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.