Characterizing Heat-Sensitization Responses in Suspended Moxibustion with High-Density EEG.

Objective We have reported 'heat-sensitization' responses during suspended moxibustion, whose occurrence is associated with significantly better therapeutic effects. The present study aimed to characterize the electrophysiological features of this interesting phenomenon with high-density electroencephalography ( EEG). Methods We performed EEG recording in a group of patients with chronic low back pain before, during, and after moxibustion treatment at DU3. Results 12 out of 25 subjects experienced strong heat-sensitization during moxibustion, which was accompanied by increased power spectral densities ( PSDs) at the theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands. The scalp topographies of averaged power indicated that the theta and beta PSD changes were most obvious in fronto-central regions, whereas those of the alpha band were more global. In addition, nonsensitized and sensitized groups showed distinct activity patterns, with heat-sensitization inducing increased phase coherence at the theta and beta ranges. Conclusions These data were the first objective evidence of heat-sensitization responses during suspended moxibustion, which were characterized by widespread oscillatory changes in scalp EEG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]