Study on the effect of moxibustion on plaque psoriasis

The aim of this study by the Graduate School of Tianjin University of TCM was to investigate the clinical efficacy of moxibustion in combination with sealing with Coptis chinensis ointment for plaque psoriasis in combination with obesity.

A total of 52 patients with plaque psoriasis and obesity were randomized into an observation group (26 cases) and a control group (26 cases, 2 of which were eliminated). In the control group, a sealant with Coptis chinensis ointment was used. In the observation group, moxibustion was also applied to the ashi points (area of the local lesions). The treatment was carried out daily for 30 minutes over a period of 4 weeks in both groups. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), obesity-related indicators (body weight, waist circumference, body mass index [BMI]), triglycerides, cholesterol, uric acid and blood glucose were compared before and after treatment, and clinical efficacy was evaluated.

After treatment, PASI scores were significantly reduced in both groups compared to baseline, with lower PASI scores in the observation group than in the control group. Significant reductions in body weight, waist circumference, BMI, triglycerides, cholesterol, uric acid and blood glucose were also observed in the observation group. Triglyceride and cholesterol levels were lower in the observation group than in the control group. The overall efficacy rate was 53.8% in the observation group, which was significantly higher than the 20.8% in the control group.

Moxibustion combined with sealing with Coptis chinensis ointment can effectively improve clinical symptoms in patients with plaque psoriasis and obesity.