Observation on the efficacy of moxibustion with fuzi cake combined with auricular point pressing in treating anxiety and depression in newly diagnosed people living with HIV: A randomized controlled trial

Background: This study investigated the efficacy of moxibustion with aconite cake combined with earlobe acupressure in alleviating anxiety and depression in newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus patients. Methods: Ninety eligible patients from the Affiliated Ruikang Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group of 45 each. The control group received conventional care, while the intervention group received the combined therapy. The treatment lasted for 3 months. Efficacy was evaluated using the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and quality-of life scale before and after treatment. Results: After 3 months, the intervention group’s SAS and SDS scores were significantly lower than the control group’s ( P <.05). Their quality-of-life scores and CD4 + T - lymphocyte counts improved more than the control group’s ( P <.05). No significant adverse reactions occurred in the intervention group. Conclusion: Moxibustion with aconite cake combined with earlobe acupressure can effectively alleviate anxiety and depression in newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus patients, enhance their quality-of-life, and may improve immune function. The treatment is safe and well - tolerated, with good clinical potential for application and promotion.