The Effects of Guiyuan Cupping Combined with Thunder-Fire Moxibustion on Pain Perception, Lumbar Function, and Quality of Life in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation

Objective This study aims to explore the effects of Guiyuan cupping combined with thunder-fire moxibustion on pain perception, lumbar spine function, and quality of life in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods A total of 200 patients with LDH admitted to Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2023 to December 2025 were selected and randomly divided into two groups using a random number table method. The control group ( n  = 100) received balanced cupping intervention, while the observation group ( n  = 100) received Guiyuan cupping combined with thunder-fire moxibustion. Visual analog scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) low back pain score (JOA), Oswestry disability index (ODI), 36-item short form health survey (SF-36), lumbar range of motion, and lumbar–abdominal muscle strength were compared between the two groups before and after intervention, and adverse reactions were evaluated. Results After intervention, VAS and ODI scores decreased in both groups, with the observation group showing lower scores than those in the control group ( P  < 0.05), while JOA and SF-36 scores increased in both groups, with the observation group showing higher scores than the control group ( P  < 0.05). After intervention, the range of motion during left and right lateral flexion, left and right rotation, flexion, and extension, as well as lumbar–abdominal muscle strength, increased in both groups, with the observation group showing greater improvement than that in the control group ( P  < 0.05). No serious adverse reactions such as collapse or palpitations occurred in either group, and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups ( P  > 0.05). Conclusion Guiyuan cupping combined with thunder-fire moxibustion can alleviate pain, improve lumbar spine function, and enhance quality of life in patients with LDH, with good safety.