Acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for gastric ulcer: A modified Delphi consensus study

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Acupuncture is a common adjunctive therapy for gastric ulcers (GU).
• Optimal acupuncture interventions for GU lack sufficient evidence.
• This study aimed to optimize GU acupuncture treatment via expert consensus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop evidence-based guidance for acupuncturists treating gastric ulcers.
• To establish an expert consensus on optimal acupuncture interventions for GU.
• To provide a framework for clinical practice and research in acupuncture for GU.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of acupuncture for GU in English and Chinese databases.
• Multidisciplinary expert consultation using a modified Delphi method.
• Consensus achieved on a 9-point Likert scale, with 80% agreement defining consensus.

Main Results:

• 35 consensus items reached across 6 domains after two Delphi rounds.
• Recommended main acupoints: Zusanli (ST36), Zhongwan (CV12), Neiguan (PC6), Sanyinjiao (SP6).
• Adjunct acupoints include Taichong (LR3), Guanyuan (CV4), Xuehai (SP10), Taixi (KI3); adverse events are typically mild.

Conclusions:

• Definitive guidelines for optimal acupuncture in GU treatment are lacking.
• Expert consensus provides recommendations for acupoint selection in GU treatment.
• Further rigorous studies are needed due to limited clinical evidence.