Comparing the warming effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on the waist

Effect of Acupuncture or Moxibustion at Acupoints Weizhong (BL40) and Chize (LU5) on the Change in Lumbar Temperature in Healthy People

Not applicable Interventional The Third Affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University · NCT05665426

This study is testing whether acupuncture or moxibustion can warm up the lower back better and help improve blood flow for people without back pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Third Affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang)
Trial IDNCT05665426 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion at specific acupoints on the lumbar region to assess changes in temperature as a measure of treatment efficacy. Participants aged 18-60 with normal lumbar mobility and no history of lower back pain will be randomized into four groups, each receiving different interventions for 30 minutes. The study aims to measure temperature differences at various time points to evaluate the effectiveness of these traditional Chinese medicine techniques in improving microcirculation and alleviating low back pain symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18-60 with a normal BMI and no history of lower back pain.

Not a fit: Patients with serious underlying health conditions, recent lower back trauma, or those unable to undergo imaging may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive and side-effect-free treatment option for individuals suffering from low back pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with acupuncture and moxibustion for low back pain, suggesting that this approach is supported by existing evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria include:

1. aged 18-60 (either sex);
2. with a BMI of 18.5-23.9 kg/m2;
3. with no history of lower back pain;
4. with normal range of lumbar mobility (including flexion from 75-90 degrees, extension of 30 degrees, lateral bending from 20-35 degrees, and unilateral rotation of 90 degrees);
5. willing to participate in the trial and have signed the informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria:

1. participants with serious heart, liver, kidney, or hematological diseases;
2. women in menses, pregnancy, or lactation;
3. those unable to complete the imaging in prone position (about 40 minutes);
4. those with cognitive impairments;
5. those with a history of lower back trauma or whiplash within a week;
6. those with skin diseases or skin lesions, sensory impairments, scarring, or neoplasms at the test site;
7. those with metal allergies
8. those who have participated in other clinical trials that may affect the results of the study within the last three weeks.

Where this trial is running

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HealthacupuncturemoxibustionWeizhongwaist
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.