Objective: To compare the therapeutic effect of ginger moxibustion at a large dose with that of conventional acupuncture on primary hypertension.

Methods: 224 patients of hypertension were randomly divided into two groups: the Moxibustion group (n=117), and the control group (n=107). In the moxibustion group a slice of ginger of 1.2cm in thickness was put on Guanyuan (CV4) point, and covered by a special box; with copper net at the bottom, in Which moxa wool was lit for 40 to 60 minutes. In the acupuncture group, Hegu(LI4), Taichong (LR3), Zusanli (ST36), Neiguan (PC6) points were selected, and 2 of the points were alternatively used each time for acupuncture with even reinforcing and reducing maneuvers. The treatment in both groups was given once everyday or once every other day and 10 treatments made a course. The curative effects were observed after 2 courses of treatment.

Results: The total effective rates for decrease of blood pressure were 71.8% and 66.4% in the moxibustion group and in the control group, respectively. No statistical difference between the two groups (P>O.05). The total effective rate for systems was 70.1% in the moxibustion group and 57.9% in the control group with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The therapy presented in this paper has a significant curative effect for primare hypertension.

By Zhang Yongshu