Influence of the Deqi Sensation by Suspended Moxibustion Stimulation in Lumbar Disc Herniation : Study for a Multicenter Prospective Two Arms Cohort Study

Abstract EN

Moxibustion stimulates the Deqi (Qi arrival) phenomenon.

Many clinical observations have documented that the character of the Deqi was a composite heat-sensitive moxibustion sensation.

In this prospective multicentre comparative observational nonrandomized study, 92 patients with moderate to severe LDH were included.

This study consisted of two parallel arms (A: heat-sensitive moxibustion sensation group; B: nonheat-sensitive moxibustion sensation group).

Moxibustion was applied in the following three acupuncture points simultaneously: Da Changshu (BL25), Wei Zhong (BL40), and A-Shi acupuncture point (tenderness).

The adjusted mean total Modified-JOA score showed significant differences between the groups in the first week (10.32 ± 4.27 95% CI [9.23~11.40] versus control group 12.42 ± 5.02 [11.62~13.69], P=0.03).

The outcome in the second week also presented significant differences in both groups (7.62 ± 4.80 [6.46~8.77] versus 10.56 ± 4.75 [9.35~11.76], P=0.005).

Significant differences were also manifested in the follow-up period (P=0.007).

It can be inferred that the existence of the Deqi (heat-sensitive moxibustion sensation) phenomenon in the process of suspended moxibustion is closely related to the curative effect, and arrival of heat-sensitive moxibustion sensation could improve the clinical curative effect of moxibustion.