Conventional therapy combined with moxibustion improves urinary symptoms in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia

This study investigated the effectiveness of moxibustion in addition to conventional therapy for benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). Researchers suggested that moxibustion might be a good addition in the treatment of these patients.

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPE) affects one-third of men older than 50 years in the US. This is an enlargement of the prostate that compresses the urinary tube. This blocks the flow of urine causing urinary symptoms (in 50 to 75% of men with BHP) such as urgency or incomplete voiding of the bladder. The conventional treatment for this is diet change and medication which is associated with side effects. Surgery can be performed in more advanced cases.

Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves the burning of plant materials (called mugwort) on or near particular acupuncture points. Prior studies suggested that this therapy helps to treat urinary symptoms in stroke survivors. However, too little is known about its effectiveness in patients with BPE-related urinary symptoms.

This study included information about 29 patients with BPE and urinary symptoms. Of these, 15 were assigned to receive moxibustion combined with medication for 4 weeks, followed by medication only for 8 weeks (group 1). The remaining 14 patients received medication alone for 12 weeks (group 2).

At 4 weeks, group 1 reported an improvement in prostate symptoms when compared to group 2. Improvements in incomplete emptying, straining (push to urinate) and night-time urinating (nocturia) were also seen. Urinary flow and remaining urine after urinating did not significantly change after 12 weeks. The overall quality of life significantly improved in group 1 compared to group 2.

This study concluded that moxibustion might improve the urinary symptoms in patients with BPE.

This study had a very small number of participants and a short follow up period. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.