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Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of yang-supporting cupping combined with wheat-grain moxibustion in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) characterized by a spleen–kidney yang deficiency pattern. A total of 120 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for CFS with spleen–kidney yang deficiency were enrolled between July 2023 and June 2024. Patients were randomly allocated into a control group and a treatment group (n = 60 each) using a random number table. The control group received wheat-grain moxibustion, basic pharmacological therapy, and standardized nursing care, whereas the treatment group received additional yang-supporting cupping therapy in addition to the control group's protocol. Both groups completed two treatment cycles. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using the Quantitative Symptom Grading Scale for Spleen–Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern, Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14), and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Pre- and posttreatment differences in scores were compared between groups to assess therapeutic outcomes. Following treatment, both groups demonstrated significant improvements across all assessment measures, including spleen–kidney yang deficiency symptoms, FS-14 fatigue levels, and SAS anxiety scores (all p < 0.05). Moreover, the magnitude of improvement in these indicators was significantly greater in the treatment group than in the control group (all p < 0.05). The combination of yang-supporting cupping and wheat-grain moxibustion in patients with CFS presenting with spleen–kidney yang deficiency was associated with greater improvement in core clinical symptoms and overall sub-health status, resulting in a significant enhancement in quality of life.

Keywords

chronic fatigue syndrome with pattern of spleen–kidney yang deficiency nursing intervention TCM external therapy wheat-grain moxibustion

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Clinical Efficacy of Yang -Supporting Cupping Combined with Wheat-Grain Moxibustion in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Spleen–Kidney Yang Deficiency

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