[Effect of umbilical moxibustion on phlegm damp constitution and intestinal flora]

To observe the effect of umbilical moxibustion on phlegm damp constitution and intestinal flora, and explore the mechanism of umbilical moxibustion in improving phlegm damp constitution.

A total of 60 subjects with phlegm damp constitution were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The control group was given TCM health guidance, such as diet and exercise; on the basis of the control group, umbilical moxibustion was applied in the observation group, 7 moxa cones each time, 2 times a week for 8 weeks. Before and after intervention, the indexes (transformation score of phlegm damp constitution, body mass, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference, hip circumference, heart rate and blood pressure) related to phlegm damp constitution were recorded in the two groups. The intestinal flora was detected with 16S rDNA sequencing technology in the two groups.

After intervention, the transformation score of phlegm damp constitution, body mass, BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference were decreased compared before intervention in the observation group (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05), the transformation score of phlegm damp constitution and waist circumference were decreased compared before intervention in the control group (P<0.001, P<0.05); the transformation score of phlegm damp constitution and waist circumference in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.001, P<0.05). After intervention, the relative abundance of Eubacterium hallii in the observation group was increased (P<0.01), the relative abundance of Blautia in the control group was decreased (P<0.05).

Umbilical moxibustion may reshape the intestinal flora by up-regulating the relative abundance of Eubacterium hallii, thus improving phlegm damp constitution.