A Trial Study of Moxibustion with a Warming Needle on Edema

Zhang WP, Onose Y, Fujikawa T · Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies · 2017 February

DOI 10.1016/j.jams.2016.12.008

Objective

To investigate the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on edema, including their effects on skin temperature and blood flow.

Conclusions

Acupuncture and moxibustion relieved edematous conditions, with warming-needle moxibustion being particularly effective in improving edema accompanied by cold intolerance.

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Insights

Combining acupuncture with heat therapy most effectively improved circulation and skin warmth after experimentally induced swelling.

Participants were assigned to a control condition, acupuncture alone, or acupuncture combined with moxibustion. Swelling was induced by prolonged still sitting, after which the treatment groups received stimulation at leg and ankle acupuncture points, while the control group rested. Skin temperature and blood flow were measured before swelling induction and after treatment. Prolonged immobility reduced skin blood flow across all groups. Acupuncture increased skin temperature, while the combined acupuncture and moxibustion treatment produced the greatest improvements in both skin temperature and blood flow compared with acupuncture alone and resting, suggesting that added warming therapy may better relieve swelling associated with cold sensations.