OBJECTIVE:To observe clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture plus cupping for treating insomnia in college students.

METHODS:Ninety two college students suffering from insomnia were randomly divided into a treatment group (52 cases) and a control group (40 cases). Acupuncture plus cupping was used for profiting the brain and tranquilizing the mind in the treatment group, and conventional differentiation of symptoms and signs was used in the control group. Therapeutic effect, number of treatment, self-rating sleeping scaling (SRSS), and subtracted rate were evaluated after one month of treatment.

RESULTS:There was a significant difference in effective rate between the two groups (P<0.05). For the cases with moderate insomnia, the effective rate was obviously better in the treatment group than that in the control group (P<0.05), and for the cases with slight and moderate insomnia, the average treatment number was remarkably less in the former than that in the latter (P<0.01). SRSS was reduced in both groups (P<0.01, P<0.05) with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The subtracted rate in the former was more than that in the latter (P<0.05). Conclusion: The therapeutic effect in the treatment group was better than that in the control group, showing superiority in the cases with moderate insomnia with less treatments and more improved and cured rates.

OBJECTIVE:To observe clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture plus cupping for treating insomnia in college students.

METHODS:Ninety two college students suffering from insomnia were randomly divided into a treatment group (52 cases) and a control group (40 cases). Acupuncture plus cupping was used for profiting the brain and tranquilizing the mind in the treatment group, and conventional differentiation of symptoms and signs was used in the control group. Therapeutic effect, number of treatment, self-rating sleeping scaling (SRSS), and subtracted rate were evaluated after one month of treatment.

RESULTS:There was a significant difference in effective rate between the two groups (P<0.05). For the cases with moderate insomnia, the effective rate was obviously better in the treatment group than that in the control group (P<0.05), and for the cases with slight and moderate insomnia, the average treatment number was remarkably less in the former than that in the latter (P<0.01). SRSS was reduced in both groups (P<0.01, P<0.05) with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The subtracted rate in the former was more than that in the latter (P<0.05). Conclusion: The therapeutic effect in the treatment group was better than that in the control group, showing superiority in the cases with moderate insomnia with less treatments and more improved and cured rates.

OBJECTIVE: In many Western countries breech presentation is an indication for elective Cesarean section. In order to correct fetal presentation, the stimulation of the acupoint BL67 by moxibustion, acupuncture or both has been proposed. Since no studies had previously been carried out on Western populations, pregnant Italian women at 33-35 weeks gestational age carrying a fetus in breech presentation were enrolled in a randomized, controlled trial involving an active BL67 point stimulation and an observation group. METHODS: A total of 240 women at 33-35 weeks of gestation carrying a fetus in breech presentation were randomized to receive active treatment (acupuncture plus moxibustion) or to be assigned to the observation group. Bilateral acupuncture plus moxibustion was applied at the BL67 acupoint (Zhiyin). The primary outcome of the study was fetal presentation at delivery. RESULTS: Fourteen cases dropped out. The final analysis was thus made on 226 cases, 114 randomized to observation and 112 to acupuncture plus moxibustion. At delivery, the proportion of cephalic version was lower in the observation group (36.7%) than in the active-treatment group (53.6 %) (p = 0.01). Hence, the proportion of Cesarean sections indicated for breech presentation was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the observation group (52.3% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture plus moxibustion is more effective than observation in revolving fetuses in breech presentation. Such a method appears to be a valid option for women willing to experience a natural birth.

OBJECTIVE: In many Western countries breech presentation is an indication for elective Cesarean section. In order to correct fetal presentation, the stimulation of the acupoint BL67 by moxibustion, acupuncture or both has been proposed. Since no studies had previously been carried out on Western populations, pregnant Italian women at 33-35 weeks gestational age carrying a fetus in breech presentation were enrolled in a randomized, controlled trial involving an active BL67 point stimulation and an observation group. METHODS: A total of 240 women at 33-35 weeks of gestation carrying a fetus in breech presentation were randomized to receive active treatment (acupuncture plus moxibustion) or to be assigned to the observation group. Bilateral acupuncture plus moxibustion was applied at the BL67 acupoint (Zhiyin). The primary outcome of the study was fetal presentation at delivery. RESULTS: Fourteen cases dropped out. The final analysis was thus made on 226 cases, 114 randomized to observation and 112 to acupuncture plus moxibustion. At delivery, the proportion of cephalic version was lower in the observation group (36.7%) than in the active-treatment group (53.6 %) (p = 0.01). Hence, the proportion of Cesarean sections indicated for breech presentation was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the observation group (52.3% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture plus moxibustion is more effective than observation in revolving fetuses in breech presentation. Such a method appears to be a valid option for women willing to experience a natural birth.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion combined with intermittent urethral catheterization on vesical function in the patient of neurogenic vesical dysfunction. METHODS: Seventy-six cases were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 38 cases in each group. The control group was treated with routine intermittent urethral catheterization and the observation group with the intermittent urethral catheterization and moxibustion on Guanyuan (CV 4), Mingmen (GV 4), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. Changes of residual urine volume, white cell count and the balance state of the urinary bladder were selected as the indexes of therapeutic effect and the therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 97.4% in the observation group and 79.0% in the control group with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05); after treatment, there were significant differences between the two groups in the residual urine volume, the bladder volume and the case numbers reaching to the functional balance state of bladder (all P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups in white cell count change (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion combined with intermittent urethral catheterization can significantly improve vesical function in the patient of neurogenic vesical dysfunction, reducing residual urine volume, increasing volume of bladder, promoting the balance state of vesical function, but it is basically same as intermittent urethral catheterization in prevention of urinary infection and therapeutic effect.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical therapeutic effect of moxibustion with salt in bamboo circle on periarthritis of shoulder. METHODS Eighty-six cases were randomly divided into a salt-moxibustion group and an electroacupuncture group, 43 cases in each group. The salt-moxibustion group was treated by moxibustion with salt in bamboo circle on the part of obvious pain and hot compress moxibustion on its periphery. The electroacupuncture group was treated with electroacupuncture at Jianyu (LI 15), Jianliao (TE 14), Jianzhen (SI 9), etc. After treatment, the analgesic effect and improvement degrees of active function of the shoulder joint were observed and 3 months later they were followed-up. RESULTS: The two therapies had analgesic effect and could improve active function of shoulder joint, but the salt-moxibustion group in the transient analgesic effect and the improvement degree of active function of the shoulder joint was better than the electroacupuncture group (P< 0.01, P < 0.05). Follow-up survey showed good clinical therapeutic effects in the two groups. The effective rates of pain and active function of shoulder joint were 97.7% and 93.0% in the salt-moxibustion group and 93.0% and 88.4% in the electroacupuncture group, respectively, with no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion with salt in bamboo circle has an obvious therapeutic effect on periarthritis of shoulder, and it has transient analgesic effect and improves active function of shoulder joint, with a stable and long-term therapeutic effect.

OBJECTIVE:To compare the therapeutic effect on sudden deafness between acupuncture and moxibustion therapy of excitation-focus transfer and routine medication.

METHODS:Eighty cases of sudden deafness were randomly divided into two groups, 40 cases in each one. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy of excitation-focus transfer was adopted in observation group on Yongquan (KI 1) (with reducing and slightly heavy manipulation), Tinggong (SI 19), Tinghui (GB 2) and Ermen (TE 21), and associated with suspending moxibustion for thermal sensitization on Yongquan (KI 1). In control group, the routine medications were given. The therapeutic effects of two groups were compared with each other.

RESULTS:After three sessions of treatment, dB value of hearing loss in two groups decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), but the improvement of hearing in observation group was superior to that in control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 80.0% (32/40) in observation group, which was better than that 55.0% (22/40) in control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy of excitation-focus transfer presents superior therapeutic effect on sudden deafness as compared with the routine western therapy.

OBJECTIVE:To compare the therapeutic effect on sudden deafness between acupuncture and moxibustion therapy of excitation-focus transfer and routine medication.

METHODS:Eighty cases of sudden deafness were randomly divided into two groups, 40 cases in each one. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy of excitation-focus transfer was adopted in observation group on Yongquan (KI 1) (with reducing and slightly heavy manipulation), Tinggong (SI 19), Tinghui (GB 2) and Ermen (TE 21), and associated with suspending moxibustion for thermal sensitization on Yongquan (KI 1). In control group, the routine medications were given. The therapeutic effects of two groups were compared with each other.

RESULTS:After three sessions of treatment, dB value of hearing loss in two groups decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), but the improvement of hearing in observation group was superior to that in control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 80.0% (32/40) in observation group, which was better than that 55.0% (22/40) in control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy of excitation-focus transfer presents superior therapeutic effect on sudden deafness as compared with the routine western therapy.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of moxibustion at Sanyinjiao (SP 6) for uterine contraction pain in labor, and evaluate the safety of the parturient and newborn.

METHODS:One hundred and seventy-four cases of singleton pregnancy and cephalic presentation primipara were single blinded and randomly divided into three groups: observation group (59 cases), placebo treated group (57 cases) and blank group (58 cases). The observation group was treated with moxibustion at Sanyinjiao (SP 6) for 30 min when the uterus cervix openning at 3 cm, the placebo treated group was treated with moxibustion at no acupoint for 30 min and the blank group was treated with routine labor nursing, the uterine contraction pain and the safety of the mother and infant were compared among three groups.

RESULTS:1) The uterine contraction pain was tested by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS): the scores of VAS in the observation group were obviously decreased after 15 min and 30 min of moxibustion (both P<0.05), there were no obvious changes of the VAS scores in placebo treated group and the blank group, the scores of VAS in observation group decreased much more obviously than those in the other two groups (all P<0.05); 2) Midwife rating of the uterine contraction pain: after 30 min of moxibustion, the effective rate of labor analgesia was 69.5% (41/59) in observation group, which was higher than that of 45.6% (26/57) in placebo treated group and 43.1% (25/58) in blank group, with significant differences between them (both P<0.05); 3) The postpartum hemorrhage amount of the observation group was obviously lower than those of placebo treated group and blank group (both P<0.05); 4) The Apgar score of newborn was higher in observation group and placebo treated group than that of blank group (both P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:Moxibustion at Sanyinjiao (SP 6) can relieve the uterine contraction pain, and has no side effect to mother and infant, it is one of the safe, effective and simple non-drug analgesia methods.

INTRODUCTION:Our objective was to compare the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese moxibustion to that of sham moxibustion in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) pain.

METHODS:We conducted a randomized placebo-controlled trial involving 110 patients with KOA who met the inclusion criteria. These patients randomly received either active moxibustion (n = 55) or sham moxibustion control (n = 55) at acupoints Dubi (ST 35), extra-point Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), and an Ashi (tender) point three times a week for 6 weeks. Effects were evaluated with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities' Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC VA 3.1) criteria at the end ofthe course of treatment and 3, 12, and 24 weeks after the initial treatment.

RESULTS:The WOMAC pain scores showed greater improvement in the active treatment group than in control at weeks 3 (P = 0.012), 6 (P<0.001), 12 (P = 0.002), and 24 (P = 0.002) as did WOMAC physical function scores of the active treatment group at week 3 (P = 0.002), 6 (P = 0.015), and 12 (P<0.001) but not 24 (P = 0.058). Patients and practitioners were blinded successfully, and no significant adverse effects were found during the trial.

CONCLUSIONS:A 6-week course of moxibustion seems to relieve pain effectively and improve function in patients with KOA for up to 18 weeks after the end of treatment. Moxibustion treatment appears to be safe, and the usefulness of the novel moxa device was validated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:Current controlled trial: ISRCTN68475405. Registered 4 April 2014.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of moxibustion arresting the pulmonary fibrosis and provide experimental basis for prevention and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis with acupuncture and moxibustion. METHODS: One hundred and forty SD rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: a blank group, a model group, a moxibustion group and a prednisone group, 35 rats in each group. The 3 groups expect the blank group were injected with bleomycin via trachea to induce experimental pulmonary fibrosis model, and 7 days after modeling, they were treated with moxibustion at bilateral Feishu (BL 13) and Gaohuang (BL 43), 3 cones each point, once each day, 10 days constituting one therapeutic course with an interval of one day between courses. After 3 courses, all rats were killed and expressions of TGF-beta1mRNA were detected with PCR method. RESULTS: The content of TGF-beta1mRNA in the pulmonary tissue in the moxibustion group and the prednisone group was significantly lower than the model group (P<0.01), and there was no significant difference between the moxibustion group and the prednisone group (P>0. 05). CONCLUSION: Both moxibustion at Feishu (BL 13) and Gaohuang (BL 43), and prednisone treatment can significantly suppress the expression of TGF-beta1mRNA in the pulmonary tissue in the rat of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE:To observe the influence of moxibustion on the cyclin and cellular proliferin of the cerebral cortex in senile mice so as to explore its underlying mechanism in delaying aging.

METHODS:Sixty male mice were randomly and equally divided into control, model, moxibustion of "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Xuanzhong" (GB 39, M-ST 36-GB 39), moxibustion of "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Guanyuan" (CV 4,M-GV 20-COV 4) ,and medication groups. The aging model was established by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose for 42 days. Moxibustion was applied to ST 36, GB 39, GV 20 and CV 4 separately for 3 moxa-cones, once every other day for one month. The expression of cell cycle protein P 16 and retinoblastoma (pRb), and c-fos protein in the cerebral cortex tissue of the senile mice were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS:Compared with control group, the number of P16 immunoreaction (IR) positive neurons in the cerebral cortex increased significantly in the model group (P<0.01), and those of cortical pRb and c-fos IR-positive neurons decreased considerably in model group (P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the number of cortical P 16 IR-positive neurons reduced significantly in M-ST 36-GB 39, M-GV 20-CV 4 and medication groups (P<0.01), and those of cortical pRb and c-fos IR-positive neurons increased remarkably in M-ST 36-GB 39, M-GV 20-CV 4 and medication groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). No significant differences were found in the aforementioned 3 indexes among M-ST 36-GB 39, M-GV 20-CV 4 and medication groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION:Moxibustion of ST 36-GB 39 and GV 20-CV 4 can down-regulate the P 16 expression,and up-regulate pRb and c-fos protein expression in the cerebral cortex of senile mice, which possibly contributes to its effect in delaying aging.

Using electroacupuncture and moxibustion to treat peripheral nerve injury is highly efficient with low side effects. However, the electroacupuncture- and moxibustion-based mechanisms underlying nerve repair are still unclear. Here, in vivo and in vitro experiments uncovered one mechanism through which electroacupuncture and moxibustion affect regeneration after peripheral nerve injury. We first established rat models of sciatic nerve injury using neurotomy. Rats were treated with electroacupuncture or moxibustion at acupoints Huantiao (GB30) and Zusanli (ST36). Each treatment lasted 15 minutes, and treatments were given six times a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Behavioral testing was used to determine the sciatic functional index. We used electrophysiological detection to measure sciatic nerve conduction velocity and performed hematoxylin-eosin staining to determine any changes in the gastrocnemius muscle. We used immunohistochemistry to observe changes in the expression of S100-a specific marker for Schwann cells-and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect serum level of nerve growth factor. Results showed that compared with the model-only group, sciatic functional index, recovery rate of conduction velocity, diameter recovery of the gastrocnemius muscle fibers, number of S100-immunoreactive cells, and level of nerve growth factor were greater in the electroacupuncture and moxibustion groups. The efficacy did not differ between treatment groups. The serum from treated rats was collected and used to stimulate Schwann cells cultured in vitro. Results showed that the viability of Schwann cells was much higher in the treatment groups than in the model group at 3 and 5 days after treatment. These findings indicate that electroacupuncture and moxibustion promoted nerve regeneration and functional recovery; its mechanism might be associated with the enhancement of Schwann cell proliferation and upregulation of nerve growth factor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of acne, and to analyze the current situation of clinical studies at present. METHODS: Retrieve PubMed, Cochrane library, CBM databank, CNKI databank, etc., and collect the randomized and controlled trials of treatment of acne with acupuncture and moxibustion, and select clinical trials conforming with the enrolled criteria, and conduct evaluation of quality with Cochrane systematic manual 5.0, and RevMan 4.2.8 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Seventeen papers, including 1,613 cases, conformed with the enrolled criteria. Seventeen studies adopted the cured rate as the evaluation index, Meta-analysis showed treatment of acne by acupuncture and moxibustion with routine western medicine as control, significant difference for inter-group comparison [combined RR (random efficacy model) = 2.96, 95% CI (1.63, 4.91), Z=4.08. P<0.0001]; comprehensive acupuncture and moxibustion therapy was controlled with single acupuncture moxibustion therapy, significant difference for inter-group comparison [combined RR (fixed efficacy model) = 2.51, 95% CI (1.76, 3.57), Z=5.11, P<0.00001]. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture-mox ibustion is safe and effective for treatment of acne, and it is possibly better than routine western medicine, and the comprehensive acupuncture-moxibustion therapy is better than single acupuncture-moxibustion therapy. The conclusion has not been determined yet, because lower quality of a part of literature enrolled.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of acne, and to analyze the current situation of clinical studies at present. METHODS: Retrieve PubMed, Cochrane library, CBM databank, CNKI databank, etc., and collect the randomized and controlled trials of treatment of acne with acupuncture and moxibustion, and select clinical trials conforming with the enrolled criteria, and conduct evaluation of quality with Cochrane systematic manual 5.0, and RevMan 4.2.8 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Seventeen papers, including 1,613 cases, conformed with the enrolled criteria. Seventeen studies adopted the cured rate as the evaluation index, Meta-analysis showed treatment of acne by acupuncture and moxibustion with routine western medicine as control, significant difference for inter-group comparison [combined RR (random efficacy model) = 2.96, 95% CI (1.63, 4.91), Z=4.08. P<0.0001]; comprehensive acupuncture and moxibustion therapy was controlled with single acupuncture moxibustion therapy, significant difference for inter-group comparison [combined RR (fixed efficacy model) = 2.51, 95% CI (1.76, 3.57), Z=5.11, P<0.00001]. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture-mox ibustion is safe and effective for treatment of acne, and it is possibly better than routine western medicine, and the comprehensive acupuncture-moxibustion therapy is better than single acupuncture-moxibustion therapy. The conclusion has not been determined yet, because lower quality of a part of literature enrolled.

OBJECTIVES: to explore the effects of moxibustion treatment, to examine the predictors of its use in causing a breech presentation to spontaneously turn to a cephalic presentation which will result in a vaginal birth (the paper will refer to this as 'successful') and offer external cephalic version (ECV) subsequently after moxibustion treatment when the fetus remains in a breech presentation. DESIGN: a prospective study over a two-year time period from February 2004 until January 2006. PARTICIPANTS: 76 pregnant women from various acupuncture practices in the UK, with a third trimester breech presentation. INTERVENTIONS: the acupuncturist taught the women how to apply moxibustion (sticks of compressed dried herbs-Artemisia vulgaris) treatment at home by stimulating the acupoint on the outer edge at the base of the little toe nail for seven days twice a day (morning and afternoon). If the breech presentation persisted after treatment, ECV was carried out towards the end of the pregnancy. The obstetricians offered this during the routine antenatal hospital visits. FINDINGS: the results show that following treatment with moxibustion, 31 (40.8%) of the breech presentations spontaneously turned to cephalic presentations, and a further 33 (43.4%) breech presentations were turned by ECV. Women who involved other people in the administration of moxibustion were twice as likely to be successful. Multiparous women were also 16% more likely than primiparous women to succeed in achieving a spontaneous version with the use of moxibustion. Fewer side effects reported when using moxibustion were the strongest predictor of successful spontaneous cephalic version with an odds ratio of 12% (p = 0.02). KEY CONCLUSIONS: moxibustion creates a better chance of vaginal birth for expectant mothers. Of the women who were successful in turning their babies using moxibustion, 88% went on to have a normal birth and 12% had a caesarean section. Moxibustion treatment also significantly increases version from a breech presentation to a cephalic presentation where there are fewer side effects reported, if the woman is multiparous and has support during the administration of moxibustion treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: moxibustion treatment should be offered to all women with a breech presentation because it is non-invasive and can be self-administered by the woman. It is therefore a simple, cost-effective technique that requires no medical intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of suspended moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20) for insomnia. METHODS: 75 cases were divided randomly into two groups, with 40 cases in the treatment group treated by suspended moxibustion over Baihui (GV 20) and 35 cases in the control group treated by oral administration of Estazolam. RESULTS: The difference in therapeutic effect between the two groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.1). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that suspended moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20) is as effective as Estazolam for insomnia.

OBJECTIVE:To discuss the impacts of moxibustion for regulating spleen and stomach function on the survival quality of the patients of end stage renal disease (ESRD) with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).

METHODS:One hundred and nine cases of uremia with MHD from 3 hemodialysis centers were randomized into an observation group (58 cases) and a control group (51 cases). The regular hemodialysis and conventional medication were used in the two groups. In the observation group, on the basis of the common treatment, moxibustion was applied to Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), 2-3 times a day, the treatment of 4 weeks made one session. Totally, 3 sessions were required and the follow-up lasted for 3 months. KDQOL-SF (kidney disease quality of life short form,KDQOL-SFTM 1. 3) was adopted for the questionnaire investigation on survival quality before treatment, after treatment and at the end of follow-up separately in the two groups.

RESULTS:After treatment, the survival quality scores in terms of physical functioning (83.62+/-13.27 vs 79.32+/- 22. 17), general health (58. 88+/- 20.24 vs 48.82+/-20.89) and vitality (77.07+/-15.56 vs 70. 59+/-22.61) in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (all P<0. 05). In comparison before and after treatment in the same group, the survival quality scores in terms of physical functioning, general health, vitality and symptoms/problems were all improved in the observation group (all P<0. 05). At the end of follow-up, the survival quality scores in terms of physical functioning, general health, mental health, social functioning, vitality, effects of kidney disease and cognitive function were higher in the observation group as compared with those in the control group (all P<0. 05). In comparison of the results at the end of follow-up with those before treatment, the survival quality scores in terms of vitality, symptoms/problems and cognitive function in the observation group were improved (all P<0. 05). The differences were not significant in all of the 19 fields of survival quality evaluation before and after treatment, and after follow-up in the control group (all P>0. 05).

CONCLUSION:Moxibustion for regulating spleen and stomach function improves the survival quality of the patients with hemodialysis in terms of physical functioning, general health and vitality, which benefits the psychological condition of the patients, resulting in the improvements of the survival quality in the fields of mental health, social functioning, effects of kidney disease and cognitive function.