Knowledge Internet(1979-2011),PubMed(1966-2011),EMBASE(1980-2011),and Cochrane Library(Issue 1,2011).Hand-search of the relevant journals from the Library of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine was also adopted for the collection of data.Data were extracted and evaluated by two reviewers independently with a specially designed extraction form.The Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.0.20 software was used for data analyses.RESULTS:A total of 6 trials involving 580 patients were included.Meta-analysis showed that the total effectiveness rate in the heat-sensitive moxibustion group was significantly different when compared with conventional moxibustion [RR=1.19,95% CI [1.06,1.33)] and diclofenac sodium [RR=1.47,95% CI [1.17,1.85)],but similar to that of acupuncture.The cure rate in the heat-sensitive moxibustion group was significantly different when compared with conventional moxibustion [RR=1.58,95% CI(1.04,2.40)] and diclofenac sodium [RR=1.91,95% CI(1.01,3.60)],but similar with that of acupuncture.In terms of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores,significant differences were noted in subjective indices,objective indices,and daily life subscales.Two trials reported that there were no adverse events over the duration of treatment.CONCLUSION:Compared with conventional moxibustion,acupuncture,and diclofenac sodium,heat-sensitive moxibustion in the treatment of LDH is superior in efficacy.Further large-scale trials are required to define the role of heat-sensitive moxibustion in the treatment of this disease.

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.