Moxibustion for central obesity with phlegm-dampness constitution: a randomized controlled trial.
10.13703/j.0255-2930.20240906-k0002
- Author:
Yanji ZHANG
1
;
Dan WEI
1
;
Wei HUANG
1
;
Jiajie WANG
1
;
Xia CHEN
1
;
Chengwei FU
1
;
Benlu YU
1
;
Yingrong ZHANG
2
;
Zhongyu ZHOU
1
Author Information
1. Department of Acupuncture- Moxibustion, Hubei Provincial Hospital of TCM, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of CM, Wuhan 430061, China; Shizhen Laboratory of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430061; Clinical Medical Research Center of Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Obesity of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430061; Hubei Institute of TCM, Wuhan 430061; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Research and Application in CM, Wuhan
2. School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopedics, Hubei University of CM.
- Publication Type:English Abstract
- Keywords:
central obesity;
moxibustion;
phlegm-dampness constitution;
randomized controlled trial (RCT)
- MeSH:
Humans;
Moxibustion;
Male;
Female;
Middle Aged;
Adult;
Obesity, Abdominal/psychology*;
Acupuncture Points;
Treatment Outcome;
Aged;
Quality of Life;
Young Adult;
Body Mass Index
- From:
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion
2025;45(8):1053-1060
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE:To observe the efficacy and safety of moxibustion in treating patients with central obesity of phlegm-dampness constitution.
METHODS:A total of 66 patients with central obesity of phlegm-dampness constitution were randomly assigned to a moxibustion group (n=33, 3 cases dropped out) and a sham moxibustion group (n=33, 4 cases dropped out). The moxibustion group received mild moxibustion combined with lifestyle intervention; the moxibustion was applied at Shenque (CV8) and bilateral Zusanli (ST36), 30 min per session, maintaining a local skin temperature of (43±1) ℃. The sham moxibustion group received simulated moxibustion combined with lifestyle intervention; the simulated moxibustion was applied at the same acupoints, with the same session length, but with a maintained skin temperature of (37±1) ℃. Both groups were treated once every other day, three times per week for 8 consecutive weeks. Obesity-related physical indicators (waist circumference, hip circumference, body weight, body fat percentage, body mass index [BMI]), constitution evaluation indicators (phlegm-dampness constitution conversion score, symptom score), the impact of weight on quality of life-lite (IWQOL-Lite), the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and the incidence of adverse events were measured before and after treatment, and after 4 weeks of follow-up.
RESULTS:Compared with before treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in waist circumference, hip circumference, body weight, body fat percentage, BMI, phlegm-dampness constitution conversion score and symptom score, IWQOL-Lite, and both anxiety and depression subscale scores of HADS after treatment and at follow-up (P<0.001). These improvements were significantly greater in the moxibustion group than those in the sham moxibustion group (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05). One patient in the moxibustion group experienced a mild burn that resolved with routine care; the incidence of adverse reactions was 3.0% (1/33) in the moxibustion group and 0% (0/33) in the sham moxibustion group, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION:On the basis of lifestyle intervention, moxibustion effectively improves obesity-related physical indicators, enhances quality of life, alleviates anxiety and depression, and improves the phlegm-dampness constitution in patients with central obesity. These benefits persist for at least 4 weeks after treatment.
