Effect of mild-warm moxibustion on fatigue, immune state and quality of life in sub-health population / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

ABSTRACT

Objective: To observe the effect of mild-warm moxa stick moxibustion on fatigue, immune state and quality of life (QOL) in sub-health population. Methods: A total of 120 cases were randomly allocated into a moxibustion group (n=60) and a Chinese patent medicine (CPM) group (n=60). People in the moxibustion group were intervened with mild-warm moxa stick moxibustion, once a day; while people in the control group took oral Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Spleen/stomach-supplementing and Qi-boosting Pill), 3 doses a day. Two months made up a course of treatment. The fatigue, immune state and QOL were then observed after one treatment course, followed by a 12-month follow-up. Results: A total of 115 cases completed the clinical trial. After intervention, the fatigue scores, immune parameters and QOL scores were significantly increased in both groups, showing statistical significances (P<0.05). There were between-group significant differences in fatigue score, levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG, natural killer (NK) cell activity and QOL score (P<0.05). After the 12-month follow-up, there were still significant between-group differences in fatigue score, physical health, psychological, social relationships and overall perception of QOL and overall perception of health (P<0.05). Conclusion: Mild-warm moxibustion can markedly improve the fatigue, immune state and QOL in sub-health population.