Effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on intestinal flora in the rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome based on 16S rDNA technique.

Researchers in China studied whether acupuncture and moxibustion could help with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), a condition causing frequent loose stools and abdominal discomfort. They worked with rats that were given IBS-D symptoms and then treated them with either acupuncture, moxibustion (burning of herbal materials near the skin), or standard medication. The treatments focused on a point called Zusanli (ST 36) near the knee, given daily for two weeks. The study used advanced genetic testing to examine the gut bacteria of the animals. Researchers found that both acupuncture and moxibustion significantly improved diarrhea symptoms, reduced stool water content, and helped the intestines move at a more normal pace. The treatments also protected the intestinal lining from inflammation. Importantly, both methods restored healthier balance in gut bacteria—increasing beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium while reducing harmful types. The treatments also improved the gut's ability to produce important nutrients and reduced inflammation-causing substances. In some measures, acupuncture and moxibustion performed better than standard medication. While this is an animal study and human research is needed, the findings suggest these traditional Chinese medicine techniques may help IBS-D by rebalancing gut bacteria and supporting intestinal health. If you're considering acupuncture for digestive issues, seek treatment from a licensed acupuncturist trained in traditional Chinese medicine.

This animal study investigated acupuncture and moxibustion effects on gut microbiota in IBS-D using 16S rDNA sequencing. Forty successfully modeled SD rats received bilateral ST 36 needling, suspending moxibustion (15 min daily), or pinaverium bromide for 14 days. Both acupuncture and moxibustion significantly improved body mass, fecal water content, diarrhea index, and colonic transit time (P<0.01) compared to model controls. Microbial diversity indices (Richness, Chao1, ACE) increased with treatment. Acupuncture and moxibustion reversed pathological shifts in bacterial phyla, decreasing Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Prevotella while increasing Firmicutes, Muribaculaceae, Actinobacteria, and Bifidobacterium (P<0.05). Functional analysis showed reduced lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and enhanced folate, lipoic acid, zeatin, and ubiquinone synthesis. Both modalities outperformed Western medication in reducing fecal water content. Histology revealed reduced inflammatory infiltration. Clinical implications suggest ST 36 stimulation may benefit IBS-D through microbiome modulation and metabolic regulation.