[Modern mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of functional gastrointestinal diseases based on holistic view].

Researchers have reviewed how acupuncture and moxibustion work to treat functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) - conditions like irritable bowel syndrome where the digestive system doesn't work properly despite no visible damage. This comprehensive review examined the scientific mechanisms behind these traditional Chinese medicine treatments, focusing on the brain-gut connection. The study found that acupuncture and moxibustion work through four main pathways in the body. First, they affect the nervous system by regulating brain activity, repairing the gut's nerve network, and balancing neurotransmitters like serotonin that control both digestive function and mood. Second, they influence hormones by calming the body's stress response and regulating digestive hormones that control gut movement and the protective intestinal lining. Third, they reduce chronic low-grade inflammation in the intestines, prevent abnormal immune system activation, and repair the tight connections between intestinal cells that form a protective barrier. Fourth, they reshape the community of bacteria living in your gut by increasing beneficial bacteria, reducing harmful ones, and boosting helpful compounds like short-chain fatty acids that protect the intestinal lining. The review highlights a key advantage of acupuncture: its ability to regulate digestive function in both directions, whether speeding up or slowing down activity as needed, while simultaneously addressing related conditions like anxiety or depression that often occur with digestive problems. This holistic approach aligns with traditional Chinese medicine's view of treating the whole person rather than isolated symptoms. If you're considering acupuncture for digestive issues, seek a licensed acupuncturist with experience treating gastrointestinal conditions.

This comprehensive review examines mechanisms underlying acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for functional gastrointestinal disorders through the brain-gut axis framework. The authors systematically analyzed four regulatory pathways: (1) Nervous system modulation including central brain region activity, enteric nervous system repair, and bidirectional regulation of neurotransmitters (particularly 5-HT and receptors) affecting both gastrointestinal function and emotional states; (2) Endocrine regulation through HPA axis inhibition and optimization of gastrointestinal hormones (motilin, gastrin) improving motility and mucosal barrier function; (3) Immune system effects reducing chronic low-grade intestinal inflammation, inhibiting abnormal immune cell activation, and repairing mucosal tight junctions; (4) Microbiota restructuring increasing probiotic abundance, reducing pathogenic bacteria, and elevating beneficial metabolites including short-chain fatty acids for mucosal protection. The review emphasizes clinical advantages in treating FGID comorbidities and bidirectional gastrointestinal regulation. This synthesis provides mechanistic rationale for acupuncture's holistic approach to FGIDs and identifies future research directions in neuro-endocrine-immune network and microbiome modulation.