Objective To evaluate the immediate effect of moxibustion at Shenshu(BL 23)on renal hemodynamics in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD).Methods Thirty-two non-dialysis patients with CKD were recruited in this study.Moxibustion was applied at bilateral BL 23 for 30 min.The peak systolic velocity(PSV)

end diastolic velocity(EDV)of the interlobar renal artery were measured by Doppler ultrasonography(US)before

and 0 and 15 min after moxibustion.The renal resistance index(RI)was equal to(PSV-EDV)/PSV.The body temperature(T)

systolic blood pressure(SBP)

diastolic blood pressure(DBP)

heart rate(HR)were also monitored at the same time points.Results After moxibustion

the EVD level at 15 min after moxibustion was significantly increased(P<0.05)

and the renal RI levels at 0 and 15 min after moxibustion were significantly down-regulated in comparison with their own pre-treatment(P<0.01).No significant changes were found in the levels of PSV

T

SBP

DBP and HR after moxibustion(P>0.05).Conclusion Moxibustion at BL 23 can increase EDV and reduce renal RI of the interlobar renal artery in patients with CKD

which may be useful in relieving kidney disorders by improving renal blood flow.