Effect of Acupuncture and Moxibustion at BL 13 and LU 9 on Pulmonary Function in Patients with Bronchial Asthma—A Protocol for Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by episodic airway obstruction, hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and cough. Complementary and alternative medicine, including acupuncture and moxibustion, is increasingly used to manage asthma symptoms. There is a lack of studies pertinent to lung-specific points such as BL 13 (a back shu point of the lung) and LU 9 (source point of the lung meridian). This study evaluates the impact of acupuncture and moxibustion at BL 13 and LU 9 on pulmonary function in patients with bronchial asthma. METHODS: In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, a total of 60 participants with bronchial asthma will be recruited and randomly assigned into two groups. The study group will receive acupuncture and moxibustion at BL 13 and LU 9 for 20 min a day, 5 days a week for 2 weeks, while the control group will receive placebo acupuncture for the same period. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) and quality of life (QoL) will be assessed at baseline and after 14 days. RESULTS: Acupuncture and moxibustion at BL 13 and LU 9 acupuncture points might significantly improve PFT and QoL than the placebo acupuncture points in patients with bronchial asthma. CONCLUSION: Two weeks of acupuncture and moxibustion at BL 13 and LU 9 may improve pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with bronchial asthma. These findings may help to support the integration of these techniques into standard asthma care.