[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.

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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

Stroke treatment in rats with tail temperature increase by 40-min moxibustion.

The distant heat induced by suspended moxibustion (SM) for 40 min is confirmed to have a favorable effect in treating diseases such as ischemic brain injury in the clinical setting, but its precise mechanism remains to be explained. Since a similar reaction to the phenomenon of distant heat is found in some transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) rats treated by a 40-min SM session with tail temperature increase (TTI), we hereby study its mechanism by comparing the neuroprotective effect of 40 min's SM with TTI to those without. The experimental results show that 40 min's SM with TTI can significantly reduce the infarct volume and neurological deficit score in tMCAO rats. Western blot demonstrates that a reduction in the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in tMCAO rats with TTI is more striking than that of the rats without TTI. The expression of caspase-3 protein is inhibited in tMCAO rats with TTI. The results suggest that the efficacy of SM for 40 min with TTI is higher than that without. Although neuroprotective effects present in tMCAO rats with and without TTI, those with TTI revealed a higher level of anti-inflammation effect and exhibited an anti-apoptosis effect.