Influence of moxibustion temperatures on blood lipids, endothelin-1, and nitric oxide in hyperlipidemia patients.

OBJECTIVE

To observe the influence of moxibustion temperature on blood lipids, endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), and ET-1/NO in hyperlipidemia patients.

METHODS

Forty-two primary hyperlipidemia patients were randomly divided into two groups of 21 and treated with moxibustion at different temperatures. Moxibustion was performed with the moxa roll 2.5-3.0 cm from the skin in the treatment group and 4 cm in the control group, 10 min per point, once every other day. Skin temperature was precisely measured with a thermometer during moxibustion. After a 12-week treatment, seven measurements of blood lipids, ET-1, and NO were recorded.

RESULTS

Total cholesterol and triglyceride, were lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Serum ET-1 and ET-1/NO was obviously lowered in the treatment group (P < 0.001). Moxibustion regulated NO and ET-1/NO in the treatment group much better than in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Moxibustion can regulate blood lipids and clear blood vessels. Moxibustion at 45 degrees C has a better effect than moxibustion at 38 degrees C on regulating blood lipids and protecting vascular endothelial function, indicating that suitable temperature influences the curative effect of moxibustion.