Editor’s Note: This is the latest column from the Society for Acupuncture Research (www.acupunctureresearch.org. Visit the SAR online columnist page for access to previous articles.
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) causes chronic diarrhea and abdominal discomfort that significantly impacts quality of life. Current pharmaceutical treatments have limited efficacy.
Recent research highlights the role of gut microbiota – the community of microorganisms in the intestines – in IBS-D development and recovery. This study compared how acupuncture and moxibustion at a single acupoint perform against pharmaceutical treatment in restoring bowel function and rebalancing gut microbiota.
Study Overview
Researchers created an IBS-D model in male Sprague-Dawley rats using acetic acid enemas on days one and four. Disease severity was confirmed through stool consistency scores, fecal water content, stool pellet counts, diarrhea index, and colonic transit time measurements. Thirty-nine diseased rats were divided into four groups: disease control, disease plus acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36), disease plus moxibustion at the same point, and disease plus pharmacotherapy (pinaverium bromide).
All treatment groups received their intervention once daily for 14 days. The acupuncture group received bilateral manual needle stimulation, while the moxibustion group received indirect moxa suspension above the skin. Researchers measured changes in bowel function and analyzed gut bacteria composition using genetic sequencing.
Key Findings
Both acupuncture and moxibustion groups showed substantial restoration of normal bowel function, with improvements more closely aligned to healthy controls than the disease-only group. Moxibustion best restored normal stool pellet counts, while acupuncture produced the greatest improvement in colonic transit time, indicating different but complementary effects.
Analysis of gut microbiota identified 33 microbial species as disease or treatment biomarkers. The acupuncture group enriched Pseudomonas and Turicibacter; the moxibustion group enriched RF39; and the pharmaceutical group enriched Blautia and Clostridium sensu stricto.1
Acupuncture and moxibustion groups showed improved microbiota network organization with better connectivity, whereas the pharmaceutical group showed greater network disruption that correlated negatively with symptom improvement.
Clinical Relevance for Acupuncture Practitioners
This research provides evidence that Zusanli (ST 36) can effectively treat IBS-D through both acupuncture and moxibustion, producing clinically meaningful improvements in bowel function. The distinct microbiota effects suggest practitioners may achieve enhanced outcomes by selecting the approach best suited to individual patient presentation. The superior restoration of microbiota network connectivity with acupuncture and moxibustion indicates these modalities promote a more balanced and resilient gut ecosystem compared to pharmaceutical intervention.
Conclusion
Acupuncture and moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) effectively restore normal bowel function in IBS-D by promoting beneficial changes in gut microbiota composition and network organization. The distinct effects of each modality support tailoring treatment to individual patient needs. These findings support the clinical use of Zusanli (ST 36) in IBS-D management and potential integration into comprehensive gastrointestinal care protocols.
Reference
One of the longest nerves in the body is known as the vagus nerve (VN). The VN is the 10th pair of cranial nerves that originates at the brain stem in the medulla oblongata. This nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a part of the ANS. Research suggests ear acupuncture can activate the VN.
Migraines are unilateral, throbbing headaches, often with concurrent nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. Approximately 10% of the global population suffers from migraines, with women more than three times as likely as men to experience them. Medication remains a mainstay treatment option, making nondrug alternatives critical to safer practices. New research suggests auricular acupuncture may be one such alternative.
| Digital Exclusive
How much training in gua sha did you get in acupuncture school? If it was not much more than an introduction, now is the time to revisit this powerful healing modality. I’ve found gua sha to be one of my go-to skills to address myofascial dysfunction, all sorts of pain, limited range of motion, and even to promote general well-being. Let’s discuss the keys to effective gua sha treatment, which I hope will get more acupuncturists using it in the clinic.