The protective effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation with different high frequencies on motor functions in MPTP/probenecid induced Parkinsonism mouse models.

BACKGROUND: High-frequency repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) stimulating the primary motor cortex (M1) is an alternative, adjunctive therapy for improving the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, whether the high frequency of rTMS positively correlates to the improvement of motor symptoms of PD is still undecided. By controlling for other parameters, a disease animal model may be useful to compare the neuroprotective effects of different high frequencies of rTMS. OBJECTIVE: The current exploratory study was designed to compare the protective effects of four common high frequencies of rTMS (5, 10, 15, and 20 Hz) and iTBS (a special form of high-frequency rTMS) and explore the optimal high-frequency rTMS on an animal PD model. METHODS: Following high frequencies of rTMS application (twice a week for 5 weeks) in a MPTP/probenecid-induced chronic PD model, the effects of the five protocols on motor behavior as well as dopaminergic neuron degeneration levels were identified. The underlying molecular mechanisms were further explored. RESULTS: We found that all the high frequencies of rTMS had protective effects on the motor functions of PD models to varying degrees. Among them, the 10, 15, and 20 Hz rTMS interventions induced comparable preservation of motor function through the protection of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons. The enhancement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine transporter (DAT), and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT-2) and the suppression of TNF-α and IL-1ß in the nigrostriatum were involved in the process. The efficacy of iTBS was inferior to that of the above three protocols. The effect of 5 Hz rTMS protocol was weakest. CONCLUSIONS: Combined with the results of the present study and the possible side effects induced by rTMS, we concluded that 10 Hz might be the optimal stimulation frequency for preserving the motor functions of PD models using rTMS treatment.

CHEN Rixin's clinical experience of heat-sensitive moxibustion for Wenyang Yangshen in treatment of insomnia of yang deficiency. / 陈日新热敏灸"æ¸©é˜³å »ç¥ž"æ²»ç–—é˜³è™šå¤±çœ ç—‡ä¸´åºŠç»éªŒæ’·è.

The paper introduces CHEN Rixin's experience and ideas of heat-sensitive moxibustion for Wenyang Yangshen (warming-up yang and nourishing the spirit) in treatment of insomnia of yang deficiency. This type of insomnia is caused by yang insufficiency of the body and malnutrition of the spirit. The treatment focuses on Wenyang Yangshen. Replenishing yang (Shenque [CV 8], Qihai [CV 6] and Guanyuan [CV 4]) is combined with promoting yang circulation (Taiyang [EX-HN 5]). The acupoint combination is optimized through identifying the heat sensitivity. Sparrow-pecking moxibustion and mild moxibustion are used to control the appropriate moxibustion temperature, efficiently stimulate deqi and individually saturate the dose of moxibustion so as to target the principle of treatment and improve the sleep quality.

[Advantages and application prospects of heat-sensitive moxibustion robot].

Moxibustion therapy is a unique health resource in China, which is advantageous by its irreplaceable effectiveness in treatment, disease prevention and healthcare. But, moxibustion therapy used in primary care institutions in China is far from the due role of this therapy played in medical practice. The authors believe that the heat-sensitive moxibustion (HSM) robot should be developed by integrating the manipulation of moxibustion therapy with modern artifical intelligence technology so that moxibustion therapy can be operated precisely and easily, deqi of moxibustion be effectively stimulated and the cost of its manual manipulation be reduced. Eventually, the technology of moxibustion therapy can be popularized in the primary care institutions to serve the health of the people. This paper introduces the creation of HSM technology, the research and development (R&D) of HSM robot, and its advantages, as well as the application prospects. It is anticipated that the R&D of HSM robot may speed up the development of moxibustion therapy worldwide.

[Effect of moxibustion with deqi on Aß-receptor mediated transport and enzymatic degradation in hippocampus in rats with Alzheimer's disease].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of moxibustion with deqi on Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats, and evaluate its effect on ß-amyloid (Aß) transport and enzymatic degradation proteins, to explore its molecular mechanism for improving cognitive function. METHODS: Sixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group (8 rats), a sham-operation group (8 rats) and a model establishment group (44 rats). The rats in the model establishment group were injected with Aß1-42 at bilateral ventricles to establish AD model. Among the 38 rats with successful model establishment, 8 rats were randomly selected as the model group, and the remaining rats were treated with mild moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14), once a day, 40 min each time, for 28 days. According to whether deqi appeared and the occurrence time of deqi, the rats were divided into a deqi group (12 rats), a delayed deqi group (10 rats) and a non-deqi group (8 rats). After the intervention, the Morris water maze test was applied to evaluate the cognitive function; the HE staining was applied to observe the brain morphology; the Western blot method was applied to measure the protein expression of Aß and its receptor mediated transport [low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) 1, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), apolipoprotein E (ApoE)] and enzymatic degradation [neprilysin (NEP), insulin degrading enzyme (IDE), endothelin converting enzyme (ECE)-1 and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2]. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operation group, in the model group, the escape latency was prolonged (P<0.01), and the times of platform crossing and the ratio of platform quadrant to total time were reduced (P<0.01); the brain tissue was seriously damaged; the expression of hippocampal Aß and RAGE was increased (P<0.01), and the expression of hippocampal LRP1, ApoE, NEP, IDE, ECE-1 and ACE2 was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the escape latency was shortened in the deqi group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the escape latency in the delayed deqi group and the non-deqi group was shortened from Day 2 to Day 5 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the times of platform crossing and the ratio of platform quadrant to total time were increased in the deqi group and the delayed deqi group (P<0.01, P<0.05); the brain damage in each moxibustion group was reduced, which was smallest in the deqi group, followed by the delayed deqi group and the non-deqi group; the expression of Aß and RAGE was decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05) and the expression of LRP1 and IDE was increased in each moxibustion group (P<0.01, P<0.05); the expression of ApoE was increased in the deqi group and the delayed deqi group (P<0.01, P<0.05); the expression of NEP was increased in deqi group (P<0.05), and the expression of ECE-1 and ACE2 was increased in the deqi group and the delayed deqi group (P<0.05). Compared with the delayed deqi group and the non-deqi group, the escape latency in the deqi group was shortened from Day 3 to Day 5 (P<0.05), and the times of platform crossing and the ratio of platform quadrant to total time were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the non-deqi group, the expression of Aß was reduced (P<0.05), the expression of LRP1 and ApoE was increased in the deqi group (P<0.05). The expression of NEP in the deqi group was higher than that in the delayed deqi group and the non-deqi group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with non-deqi, moxibustion with deqi could promote Aß transport and degradation, thereby reducing Aß level in the brain and improving cognitive function for AD rats.

[Discussion of novel mode of acupuncture and moxibustion based on identifying the acupoint sensitization].

On the base of the paradigms of clinical studies on modern moxibustion by identifying the acupoint sensitization, the records of ancient literature in successive dynasties were collected on "identifying the sensitization" of acupoints in acupuncture. In association with acupoint detection of acupuncture recorded in current textbooks, a novel concept, "exerting acupuncture by identifying the acupoint sensitization" is proposed. Acupoint sensitization is the common initial link of effect achieved by both acupuncture and moxibustion. Hence, on the basis of the routine acupoint selection by differentiating syndrome, the state of acupoint must be considerably emphasized in either acupuncture or moxibustion. The clinical curative effect may be improved by selecting the sensitized points and identifying sensitization. This novel mode of diagnosis and treatment focuses on identifying acupoint sensitization by unifying acupuncture with moxibustion and in coincidence with the modern clinical characteristics of either acupuncture or moxibustion.

Blocking N-Methyl-D-aspartic Acid (NMDA) Receptor Inhibits Heat-Sensitization Response of Moxibustion in Stroke Rats.

Our previous studies demonstrated that effects of moxibustion heavily relied on heat-sensitization response, a specific sensation induced by moxibustion in the ill body. On the sensation, long-term potentiation (LTP) of prelimbic cortex was attributed to heat-sensitization responses. The N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor plays a key role in LTP induction; however, little is known about the role of NMDA receptor in heat-sensitization response. The present study investigated the role of NMDA receptor in heat-sensitization response, specifically, NMDA receptor was inhibited by competitive glutamatergic antagonist, (±)-3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP), observing the frequency of heat-sensitization response in moxibustion treatment and evaluating the conducive outcomes to cerebral infarct rats for rehabilitation. Heat-sensitization response in cerebral infarct rats was regularly measured for all the samples when exposed to moxibustion. Intraperitoneal injection of CPP was conducted, and soon afterwards, a significant drop of heat-sensitization response in all the samples was measured. Moreover, moxibustion efficiency on rehabilitation was unfavourably affected in cerebral infarct rats when compared to vehicle injection control. This indicated that NMDA receptor antagonist made a negative impact on induction of heat-sensitization response and consequently affected cerebral infarct rats to rehabilitate under moxibustion treatment. It also suggested that activating NMDA receptor played a positive part in ischemic stroke rehabilitation, and regulating its activity could be a feasible way to increase heat-sensitization response, improving the effect of moxibustion.

Acupuncture for Chronic Pain-Related Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to summarize and evaluate the existing evidence on the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in relieving chronic pain-related depression (CPRD). Methods: We searched seven online databases to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for CPRD published before September 2020. We included studies that used acupuncture as the intervention group, with or without a control group, and the control group was treated with conventional drugs. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. For outcomes, assessments were performed using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and adverse events. Results: Eight studies involving 636 participants were identified and included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that single acupuncture treatment and drug treatment have the same effect in improving the HAMD score (MD = -0.14, 95% CI = [-0.88, 0.59], P = 0.71) and alleviating the VAS score (MD = -0.42, 95% CI = [-1.10, -0.27], P = 0.23), but acupuncture treatment is safer (OR = 0.03, 95% CI = [0.01, 0.21], P = 0.0003). In addition, acupuncture combined with drugs (control group) is more beneficial than single-drug treatment in improving the HAMD score (MD = -2.95, 95% CI = [-3.55, -2.36], P < 0.00001) and alleviating the VAS score (MD = -1.06, 95% CI = [-1.65, -0.47], P = 0.0004). Conclusion: Acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for CPRD, and acupuncture combined with drug therapy is more effective than single-drug therapy. Nevertheless, the conclusions were limited due to the low quality and a small number of included studies.

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

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

[Clinical observation of heat-sensitive moxibustion treatment for coronavirus disease 2019].

OBJECTIVE: To observe clinical effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to discusses the effective moxibustion treatment program. METHODS: A total of 42 patients with COVID-19 (general type) were treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion at the acupoint area of Shenque (CV 8) and Tianshu (ST 25). The treatment was conducted under the standards of heat-sensitive moxibustion manipulation, which were "locating acupoint by feeling, moxibustion by differentiate sensation, dosage varies individually, ending after sufficient dosage". The incidence of deqi after first heat-sensitive moxibustion, the reduction of negative emotions, the improvement of chest distress and impaired appetite, and the active acceptance rate of moxibustion before and after treatment were observed. RESULTS: ① The deqi rate of heat-sensitive moxibustion for 20 min、40 min、1 h were respectively 52.4% (22/42), 90.5% (38/42), 100.0% (42/42). ② The incidences of feeling relaxed and comfortable immediately after the first, second, and third heat-sensitive moxibustion were 61.9% (26/42), 73.8% (31/42), and 92.9% (39/42), which were higher than 42.9% (18/42) before heat-sensitive moxibustion treatment (P<0.05). ③ The incidences of chest distress after the first, second, and third heat-sensitive moxibustion were 23.8% (10/42), 16.7% (7/42), and 9.5% (4/42), which were lower than 50.0% (21/42) before heat-sensitive moxibustion treatment (P<0.05); the incidences of impaired appetite after the first, second, and third heat-sensitive moxibustion were 26.2% (11/42), 19.0% (8/42), 9.5% (4/42), which were lower than 57.1% (24/42) before heat-sensitive moxibustion treatment (P<0.05). ④ After the first treatment, the active acceptance rate of patients for heat-sensitive moxibustion was 100.0% (42/42), which was higher than 11.9% (5/42) before heat-sensitive moxibustion (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The heat-sensitive moxibustion can effectively reduce the negative emotions and improve the symptoms of chest distress and impaired appetite with COVID-19. It is generally accepted by patients, and worthy of popularization and application in clinical treatment.

[Application of professor CHEN Ri-xin's academic thought "yang is often insufficient, but yin is often surplus" in heat-sensitive moxibustion for tumor rehabilitation].

Professor CHEN Ri-xin has explored the causes of the characteristics of TCM syndromes in modern disease spectrum and pointed out that the TCM syndromes are generally characterized by "yang is often insufficient, but yin is often surplus". Based on the clinical experience and the understanding of TCM classics and ancient literature on tumor, professor CHEN has proposed that TCM syndromes of patients with advanced tumor are also generally characterized by "yang is often insufficient, but yin is often surplus". The heat-sensitive moxibustion has the functions of warming and nourishing yang-qi, eliminating dampness, warming meridians and dispersing cold, activating blood circulation and clearing collaterals, therefore tumor patients with deficiency syndrome (yang-deficiency, qi-deficiency), cold syndrome, dampness syndrome, phlegm syndrome and blood-stasis syndrome belonging to the indications of heat-sensitive moxibustion. The heat-sensitive moxibustion has unique advantages in treating spleen-stomach dysfunction after chemotherapy and radiotherapy, bone marrow suppression after chemotherapy and radiotherapy, cancerous deficiency, cancerous pain, pleural effusion, ascites, constipation, which has important clinical value in improving the quality of life and prolonging the life time for patients with advanced tumors.

[On the deqi in moxibustion].

The original connotation of deqi in Neijing (Internal Classic) was explored to provide the reference for the clinical application of moxibustion. The relevant items of the original definition of deqi in Internal Classic were traced aligning with the achievements in the clinical researches on the heat-sensitive phenomena and its rule, and thus, the characteristics of deqi in moxibustion and its inducing approaches were analyzed. A new viewpoint of the connotation of deqi in Internal Classic was put forward. It is believed that deqi is not only a somatic response to acupuncture, but also a kind of comfortable mental-physical reaction related to curative effect. On this basis, it was discussed that moxibustion on heat-sensitive acupoints could induce deqi which conforms to the original definition described in Internal Classic. Additionally, the method of moxibustion for stimulating deqi, the screening of the items on deqi in moxibustion as well as the preliminary evaluation were introduced in the paper. It is suggested that the deqi in moxibustion is the comprehensive responses of the mental-physical-curative effect.

Long-Term Potentiation of Prelimbic Cortex Ascribed to Heat-Sensitization Responses of Moxibustion.

Heat-sensitization responses occurred in certain patients while exposed to suspended moxibustion. The response often indicated that the efficacy of moxibustion to those with it tended to triumph over those without. However, its mechanism remains to be explained. Our previous fMRI and EEG studies confirmed the changes of activities in cerebral certain regions accompanied with heat-sensitization responses, especially in prefrontal cortex. Therefore, we hypothesize that neurological system is involved in moxibustion-induced heat-sensitization responses. In the present study, phosphorylation of Cofilin representing long-term potentiation in synapse of prelimbic cortex of medial prefrontal cortex in stroke rats over suspended moxibustion was assessed, and the size of phosphorylated Cofilin positive spine in synapse was also measured. The result showed that heat-sensitization responses were observed to augment cerebral ischemic stroke-induced phosphorylation of Cofilin in prelimbic cortex of rats and increase the numbers of large synapses. This indicated that long-term potentiation of prelimbic cortex was attributed to heat-sensitization responses that were certain neurological responses of medial prefrontal cortex to suspended moxibustion.

[Development and initial evaluation of deqi sensation scale of heat-sensitive moxibustion].

Based on heat-sensitive moxibustion (HSM) theory, a widely applicable scale was developed to reflect the deqi (arrival of qi) sensation of HSM. By documentary method and interviewing method, the items of describing deqi sensation of HSM were collected to establish the pool of candidate items. With expert questionnaire, patient questionnaire and core expert discussion, the items were screened and quantified by method of subjective evaluation to develop the initial draft of the scale. A total of 121 patients were pre-surveyed with the initial draft, and the structural validity of the scale was examined by exploratory factor analysis (principal component) and its internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's coefficient. As a result, the items in the scale was reduced from 36 to 9; 110 effective questionnaires were reclaimed for statistical analysis. Finally, the scale (Version 1.0) contained 9 items and 4 dimensions, of which, 3 items highlighted the comfort emotional experience, 3 items highlighted autonomic response, 2 items highlighted heat sensation, and 1 item highlighted non-heat sensation. In conclusion, the deqi sensation scale of HSM containes 9 items, which has fair content and structure validity. It is in line with the current clinical understanding of deqi sensation of HSM and has strong clinical operability and wide adaptability.

[Clinical Observation of Heat-sensitive Moxibustion Combined with Kegel Exercise Therapy for Female Stress Urinary Incontinence].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effects of heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with kegel exercise therapy and simple kegel exercise therapy on female stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: Forty-five female patients with stress urinary incontinence were randomly divided into a treatment group (n=23) and a control group (n=22). Kegel exercise therapy was applied in the two groups. Heat-sensitive moxibustion was used at Zhongji (CV 3), Qihai (CV 6), Ciliao (BL 32) and Shen-shu (BL 23) in the treatment group, once a day for the first 10 times, and once every other day until 5 sessions were given, 10 times as one session. 1-hour pad test, International Incontinence Advisory Board questionnaire (ICIQ-SF) and the number of urine leakage were observed before and after treatment. And the clinical effect was evaluated. RESULTS: The curative rate of 43.48%(10/23) and the total effective rate of 95.65%(22/23) in the treatment group were respectively better than those of 18.18% (4/22) and 63.64%(14/22) in the control group (both P<0.05). After treatment, 1-hour pad test and ICIQ-SF score were lower than those before treatment in the two groups, and the number of urine leakage decreased (all P<0.01). The above three indexes of the treatment group were better than those of the control group (all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with kegel exercise therapy achieves better effect than simple kegel exercise therapy on female stress urinary incontinence.

[Professor CHEN Rixin's views on moxibustion sensation].

The sensation of heat-sensitive moxibustion (HSM) refers to the heat feeling at distal and deep part of the body when a patient is treated with moxibustion under unhealthy status, which may even transmits to the disease sites, instead of heat feeling at local and superficial part of the body. Professor CHEN Rixin has systema-tically studied the HSM sensation and its clinical laws through clinical practice; he points out different HSM sensations contain different physiological and pathological information of the human body, which could reflex the severity of diseases, so the collection of HSM information should be emphasized; the type and intensity of HSM sensation could guide the clinical acupoint selection and precise localization. The appearance and disappearance of HSM sensation could be applied to establish individual amount of moxibustion, and disappearance of HSM sensation is an appropriate signal for sufficient moxibustion time, which break through the concept of fixed time at each acupoint, and provide measurement standard to make full use of moxibustion. The criteria of indications for moxibustion is proposed, indicating the disease in which HSM sensations appear is the optimal indication. The deep and comprehensive understanding on the generation and change of HSM sensation could improve the standardization of HSM standard technique and its efficacy.

Heat-sensitive moxibustion in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a three-armed multicentre randomised active control trial.

BACKGROUND: In China, heat-sensitive moxibustion (HSM) is used for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) to reduce pain and improve physical activity. However, there is little high-quality evidence of its effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of HSM in the treatment of KOA compared with usual care. METHODS: We performed a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. In total, 432 patients with KOA were randomly assigned to one of three groups (HSM, conventional moxibustion, or conventional injection with sodium hyaluronate). The primary end point was the guiding principle of clinical research on new drugs in the treatment of KOA (GPCRND-KOA). Measurements were obtained at baseline and after 1 and 6 months (month 7) of study. RESULT: For GPCRND-KOA, there were significant differences among the three groups after treatment at months 1 and 7. Pairwise comparisons showed that HSM was more effective than the conventional drug. There was no difference in any measures between conventional moxibustion and the conventional drug. Compared with conventional moxibustion, HSM resulted in greater improvement in all outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This trial provided some evidence of the superiority of HSM in patients with KOA, suggesting that the observed differences might be due to superiority effects of a heat-sensitive point, although the effect of expectation cannot be ruled out. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The trial was registered at Controlled Clinical Trials: ChiCTR-TRC-09000600.

[Different Warm Sensations May Induce Different Therapeutic Effects in Primary Dysmenorrhea Patients Undergoing Moxibustion Treatment Based on Propensity Score: A Prospective Cohort Study].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness difference between the "heat-sensitive" sensation and conventional warm sensation of moxibustion stimulation of Guanyuan (GV 4) in primary dysmenorrhea (PD) patients. METHODS: Cohort study design was used in the present study. A total of 189 PD patients were divided into heat-sensitive group (n = 148) and conventional warm sensation group (n = 41) according to the patients' subjective feeling to moxibustion stimulation and the sequence of treatment. The Propensity Score Match (PSM)function of SPSS 19.0 software was used to match the patients of the two groups for balancing their baseline data (age, duration of illness, McGill and CMSS scores). Thus, 35 cases in each group were subjected into the analysis at last. Heat-sensitive moxibustion was applied to Guanyuan (GV 4) for 40 min beginning 5 days before dysmenorrheal attack, once daily for (7 ± 2) days in one menstrual cycle, and for 3 menstrual cycles for heat-sensitive group, wheras routine moxibustion for conventional warm sensation group. The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) composed of pain rating index (PRI), visual analogue scale (VAS) and present pain intensity (PPI) and COX Menstrual Symptom Scale (CMSS) containing 18 items (0 - 4 grades/item) were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of moxibustion treatment. Follow-up visit was conducted 3 months after the treatment. RESULTS: Compared to pre-treatment, MPQ and CMSS scores were significantly decreased in both groups after the treatment (P<0.01), and the effects of heat-sensitive group were significantly superior to those of conventional warm sensation group in lowering MPQ and CMSS scores (P<0.01). Follow-up survey showed that both MPQ and CMSS scores were still considerably lower in the heat-sensitive group than in the conventional warm sensation group (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The heat-sensitive moxibustion is superior to conventional warm moxibustion in improving symptoms in primary dysmenorrhea patients.

[Characteristics and clinical application of the arrival of qi in suspended moxibustion].

The characteristics and clinical application of the arrival of qi in suspended moxibustion was discussed in this paper. Through literature research and clinical practice, three aspects, including characteristics of arrival of qi in suspended moxibustion, the clinical basis regarding arrival of qi in suspended moxibustion improving therapeutic effects and how to acquire arrival of qi in suspended moxibustion, were discussed to clarify the essential role of arrival of qi in suspended moxibustion as well as its importance to the development of moxibustion medicine. The suspended moxibustion at acupoints could produce arrival of qi similar to acupuncture, which was characterized as non-local or non-superficial heat sensation such as penetrating heat, expanding heat, transmitting heat, even non-hot sensation such as aching, numbing, distending, painful, heavy, cold sensation in the applied region. It is heat-sensitive sensation phenomenon that can improve therapeutic effect in suspended moxibustion.

[Efficacy evaluation of heat-sensitive moxibustion for chemotherapy symptoms of large intestine cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and evaluate the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion for symptoms of large intestine cancer. METHODS: Sixty patients with large intestine cancer were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. FOLFOX chemotherapy regimen was used in the two groups,and heat-sensitive moxibustion was added in the observation group. The acupoints were Zusanli(ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) Xuehai (SP 10) and Geshu (BL 17), etc. The treatment was applied once a day,five-day treatment as one course. Four courses were required. The reaction rates of uncomfortable symptoms by the Chinese version of the M. D. Anderson symptom inventory (MDASI-C) scale and clinical effects were analyzed and evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the MDASI-C reaction rate of uncomfortable symptoms in the observation group was 50.4% which was lower than 53.3% in the control group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate of symptom improvement in the observation group was 83.3% (25/30), which was higher than 60.0% (18/30) in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Heat-sensitive moxibustion can improve symptoms of chemotherapy for large intestine cancer.

[The two-step location method of acupoint in Internal Canon of Medicine and its clinical application].

An accurate location of acupoint is one of the key factors for improving clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion. From the theoretical basis, operation method, principle discussion and clinical application, the clinical practicability of the two-step location method of acupoint in Internal Canon of Medicine is discussed. This two-step location method is in accord with the original connotation of acupoint, and focuses on the function state of acupoint. As is suggested in clinical researches, the acupoint location that is acquired by using the two-step location method, as a treated area, could obviously improve the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion. Therefore, the two-step location method of acupoint in Internal Canon of Medicine should be considered as guideline of clinical acupoint location.