Effectiveness of Mild Moxibustion for Sub-Health Conditions in Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND Mild moxibustion has been reported to effectively treat menopausal syndrome. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of using mild moxibustion at Shenshu for treating sub-health states in perimenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty participants were randomly assigned to moxibustion and control groups. Participants in the moxibustion group received mild moxibustion at bilateral Shenshu (BL23) for 15 min daily. A course was 5 days, with 2 days between courses; treatment was conducted for 4 courses. Participants in the control group were given vitamin E soft capsules for 28 days. Physical condition, living conditions, emotional status, and energy status scores were assessed, and serum sex hormone levels measured. RESULTS Mild moxibustion significantly improved physical condition, living conditions, and emotional status compared to the control group after treatment ([i]P[/i]<0.05). Physical condition ([i]P[/i]<0.01) and living conditions ([i]P[/i]<0.05) improved significantly in post-menopausal women, while living conditions and emotional status were improved in pre-menopausal women ([i]P[/i]<0.05). Serum estradiol level was significantly higher after moxibustion, especially for pre-menopausal women ([i]P[/i]<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Mild moxibustion is safe and effective for treating sub-health state in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. A study with larger sample size and longer-term treatment is needed for further assessment of this topic.