The Effect of Moxibustion at the Dazhui Point on Hypothermia and Maternal Comfort During Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated whether moxibustion at the Dazhui point (GV14) reduces intraoperative hypothermia during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia.

METHODS

Sixty - four parturients (32/group) scheduled for cesarean section were randomly assigned 30 min before surgery to receive either moxibustion at Dazhui or sham moxibustion (pre-combusted cooled moxa pack); both groups received standard blanket warming. The primary outcome was hypothermia incidence (core temperature <36.0 °C). Secondary outcomes included shivering, thermal comfort (0-100 scale), Apgar scores, hospital stay, and postoperative complications (fever, blood loss, infection).

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Hypothermia incidence was significantly lower in the intervention group (62.50%) than in the sham group (84.38%; p = 0.048). From 10 min after surgery start until operating room departure, core temperature remained consistently higher in the moxibustion group (p < 0.05). Shivering occurred less often in the intervention group (43.75% vs. 68.75%, p < 0.05). Thermal comfort scores were higher in the intervention group (87.19 ± 9.24 vs. 78.75 ± 10.08, p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in Apgar scores, hospital stay, or postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative moxibustion at Dazhui reduces intraoperative hypothermia and improves maternal comfort during cesarean delivery without adverse neonatal effects. Although it cannot completely eliminate hypothermia or shivering, it may serve as an effective non - pharmacological adjunct for thermoregulation in obstetric anesthesia.