Study on the Effect of Mild Moxibustion at Different Frequencies on Sub-health State / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To compare the effects of mild moxibustion at different frequencies on sub-health state, and to discuss the effectiveness and dose-response relationship of moxibustion in treating sub-health state. Method Totally 108 subjects were divided by using random number table into group Ⅰ (36 cases), group Ⅱ (36 cases) and group Ⅲ (36 cases). Same acupoints were selected for the three groups, including Guanyuan (CV3), bilateral Zusanli (ST36), and bilateral Sanyinjiao (SP6). A moxa stick was ignited at one end to treat the corresponding points, 3-4 cm away from the skin, making the topical area hot but without burning pain. Each point was treated for 10 min, till the skin flushed. The 3 groups were respectively treated once a day, once every other day, and once a week, 1 month as a treatment course, totally for 2 courses. The Sub-health Symptoms Scale, immunoglobulins IgA, IgM and IgG, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated and statistically analyzed before and after intervention. Result The total effective rate was 87.9% in group Ⅰ, 84.8% in group Ⅱ, and 34.3% in group Ⅲ. The paired comparisons showed that there was no significant difference between group Ⅰ and Ⅱ (P>0.05), while group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ were both significantly different from group Ⅲ (P0.05). Conclusion The therapeutic efficacy of mild moxibustion for sub-health is related to the treatment frequency, and frequencies at once a day and once every other day both can produce significant efficacies, which are superior to that of moxibustion at once a week.