[Observation on therapeutic effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) combined with electroacupuncture on gonarthritis of type of accumulation of pathogenic cold due to yang deficiency]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) combined with electroacupuncture on gonarthritis of type of accumulation of pathogenic cold due to yang deficiency.

Methods: The single-blind, randomized and controlled design method was adopted, and 60 cases (104 knees) were divided into an observation group (34 cases, 54 knees) and a control group (30 cases, 50 knees). The observation group were treated with moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) and local electroacupuncture at Dubi (ST 35), Neixiyan (EX-LE 5), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Ashi points, and the control group were treated with sham moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) and local electroacupuncture at the above points. The treatment was given once each day in the two groups and 10 sessions constituted one course. After treatment of one course and at following-up one month later, their therapeutic effects were compared.

Results: After treatment, for the pain-killing effect, 42 knees were clinically cured, 11 knees were markedly effective and 1 knee was effective and for the comprehensive therapeutic effect, 37 knees were excellent, 16 knees were good, and 1 knee was OK in the observation group; and for the pain-killing effect, 13 knees were clinically cured, 35 knees were markedly effective and 2 knees were effective and for the comprehensive effect, 9 knees were excellent, 40 knees were good and 2 knees were OK in the control group, with very significant differences between the two groups (P<0.01), the observation group being better than the control group. At the following-up one month later, there was no significant difference in the pain-killing effect (P>0.05) and a very significant difference (P<0.01) in the comprehensive effect between the two groups.

Conclusion: Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) combined with electroacupuncture at local points has a better clinical effect on gonarthritis of type of accumulation of pathogenic cold due to yang deficiency, which is better than that of sham moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) combined with electroacupuncture at local points.