Acupuncture and regulation of gastrointestinal function

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Integrative Medicine
• Neurogastroenterology

Background:

• Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of treating gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction.
• Global acceptance of acupuncture is increasing, yet its therapeutic effects and mechanisms for GI dysfunction require comprehensive review.
• Existing literature lacks systematic reviews on acupuncture's efficacy and mechanisms for GI disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy of acupuncture in treating GI dysfunction.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture's therapeutic effects on GI function.
• To consolidate current knowledge on acupuncture for GI diseases.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a literature search of PubMed for articles published in the last 10 years.
• Utilized keywords such as "acupuncture", "gastrointestine", and other relevant terms.
• Focused the review on acupuncture's effects on GI motility, visceral sensitivity, GI barrier, and the brain-gut axis.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture demonstrates dual regulatory effects on gastric peristalsis, promoting it in hypomotile states and suppressing it in hypermotile states.
• The regulatory effect of acupuncture on gastric motility appears to be intensity-dependent.
• Evidence suggests acupuncture influences GI function through modulation of motility, sensitivity, barrier function, and the brain-gut axis.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture shows promise as a treatment for GI dysfunction, with potential benefits observed in motility regulation and brain-gut axis modulation.
• Further systematic studies are necessary to fully investigate the effects and mechanisms of acupuncture in treating GI dysfunction.
• Findings support the continued investigation and promotion of acupuncture for the clinical application in managing GI diseases.