Acupuncture for Functional Dyspepsia: A Single Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Integrative Medicine
• Clinical Therapeutics

Background:

• Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder with limited treatment options.
• Acupuncture is a traditional therapy explored for its potential in managing FD.
• Understanding the specific mechanisms and efficacy of acupuncture in FD is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture with manual manipulation versus sham acupuncture in patients with FD.
• To assess the impact of acupuncture on dyspeptic symptoms, quality of life, and mental status in FD patients.
• To explore the potential physiological mechanisms, including serum gastrin and gastric motility, influenced by acupuncture.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 60 FD patients.
• Patients were assigned to either classic acupoint acupuncture with manipulation or nonacupoint acupuncture without manipulation.
• Treatment was administered three times weekly for one month, with a three-month follow-up period.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvements in primary outcomes compared to baseline.
• The treatment group (acupuncture with manipulation) demonstrated superior outcomes in dyspeptic symptoms, mental status, and quality of life.
• Improvements in dyspeptic symptoms were sustained during the follow-up period.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture with manual manipulation is an effective treatment for improving dyspeptic symptoms, mental status, and quality of life in FD patients.
• The therapeutic effects may be associated with enhanced gastric motility and increased serum gastrin levels.
• Acupuncture represents a promising therapeutic option for managing functional dyspepsia.