Acupuncture for gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Integrative Medicine
• Neurogastroenterology

Background:

• Acupuncture is a traditional therapy with a long history of use for various health concerns.
• Its application in gastrointestinal (GI) disorders is supported by extensive research into its physiological mechanisms.
• The neuroanatomic pathways mediating acupuncture's effects on the GI system are increasingly understood, primarily through animal models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing evidence on acupuncture's efficacy and physiological basis for treating diverse gastrointestinal conditions.
• To highlight the potential of acupuncture as a therapeutic modality for GI disorders.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature, including animal studies and clinical trials.
• Analysis of data on acupuncture's impact on GI physiology (acid secretion, motility, neurohormonal function, sensory thresholds).
• Evaluation of clinical evidence for acupuncture in conditions such as nausea, pain, functional bowel diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture influences GI physiology, affecting acid secretion, motility, and neurohormonal balance.
• Strong clinical evidence supports acupuncture for managing nausea related to chemotherapy, surgery, and pregnancy.
• Efficacy is also demonstrated for analgesia during endoscopic procedures and for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and postoperative ileus.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture exhibits a well-documented physiological basis for its effects on the GI tract.
• Extensive clinical use and emerging evidence suggest acupuncture is a promising treatment for various GI conditions.
• Further prospective randomized clinical studies are recommended to solidify its role in evidence-based medicine.