1.Clinical Effectiveness of Sealed Cupping Moxibustion in the Management of Primary Dysmenorrhea
Chen Xue ; Xue Mei ; Yan Chun Wei ; Seded B ; Lkhamjav T ; Batnairamdal Ch
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;92(2):17-22
Background:
Primary dysmenorrhea is the most prevalent gynecological complaint among women of reproductive age, often manifesting as intense cramping pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation. Although pharmaceutical interventions such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and oral contraceptives are commonly used to manage symptoms, their temporary effects and frequent side effects, including gastrointestinal issues and hormonal imbalances, limit long-term use. As a result, there is growing interest in complementary and alternative therapies. Huolongguan moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medical technique involving the burning of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near specific acupoints, is believed to enhance energy (qi) flow, promote blood circulation, reduce pain, and restore the balance of body functions.
Aim:
This study aims to investigate the clinical effectiveness of moxibustion in alleviating menstrual pain and improving overall well-being in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Additionally, the study seeks to evaluate the feasibility and relevance of applying this traditional technique within contemporary medical practice.
Materials and Methods:
The study used a non-randomized clinical trial, double-blind, placebo-controlled design with treatment (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), while quality of life will be measured using the EQ-5D questionnaire. Psychological status, including anxiety and depression levels, will be evaluated using Cox mentrual symptom scale (CMSS). Data will be collected at baseline and post-treatment, followed by statistical analysis to determine treatment efficacy.
Result:
In the experimental group that received sealed cupping moxibustion therapy, the COX score decreased by approximately 99% after 3 months compared with the baseline value, whereas in the control group it decreased by approximately 27%. In addition, the VAS and EQ-5D-5L scores in the experimental group showed a statistically significant reduction as the duration of treatment increased (P<0.001), indicating that sealed cupping moxibustion therapy effectively reduced pain and related symptoms.
Conclusion
The results of this study demonstrate that cupping moxibustion therapy significantly reduces pain and associated symptoms in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and improves their quality of life. The therapeutic effect increased with longer treatment duration, and the outcomes in the experimental group were significantly better than those in the control group. Therefore, cupping moxibustion therapy may be considered an effective traditional therapeutic approach for the management of primary dysmenorrhea.
2.Therapeutic effect of manual therapy in the treatment of chronic lumbar facet joint pain
Aqilatu L ; ; Oyuntsetseg N ; Batnairamdal Ch ; Lkhamjav T ; Seded B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):57-60
Background:
Lumbar facet joint osteoarthritis (LFJOA) is a degenerative joint disease and a common cause of chronic lower back pain. Despite its clinical prevalence, LFJOA has received limited research attention compared to other spinal pathologies. It is characterized by joint space narrowing, cartilage degeneration, and osteophyte formation, often associated with mechanical stress and age-related changes. The integration of traditional Mongolian medicine especially osteopathic techniques has shown promising results in managing musculoskeletal conditions. Among these, the technique of traction combined with acupoint alcohol spray and manual osteopathic manipulation is increasingly applied in clinical practice.
Aim:
This study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of lumbar traction combined with acupoint alcohol spray and osteopathic manipulation in alleviating symptoms of LFJOA, improving lumbar function, and enhancing quality of life.
Materials and Methods:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 60 patients diagnosed with LFJOA. Participants were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (n=30) receiving combined therapy or a control group (n=30) receiving standard spine rehabilitation exercises. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Working Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire. Data were collected before and after a four-course treatment regimen and analyzed using SPSS 26.0.
Results:
In the treatment group, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for chronic low back pain decreased from 5.60 to 0.33, indicating an approximately 94.1% reduction in pain. In the control group, the VAS score decreased from 5.60 to 4.33 (p=0.001). Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the treatment group showed a decrease from 38.10 to 12.43, representing an approximately 67.4% reduction (p<0.001). In the control group, the ODI score decreased from 37.27 to 33.17, corresponding to an approximately 11.0% reduction. The Work Ability Index (WAI) score in the treatment group increased from 25.37 to 38.23, demonstrating an approximately 50.7% improvement (p<0.001). In the control group, the WAI score increased from 25.33 to 27.67, corresponding to an approximately 9.2% increase.
Conclusion
Manual therapy in the treatment of chronic lumbar facet joint pain has been shown to reduce pain, significantly decrease limitations in muscle function, and improve work capacity with statistically significant results.
3.Analysis of the quality and safety of healthcare services in traditional medicine
Lkhamjav T ; ; Seded B ; Gantugs Yu ; Lagshmaa B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;97(7):158-162
Background:
The World Health Organization defines healthcare quality by the degree to which services optimize population health outcomes while addressing individual patient needs. In January 2026, a Presidential Decree in Mongolia established a legal and regulatory mandate to enhance the organizational, operational, and clinical infrastructure of traditional medicine. Aligning clinical practices with this framework necessitates rigorous, evidence-based evaluation of service quality and safety within traditional medicine facilities.
Aim:
To systematically evaluate patient safety indicators, medication practices, and procedural outcomes in inpatient traditional medicine settings.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective record-based study was conducted utilizing a sampled cohort of inpatient medical records from a traditional medicine facility. Key clinical indicators—including patient identification compliance, fall-risk stratification, high-alert medication utilization, pharmacovigilance outcomes, and peri-procedural safety measures—were systematically extracted and analyzed.
Results:
High-alert medications were administered to 25.6% of inpatients, with 10.0% receiving concurrent therapy with multiple high-alert agents. Three adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were documented during the observation period, all occurring on the initial day of hospitalization. Analysis of ADR-associated regimens identified multi-ingredient traditional formulations, specifically Sojid-11, Agar-35, and Marchin-13. Procedural safety adherence for acupuncture demonstrated high compliance: written informed consent (95.0%), post-treatment infection surveillance (98.0%), and post-procedural bleeding evaluation (100.0%). For the therapy, baseline complete blood counts were performed in 100.0% of cases; however, baseline coagulation profiles were documented in only 4.0%, and post-treatment follow-up laboratory testing was completed in 23.0%. Correct patient identification procedures achieved an 86.1% compliance rate. Although fall-risk screening identified 62.0% of inpatients as high risk, two inpatient fall events occurred during the study period.
Conclusions
Inpatient traditional medicine practices exhibit strong adherence to basic procedural monitoring but critical gaps remain in pharmacovigilance and laboratory monitoring. Mitigating clinical risk requires mandatory baseline coagulation profiling prior to invasive procedures such as hirudotherapy, heightened surveillance when initiating complex multi-ingredient botanical drugs, and standardized fall-prevention protocols. Strengthening these targeted safety metrics is essential to minimize preventable adverse events, optimize clinical efficiency, and fulfill national quality improvement mandates.

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