OBJECTIVETo observe the difference in the clinical efficacy on ankylosing spondylitis (AS) between the combined therapy of moxibustion along the governor vessel and the conception vessel and salazosulfapyridine (SASP) and the routine moxibustion.

METHODSSixty-two patients of AS were randomized into two groups, 31 cases in each one with one case dnopping separately. In the two groups, SASP was prescribed for oral administration. In the observation group, the self-prepared moxa powder, ginger granules and moxa wool were placed on the back, from Dazhui (GV 14) to Yaoshu (GV 2) and on the abdomen, from the inferior of the xiphoid process to the upper border of symphsis pubis, covering the running of the governor vessel and the conception vessel. In the control group, the routine moxibustion therapy was used, in which, the moxa box was placed on the back and abdomen alternatively. Each treatment lasted 2 h, once every 7 days, 3 treatments as one session. After 3 sessions of treatment, the symptom score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, time of morning stiffness, Schober test, occiput-to-wall distance and thoracic mobility were observed before and after treatment. The clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 86.7% (26/30) in the observation group, better than 73.3% (22/30) in the control group. The efficacy in the observation group was better than that in the control group (<0.05). All of the observation indices after treatment were improved apparently as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all<0.01). After treatment, the improvements in the symptom score, VAS score, time of morning stiffness and Schober test in the observation group were better apparently than those in the control group (all<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSOn the basis of treatment with SASP, moxibustion along the governor vessel and the conception vessel achieves the definite efficacy on AS, better than the routine moxibustion therapy.