Moxibustion Shows Promise for Depression, Though Evidence Quality Remains Low

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This meta-analysis, published in 2026, systematically evaluated whether moxibustion — a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that applies heat to acupuncture points — can effectively and safely treat depression, either on its own or alongside other treatments.

Researchers searched seven databases for randomised controlled trials up to December 2023, identifying fifteen eligible trials involving a total of 1,510 patients. The primary outcomes measured were the overall rate of clinical effectiveness and scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, a widely used tool for assessing the severity of depressive symptoms.

The pooled results indicated that moxibustion, alone or in combination with other therapies, outperformed comparison treatments in overall effectiveness. It also significantly reduced Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores compared with other treatments used in isolation. When compared specifically with antidepressant medications, the difference in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores was not statistically significant, suggesting broadly comparable efficacy. Importantly, moxibustion was associated with a lower incidence of adverse reactions than comparison treatments, pointing to a favourable safety profile.

Despite these encouraging findings, the authors graded the overall quality of evidence as low to very low, meaning the results should be interpreted with caution. Small sample sizes, methodological limitations within the included trials, and risk of bias were noted concerns.

Conclusion: Moxibustion appears to reduce depressive symptoms and may be comparable in efficacy to antidepressant medication with fewer adverse reactions, but higher-quality trials are needed before firm clinical recommendations can be made.

Source: Li Y, Li M, Sun F and colleagues. Medicine (2026). View on PubMed (PMID 42888532) · doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000051032

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