[Effects of blistering cupping combined with thunder-fire moxibustion on the efficacy and airway remodeling of cold-wheezing syndrome in bronchial asthma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of the combined application of blistering cupping with thunder-fire moxibustion in treating bronchial asthma of cold-wheezing syndrome, and its influences on airway remodeling, inflammatory factors, lung function, and quality of life on the base of conventional western medicine treatment. METHODS: A total of 76 patients with bronchial asthma of cold-wheezing syndrome were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 38 cases in each group. In the control group, the basic treatment was used, i.e. budesonide formoterol powder inhalation. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment as the control group, blistering cupping combined with thunder-fire moxibustion was supplemented, Dazhui (GV 14), Danzhong (CV 17) and bilateral Feishu (BL 13), Gaohuang (BL 43), and Zhongfu (LU 1) were selected; blistering cupping was administered once a day and thunder-fire moxibustion was given twice a day. One course of treatment was composed of 7 days in both groups, and 2 courses of treatment were required. Before and after treatment, the airway remodeling indexes (matrix metalloproteinase-9 [MMP-9], tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 [TIMP-1], and transforming growth factor-ß1 [TGF-ß1]) and inflammatory indexes (interleukin [IL] -1ß、IL-25) were detected by using radioimmunoassay in the patients of the two groups. The lung function, traditional Chinese medicine symptom score, and asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) score were observed in the patients of the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the serum levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, TGF-ß1, IL-1ß, IL-25, peak expiratory flow (PEFR), traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores, and AQLQ scores were decreased compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (P<0.05), and the results in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the first second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) were increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the results in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: On the basis of the conventional western medicine treatment, the combination of blistering cupping with thunder-fire moxibustion can effectively ameliorate the clinical symptoms of patients, reduce inflammatory levels, inhibit airway remodeling and improve the lung function and quality of life in the patients with bronchial asthma.

Effects of blistering cupping combined with thunder-fire moxibustion on the efficacy and airway remodeling of cold-wheezing syndrome in bronchial asthma / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical efficacy of the combined application of blistering cupping with thunder-fire moxibustion in treating bronchial asthma of cold-wheezing syndrome, and its influences on airway remodeling, inflammatory factors, lung function, and quality of life on the base of conventional western medicine treatment.@*METHODS@#A total of 76 patients with bronchial asthma of cold-wheezing syndrome were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 38 cases in each group. In the control group, the basic treatment was used, i.e. budesonide formoterol powder inhalation. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment as the control group, blistering cupping combined with thunder-fire moxibustion was supplemented, Dazhui (GV 14), Danzhong (CV 17) and bilateral Feishu (BL 13), Gaohuang (BL 43), and Zhongfu (LU 1) were selected; blistering cupping was administered once a day and thunder-fire moxibustion was given twice a day. One course of treatment was composed of 7 days in both groups, and 2 courses of treatment were required. Before and after treatment, the airway remodeling indexes (matrix metalloproteinase-9 [MMP-9], tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 [TIMP-1], and transforming growth factor-β1 [TGF-β1]) and inflammatory indexes (interleukin [IL] -1β、IL-25) were detected by using radioimmunoassay in the patients of the two groups. The lung function, traditional Chinese medicine symptom score, and asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) score were observed in the patients of the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the serum levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, TGF-β1, IL-1β, IL-25, peak expiratory flow (PEFR), traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores, and AQLQ scores were decreased compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (P<0.05), and the results in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the first second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) were increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the results in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of the conventional western medicine treatment, the combination of blistering cupping with thunder-fire moxibustion can effectively ameliorate the clinical symptoms of patients, reduce inflammatory levels, inhibit airway remodeling and improve the lung function and quality of life in the patients with bronchial asthma.

[A clinical study of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with meibomian gland massage in treatment of meibomian gand dysfunction].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with meibomian gland massage in improving meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and explore its mechanism. METHODS: Seventy-two MGD patients with 144 eyes in the Jinhua Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2019 to January 2021 were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group (n=36,72 eyes) and a control group (n=36, 72 eyes). Patients in the control group received 0.1% fluo-rometholone eye drops and 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops, 1-2 drops per time, four times per day, and the meibomian glands were massaged once per day. Patients in the experimental group received additional thunder-fire moxibustion on the basis of the treatment of the control group, 10 cones per time, once per day. One month after treatment, meibomian gland function was assessed, and the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prostaglandin E2(PGE2) in tears were detected. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of Ocular Surface Disease Index, meibomian hyperemia, meibomian gland opening, meibomian gland loss, and meibomian gland secretion function were lower than those before treatment in the two groups, and the scores of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the tear break-up time and tear meniscus height were higher than those before treatment in the two groups, which were higher in the experimental group than those in the control group (P<0.05). The post-treatment levels of IL-6 and PGE2 were lower than those before treatment in the two groups, and the levels in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Thunder-fire moxibustion combined with meibomian gland massage can significantly improve the function of the meibomian glands and lower the levels of IL-6 and PGE2 in tears.

Efficacy of thunder-fire moxibustion in treating ankylosing spondylitis of kidney deficiency and governor meridian cold and its influence on TNF-α and RANKL: study protocol for a prospective, nonblinded, single-center, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a common chronic inflammatory spondyloarthropathy. It is considered in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that the pathogenesis of AS is mainly due to Yang deficiency of kidney governor meridian and internal prosperity of cold evil. Thunder-fire moxibustion is a kind of moxibustion that is characterized in abundance in drug composition, high heat radiation, and strong penetration. Thunder-fire moxibustion on the spinal segment of the governor meridian in treating AS seems compatible with the main pathogenesis of kidney deficiency and governor meridian cold. The trial aims to explore the efficacy of thunder-fire moxibustion in patients with AS of kidney deficiency and governor meridian cold and its influence on bone metabolism, through a prospective randomized trial. METHODS: Sixty patients with AS of kidney deficiency and governor meridian cold will be recruited and randomly assigned to the treatment group (thunder-fire moxibustion three times a week plus basic treatment) and the control group (basic treatment) at the Center of TCM of Beijing Luhe Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University (Beijing, China). Each patient will be treated for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the efficacy of TCM syndrome, and the secondary outcome indexes will include the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Short-Form-36 Questionnaire (SF-36), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). TNF-α and RANKL with observation will be determined once respectively before and after treatment, while the other indexes will be observed once prior to the treatment, 2 weeks post-treatment, and at the end of the treatment. Side effects will be recorded and analyzed as well. Inter-group comparison and analysis will be performed based on the intention-to-treat set and per-protocol set. DISCUSSION: This prospective randomized trial will help verify the efficacy of thunder-fire moxibustion in treating AS of kidney deficiency and governor meridian cold, discuss preliminarily its mechanism in treating this disease, and provide high-quality evidences for scientific researches on clinical treatment with thunder-fire moxibustion against AS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100044227 . Registered on 12 March 2021.

[Effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with electroacupuncture on urodynamics in patients with neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture combined with thunder-fire moxibustion on urodynamics in patients with neurogenic bladder (NB) after spinal cord injury(SCI). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with NB after SCI were divided into control group and observation group using a random number table, with 30 patients in each group. Bladder management protocol was performed for both groups. The patients in the control group were given electroacupuncture at Shangliao (BL31), Zhongliao (BL33), Xialiao (BL34), and Ciliao (BL32) at both sides, and those in the observation group were given thunder-fire moxibustion as mild-warm moxibustion at Yaoyangguan (GV3), Mingmen (CV4), Qihai (CV6), Guanyuan (CV4), and Zhongji (CV3) in addition to the treatment in the control group; electroacupuncture or moxibustion was performed for 20 min each time, once a day, with 10 times as one course of treatment, and both groups were treated for 3 courses. Number of times of voluntary urination, maximum single urine volume, and number of times of urethral catheterization were recorded at 3 d before and after treatment; maximum urinary flow rate during urination, maximum bladder capacity during urination, bladder pressure during the bladder filling period, and residual urine volume were recorded before and after treatment, and bladder compliance was calculated; clinical outcome was evaluated for both groups. RESULTS: After treatment, both groups had significant reductions in the numbers of times of urination and urethral catheterization (P<0.05) and a significant increase in maximum single urine volume (P<0.05), and the observation group had significantly better results than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, both groups had significant reductions in residual urine volume and bladder pressure during the bladder filling period, and the observation group had significantly greater reductions than the control group (P<0.05); both groups had significant increases in bladder compliance, maximum bladder capacity during urination, and maximum urinary flow rate during urination, and the observation group had significantly higher values than the control group (P<0.05). The observation group had a significantly higher response rate than the control group ï¼»90.00% (27/30) vs 63.33% (19/30), P<0.05ï¼½. CONCLUSION: Thunder-fire moxibustion combined with electroacupuncture can effectively improve bladder urodynamics and has a marked clinical effect in patients with NB after SCI.

[Randomized controlled trial on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy of wind-cold-damp type treated with acupuncture and thunder-fire moxibustion].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with thunder-fire moxibustion on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy of wind-cold-damp type and its impacts on the conduction velocity of F wave of median nerve and ulnar nerve, as well as hypersensitive C-responsive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1ß and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in serum. METHODS: A total of 94 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy of wind-cold-damp type were randomly divided into a control group and a combined therapy group, 47 cases in each group. In the control group, acupuncture was applied to Fengchi (GV20), Tianzhu (BL10), Neck-Jiaji (EX-B5), Dazhui (GV14) and others, 30 min each time, once daily, 5 times a week, totally for 4 weeks. In the combined therapy group, on the base of the treatment as the control group, the thunder-fire moxibustion was adopted over GV20, EX-B5, GV14, Jianjing (ST21) and Tianzong (SI11), 20 min each time, once every other day, for 4 weeks in total. After the treatment, the curative effect was compared in the patients between two groups. The short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ), the neck specificity scale and the MOS 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) were scored. The conduction velocity of F wave in median nerve and ulnar nerve was detected by electromyography. The expression of hs-CRP was measured by immunoturbidimetry. IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α in serum were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The total effective rate in the combined therapy group was 95.7% (45/47), which was higher than 80.9% (38/47) in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with their own pretreatment, the scores of SF-MPQ, neck specificity scale and SF-36 were all obviously improved after treatment in the patients of either group (P<0.05), while the conduction velocity of F wave in median nerve and ulnar nerve was accelerated and hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α in serum were decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the improvements in the scores of SF-MPQ, neck specificity scale and SF-36 were more obvious (P<0.05), the increase of the conduction velocity of F wave in median nerve and ulnar nerve and the decrease of hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α in serum were more remarkable (P<0.05) in the combined therapy group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with thunder-fire moxibustion relieves the clinical symptoms of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy of wind-cold-damp type.

[Tapping at acupoints along meridian combined with thunder-fire moxibustion for upper-limb hemiplegia after stroke].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of tapping at acupoints along meridian combined with thunder-fire moxibustion on upper-limb muscle strength and activities of daily living in patients with upper-limb hemiplegia after stroke. METHODS: A total of 140 patients with upper-limb hemiplegia after stroke were randomly divided into a combination group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off), an acupoint-tapping group (35 cases), a moxibustion group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a routine group (35 cases). The patients in the routine group were only treated with routine treatment and nursing. On the basis of the treatment in the routine group, the patients in the acupoint-tapping group were treated with tapping along the large intestine meridian of hand yangming, with Hegu (LI 4), Shousanli (LI 10), Quchi (LI 11), Shouwuli (LI 13) and Jianyu (LI 15) as the key acupoints, once a day, 10 min each time; the patients in the moxibustion group were treated with thunder-fire moxibustion at the affected-side Shousanli (LI 10), Quchi (LI 11) and their surrounding area, once a day, 15 min each time. The patients in the combination group were treated with tapping at acupoints along meridian, followed by thunder-fire moxibustion. The treatment was 6 days a week for 4 weeks in the 4 groups. The body mass index of joint activity (shoulder abduction, elbow extension, wrist flexion) and Barthel index (BI) score were observed before and after treatment in the four groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, body mass indexs of shoulder abduction, elbow extension, wrist flexion as well as BI scores in the four groups were significantly increased after treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the body mass indexs of joint activity in the combination group were higher than those in the other three groups (P<0.05). The BI scores in the acupoint-tapping group, the moxibustion group and the combination group were higher than those in the routine group (P<0.05). The BI score in the combination group was higher than the acupoint-tapping group and the moxibustion group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tapping at acupoints along meridian combined with thunder-fire moxibustion could effectively improve the upper-limb muscle strength and activities of daily living in patients with upper-limb hemiplegia after stroke, and its effect is superior to simple tapping at acupoints along meridian or thunder-fire moxibustion.

[Thunder-fire moxibustion combined with mifepristone for ovarian chocolate cyst dysmenorrhea with kidney deficiency and blood stasis: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with mifepristone for ovarian chocolate cyst dysmenorrhea with kidney deficiency and blood stasis. METHODS: Seventy patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 35 cases in each group. The patients in the the control group were treated with oral administration of mifepristone, 10 mg each time, once a day; based on the treatment of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with thunder-fire moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Xuehai (SP 10), once every other day. Both the groups were treated for 3 months. The Cox menstrual symptom scale (CMSS) score, the maximum cross-sectional area of ectopic cyst, and the serum levels of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. The clinical efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the severity scores and duration scores of CMSS as well as the serum levels of TGF-ß1 were reduced after treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the serum level of IL-17 in the observation group was reduced (P<0.05); the reducing of the severity score and duration score of CMSS as well as the serum levels of TGF-ß1 and IL-17 in the observation group were more significant than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the maximum cross-sectional area of ectopic cyst in the two groups was decreased (P<0.05), and the reducing in the observation group was more significant than that in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 94.3% (33/35) in the observation group, which was higher than 71.4% (25/35) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Thunder-fire moxibustion combined with mifepristone could significantly improve dysmenorrhea symptoms, shorten dysmenorrhea time and promote atrophy of ovarian heterotopic cyst in patients with ovarian chocolate cyst dysmenorrhea of kidney deficiency and blood stasis, and the mechanism may be related to the reduction of serum levels of TGF-ß1 and IL-17.

Thunder-fire moxibustion combined with mifepristone for ovarian chocolate cyst dysmenorrhea with kidney deficiency and blood stasis: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with mifepristone for ovarian chocolate cyst dysmenorrhea with kidney deficiency and blood stasis.@*METHODS@#Seventy patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 35 cases in each group. The patients in the the control group were treated with oral administration of mifepristone, 10 mg each time, once a day; based on the treatment of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with thunder-fire moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Xuehai (SP 10), once every other day. Both the groups were treated for 3 months. The Cox menstrual symptom scale (CMSS) score, the maximum cross-sectional area of ectopic cyst, and the serum levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. The clinical efficacy was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the severity scores and duration scores of CMSS as well as the serum levels of TGF-β1 were reduced after treatment in the two groups (@*CONCLUSION@#Thunder-fire moxibustion combined with mifepristone could significantly improve dysmenorrhea symptoms, shorten dysmenorrhea time and promote atrophy of ovarian heterotopic cyst in patients with ovarian chocolate cyst dysmenorrhea of kidney deficiency and blood stasis, and the mechanism may be related to the reduction of serum levels of TGF-β1 and IL-17.

Tapping at acupoints along meridian combined with thunder-fire moxibustion for upper-limb hemiplegia after stroke / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of tapping at acupoints along meridian combined with thunder-fire moxibustion on upper-limb muscle strength and activities of daily living in patients with upper-limb hemiplegia after stroke.@*METHODS@#A total of 140 patients with upper-limb hemiplegia after stroke were randomly divided into a combination group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off), an acupoint-tapping group (35 cases), a moxibustion group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a routine group (35 cases). The patients in the routine group were only treated with routine treatment and nursing. On the basis of the treatment in the routine group, the patients in the acupoint-tapping group were treated with tapping along the large intestine meridian of hand @*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, body mass indexs of shoulder abduction, elbow extension, wrist flexion as well as BI scores in the four groups were significantly increased after treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#Tapping at acupoints along meridian combined with thunder-fire moxibustion could effectively improve the upper-limb muscle strength and activities of daily living in patients with upper-limb hemiplegia after stroke, and its effect is superior to simple tapping at acupoints along meridian or thunder-fire moxibustion.

Observation on therapeutic efficacy of thunder-fire moxibustion for hypomenorrhea after induced abortion / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of thunder-fire moxibustion for hypomenorrhea after induced abortion. Methods: A total of 74 patients with hypomenorrhea after induced abortion were randomized into two groups, with 37 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional hormone sequential therapy, and the observation group was treated with thunder-fire moxibustion. The course of treatment was 3 menstrual cycles. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, menstrual volume, endometrial thickness and the sex hormone levels were observed before and after treatment. The clinical efficacy was compared after treatment. Results: The total effective rate in the observation group and the control group was 91.4％ and 73.5％, respectively, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM symptom scores in both groups decreased significantly (all P<0.05), and the scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The menstrual volume, endometrial thickness and each sex hormone level of the patients in both groups were significantly improved after treatment (all P<0.05), and the improvements in the observation group were more significant than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Thunder-fire moxibustion can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients with hypomenorrhea after induced abortion; it can increase menstrual volume and endometrial thickness, and regulate the sex hormone levels, producing a better curative effect than the conventional hormone sequential therapy.

[Clinical effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of cold-dampness knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of cold-dampness knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: A total of 72 patients with cold-dampness knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into observation group and control group according to the random numbers generated by computer software, with 36 patients in each group. For the observation group, electroacupuncture was performed at the main acupoints of Dubi (ST35), Neixiyan (EX-LE4), Zusanli (ST36), Yanglingquan (GB34), Yinlingquan (SP9), Xuehai (SP10), Liangqiu (ST34), and Heding (EX-LE2) once a day, with a needle retaining time of 30 min, and thunder-fire moxibustion was performed at Shenque (CV8) and Guanyuan (CV4) in the form of suspended moxibustion once a day, with 30 min each time. The patients in the control group were given oral administration of diclofenac sodium double-release enteric-coated capsules, 75 mg each time, once a day, and Fugui Gutong capsules, 6 capsules a time and 3 times a day. Each course of treatment was 14 days, and both groups were treated for 2 courses, with an interval of 2 days between the two courses. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and Lequesne index were observed before the treatment, immediately after the treatment, and at 4 months after the treatment, and the outcome of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome was compared between the two groups after treatment. RESULTS: Both groups had significant reductions in VAS score, WOMAC score, and Lequesne index immediately and at 4 months after the treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group had significant reductions in VAS score, Lequesne index, and WOMAC score (scores of pain, function and total score) immediately and at 4 months after the treatment (P<0.05). The effective rate was 97.1% (34/35) in the observation group, and was 78.8% (26/33) in the control group. The effective rate of the observation group was obviously higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Thunder-fire moxibustion combined with electroacupuncture has a better, more durable clinical effect and fewer adverse reactions than the drugs in the treatment of cold-dampness knee osteoarthritis.

Thunder-fire moxibustion for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Thunder-fire moxibustion originated in China and contains traditional Chinese medicine. It can produce strong firepower, infrared thermal radiation, and medicinal effects when burning on the acupoints. Thunder-fire moxibustion is commonly used in patients with neck pain, but its efficacy has rarely been systematically demonstrated. We designed a randomized trial of thunder-fire moxibustion on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) to investigate whether it is more effective than ibuprofen sustained-release capsules. METHODS: One hundred patients will be recruited and randomly divided into thunder-fire moxibustion and ibuprofen groups. The intervention consists of ten treatments and will last for 2 weeks. The Yasuhisa Tanaka 20 Score Scale is used as the primary outcome measure. It contains a combination of the self-conscious symptom in patients, objective clinical evaluation from doctors, and social evaluation (the ability to work and live). The objective and comprehensive evaluation of CSR patients before and after treatment is particularly needed. The Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2), Neck Disability Index score scale (NDI), and the Quality of Life Assessment (SF-36) are applied as secondary outcome measures. The assessment will take place at the baseline and the first and second weekends of treatment. If an adverse event (AEs) occurs, it will be reported. DISCUSSION: The aim of this trial is to determine whether thunder-fire moxibustion is more effective than ibuprofen in the treatment of patients with CSR. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn), ChiCTR1800018820. Registered on 11 October 2018.

[Effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with vibration training on low back pain of primary osteoporosis].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with vibration training and simple vibration training on low back pain of primary osteoporosis by Young's modulus of ultrasonic wave, and seek an objective evaluating method. METHODS: A total of 60 patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. The patients in the two groups were treated with vibration training using whole body vibration treatment bed. In the observation group, thunder-fire moxibustion was applied at Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Mingmen (GV 4), Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23) and Dachangshu (BL 25). The treatment was given once every other day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The visual analogue score (VAS), real-time shear wave elastography (RTSWE) and medical outcomes study 36-item short-form hearth survey (SF-36) were used to evaluate pain intensity, multifidus muscle tone (Young's modulus) and quality of life before treatment, after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the VAS scores, Young's modulus of multifidus muscle and 5 dimensions of SF-36 (physical condition, body pain, general health, social function and mental health) after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment were significantly improved in the two groups (all P<0.05), the physiological role in the observation group after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment were improved (both P<0.05). In the observation group, the VAS scores, Young's modulus of multifidus muscle and 3 dimensions of SF-36 (physiological role, body pain and general health) after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment were superior to the control group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with vibration training is superior to simple vibration training in relieving low back pain intensity and multifidus muscle tone, and improving quality of life for primary osteoporosis. RTSWE technique can be an objective examination method to evaluate pain.

Electroacupuncture combined with thunder-fire moxibustion in the treatment of cold-dampness knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Both thunder-fire moxibustion and electroacupuncture can effectively improve the related symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. At the same time, the two treatments have the advantages of simple operation, low cost, strong practicability and so on. OBJECTIVE: To observe the difference in curative effect between thunder-fire moxibustion combined with electro-acupuncture and celecoxib capsule in the treatment of cold-wet knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with cold-wet knee osteoarthritis, including 35 males and 37 females, who were treated in Ruikang Hospital affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine from June 2017 to December 2018, were randomly divided into two groups: observation group (n=35) received thunder-fire moxibustion (once a day) combined with electroacupuncture treatment (once a d); and control group (n=37) was given oral celecoxib capsule (once a day). Treatment in each group lasted for two sessions of 14 days each with a 2-day break. Visual analogue scale score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) score, and joint fluid related inflammatory index were detected before and after treatment. The effective rate of TCM syndrome was evaluated. A 1-month follow-up was carried out after treatment. The experimental protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Ruikang Hospital affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine (KY2017-005). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There were no adverse reactions in the two groups. The visual analogue scale scores and WOMAC scores (pain, stiffness and function) in the observation group were significantly reduced after treatment and during the follow-up (P < 0.05). The visual analogue scale scores and WOMAC scores (pain and stiffness) in the control group were significantly reduced after treatment and at the end of the follow-up (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the visual analogue scale scores and WOMAC scores (pain, stiffness and function) were significantly lower in the observation group after treatment and during the follow-up (P < 0.05). The levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the two groups were significantly lowered after treatment, and a more significant reduction was observed in the observation group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate of treatment in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (97.1% vs. 81.1%, P < 0.05). Therefore, electroacupuncture combined with thunder-fire moxibustion has favorable outcomes in the treatment of cold-wet knee osteoarthritis accompanied by less adverse reactions. Moreover, electroacupuncture combined with thunder-fire moxibustion is superior to celecoxib capsule in terms of curative effect persistence.

Therapeutic effect of Yaotongning Capsules and thunder-fire moxibustion in treatment of 40 cases of lumbar disc herniation with cold and blood-stasis syndrome / 中草药

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy effect of Yaotongning Capsules combined with thunder-fire moxibustion on lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods: A total of 80 LDH patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 40 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with Yaotongning Capsules combined with thunder-fire moxibustion, and the control group was treated with ibuprofen sustained release capsule combined with thunder-fire moxibustion. VAS score, JOA score, ODI score and clinical efficacy were compared. Results: VAS scores and ODI scores of the two groups after treatment were lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05), and the JOA score was higher than that before treatment (P < 0.05); After treatment, the VAS score and ODI score in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05); After treatment, the JOA score was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The clinical efficacy of the observation group was better than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The clinical treatment of Yaotongning Capsules combined with thunder-fire moxibustion treating LDH can obviously alleviate the pain symptoms and improve the daily function of the patients, which is worthy of further clinical application.

Clinical effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of cold-dampness knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of cold-dampness knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: A total of 72 patients with cold-dampness knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into observation group and control group according to the random numbers generated by computer software, with 36 patients in each group. For the observation group, electroacupuncture was performed at the main acupoints of Dubi (ST35), Neixiyan (EX-LE4), Zusanli (ST36), Yanglingquan (GB34), Yinlingquan (SP9), Xuehai (SP10), Liangqiu (ST34), and Heding (EX-LE2) once a day, with a needle retaining time of 30 min, and thunder-fire moxibustion was performed at Shenque (CV8) and Guanyuan (CV4) in the form of suspended moxibustion once a day, with 30 min each time. The patients in the control group were given oral administration of diclofenac sodium double-release enteric-coated capsules, 75 mg each time, once a day, and Fugui Gutong capsules, 6 capsules a time and 3 times a day. Each course of treatment was 14 days, and both groups were treated for 2 courses, with an interval of 2 days between the two courses. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and Lequesne index were observed before the treatment, immediately after the treatment, and at 4 months after the treatment, and the outcome of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome was compared between the two groups after treatment. RESULTS: Both groups had significant reductions in VAS score, WOMAC score, and Lequesne index immediately and at 4 months after the treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group had significant reductions in VAS score, Lequesne index, and WOMAC score (scores of pain, function and total score) immediately and at 4 months after the treatment (P<0.05). The effective rate was 97.1% (34/35) in the observation group, and was 78.8% (26/33) in the control group. The effective rate of the observation group was obviously higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Thunder-fire moxibustion combined with electroacupuncture has a better, more durable clinical effect and fewer adverse reactions than the drugs in the treatment of cold-dampness knee osteoarthritis.

Observations on the effect of thunder-fire moxibustion with meridian point on deficiency of kidney and spleen, and blood stasis in chronic kidney diseases stage three / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective@#To observe clinical effect of thunder-fire moxibustion with meridian point, including lumbar spinal cordacupoints of bladder meridian and abdominal acupoints of Ren channel, which treating on deficiency of kidney and spleen and blood stasis in chronic kidney diseases (CKD) stage 3.@*Methods@#Totally 60 patients were randomly divided into treatment and control group. 30 patients in control were treated with blood pressure and lipid adjustment, Chinese medicine and nutritional therapy. 30 patients in treatment group were treated with thunder-fire moxibustion with meridian point based on control. A moxibustion-treated course has 2 weeks, patients were treated every other day. Observe blood urea nitrogen (Bun) , creatinine (Scr) , glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) , Chinese medicine syndrome and quantitative score, as well as clinical efficacy.@*Results@#After 4 weeks of intervention, the TCM syndrome score [8 (4,10)] in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group [12 (10,14)], with a statistically significant difference (Z=-3.706, P = 0.000); in the quantitative score of symptom classification, the patients in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group [2 (0,2)], chills [2 (2,2)], fatigue [2 (2,4)], the difference was statistically significant (Z=-2.625, -3.593, -4.609, P < 0.01). The frequency of nocturia in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group (Z=-1.989, P < 0.05), while that in the treatment group was not significantly better than that in the control group (P > 0.05). In terms of clinical efficacy, the total effective rate of the treatment group was 93.3% (28/30), which was better than73.3% (22/30) of the control group (χ2= 38.19, P = 0.000).@*Conclusion@#Thunder-fire moxibustion with meridian point improve deficiency of kidney and spleen and blood stasis of patients in CKD stage3, such as weak waist, cold chills, poor appetite, weakness and nocturia, as well as ameliorate renal function.

Effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with vibration training on low back pain of primary osteoporosis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the therapeutic effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with vibration training and simple vibration training on low back pain of primary osteoporosis by 's modulus of ultrasonic wave, and seek an objective evaluating method.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. The patients in the two groups were treated with vibration training using whole body vibration treatment bed. In the observation group, thunder-fire moxibustion was applied at Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Mingmen (GV 4), Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23) and Dachangshu (BL 25). The treatment was given once every other day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The visual analogue score (VAS), real-time shear wave elastography (RTSWE) and medical outcomes study 36-item short-form hearth survey (SF-36) were used to evaluate pain intensity, multifidus muscle tone ('s modulus) and quality of life before treatment, after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the VAS scores, 's modulus of multifidus muscle and 5 dimensions of SF-36 (physical condition, body pain, general health, social function and mental health) after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment were significantly improved in the two groups (all <0.05), the physiological role in the observation group after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment were improved (both <0.05). In the observation group, the VAS scores, 's modulus of multifidus muscle and 3 dimensions of SF-36 (physiological role, body pain and general health) after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment were superior to the control group (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The therapeutic effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with vibration training is superior to simple vibration training in relieving low back pain intensity and multifidus muscle tone, and improving quality of life for primary osteoporosis. RTSWE technique can be an objective examination method to evaluate pain.

[Efficacy of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with external applicaion of Shuangbai powder for mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect between thunder-fire moxibustion combined with external applicaion of Shuangbai powder and thunder-fire moxibustion alone for mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: A total of 70 patients with mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 35 cases in each group. In the observation group, thunder-fire moxibustion combined with external applicaion of Shuangbai powder were applied, Thunder-fire moxibustion was applied at Xuehai (SP 10), Liangqiu (ST 34), Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and ashi point, external applicaion of Shuangbai powder was given to the affected knee after the treatment of thunder-fire moxibustion. Simple thunder-fire moxibustion was given in the control group. All patients in the two groups were treated once a day, 7 days as one course and the consecutive 4 courses were required, with an interval of 1 day between courses. Before and after treatment, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were used to assessed knee pain, stiffness and physical function in the two groups. In addition, the efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the VAS scores, total scores of WOMAC, pain scores, stiffness scores and physical function scores were reduced after treatment in the two groups (P<0.01), and the scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The total effective rate was 97.0% (32/33) in the observation group, which was superior to 91.2% (31/34) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Thunder-fire moxibustion combined with external applicaion of Shuangbai powder are superior to simple thunder-fire moxibustion in improving the symptoms and delaying the development of the disease for mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis.