Du-Moxibustion in a Mouse Model of Ankylosing Spondylitis

The scope of our research focuses on the treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis using du-moxibustion, the traditional Chinese external therapy. These paper describes in detail the operating procedures and precautions to be taking during du-moxibustion in treating Ankylosing Spondylitis in experimental mice. Our study found that du-moxibustion could improve multiple coordination and autonomic movement, reduce ankle swelling, and eliminate inflammation in mice with AS.The Traditional Chinese Medicine external treatment of Du-moxibustion were introduced for the first time in detail in more experiments, laying the foundation for future treatment of AS mechanism research.

As early external therapeutic technique in traditional Chinese medicine, du-moxibustion skillfully combines their compatible technicals of TCM, two integrator meridians, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and du-moxibustion, which directly acts on the spine area and makes the overall adjustment to religion side. In future studies we will pay attention to the evaluation of different parameters, such as possible moxibustion dose, range, and treatment time to obtain the most effective combination schemes. In later studies, imaging methods can be used to evaluate the treatment results in a more intuitive way.

To begin, take a piece of velvet and twist it into a spindle shape to make moxa cones. Now cut ginger into small pieces and puree it in a juicer. Filter the ginger puree through cotton gauze to separate the ginger juice and mud from the puree.

Take 10 grams of ginger mud and 20 milliliters of ginger juice in paper cups for later use. Then take 0.1 grams of Traditional Chinese Medicine powder and grind it in a mortar. After administering anesthesia to the mouse, and confirming the appropriate surgical depth, remove it from the anesthesia induction box.

Secure the mouse on the operating table in a prone position. Align the mouse's mouth and nose with the outlet of the anesthetic. Maintain the anesthesia and place the mouse on a 37 degrees Celsius heating pad during the operational procedure.

Apply lubricant to the mouse's eyes to prevent desiccation. Now locate the acupoints on the mouse and identify the stimulation area. Shave the hair on the back of the mouse until the flesh colored skin on the back of the mouse is seen.

Ensure the hair removal is 1.5 centimeter wide and extends from C7 to the tail vertebra. Using cotton gauze, apply the prepared ginger juice to the shaved area of the mouse's back. Then, with a writing brush, sprinkle the Traditional Chinese Medicine powder evenly on the median line of the mouse's back, and cover the area with mulberry paper.

Next, use ginger mud to make a trapezoidal ginger column and fill it down the mulberry paper. Create a groove above the midline of the ginger column and place the prepared moxa cone in the groove. Then, light the moxa cone and replace it with a new one once it burns out.

Wipe off the ginger and traditional Chinese medicine powder from the mouse's back. Clean the back of the mouse. Discontinue the anesthesia, and allow the mouse to recover.