Study protocol for a prospective, investigator-initiated clinical trial on the vascular effects of acupuncture in the abdomen and lower limbs for patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Researchers are investigating whether acupuncture can help people with irritable bowel syndrome that causes diarrhea (IBS-D), and whether needle placement location matters for treatment outcomes. This study compares acupuncture needling in the abdomen versus the lower legs and feet against standard medical care. The trial will enroll 36 patients diagnosed with IBS-D using established Rome IV diagnostic criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either abdominal acupuncture, lower limb acupuncture, or standard treatment consisting of lifestyle education and medications. Those receiving acupuncture will attend eight treatment sessions over four weeks, with needles placed at specific points known to affect digestive function. Researchers will measure symptom severity, stool consistency, quality of life, and changes in gut bacteria before and after treatment. The main goal is to determine if local abdominal needling works differently than systemic lower body needling for relieving IBS-D symptoms. This is a study protocol, meaning the research is just beginning and results are not yet available. However, the expected findings may reveal distinct patterns showing whether local or whole-body approaches work better for different patients. This information could help practitioners customize acupuncture treatments based on individual patient needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding how acupuncture affects both symptoms and gut bacteria may also provide clues about how this traditional therapy works for digestive disorders. If you're considering acupuncture for IBS-D, consult with a licensed acupuncturist experienced in treating gastrointestinal conditions.

This prospective, single-blinded randomized controlled trial investigates comparative effectiveness of abdominal versus lower limb acupuncture for IBS-D symptom management and gut microbiota modulation. The study will randomize 36 participants meeting Rome IV criteria for IBS-D into three arms: abdominal acupuncture, lower limb acupuncture, or standard care (lifestyle education plus medications). Intervention groups receive eight treatments over four weeks targeting gastrointestinal-specific points. Primary outcome measures IBS-SSS score changes from baseline at Week 5, with secondary outcomes including stool consistency via Bristol Stool Scale, patient global assessments, pattern differentiation surveys, EQ-5D-5L quality of life scores, and gut microbiota analysis. This exploratory trial aims to elucidate whether local (abdominal) versus distal (lower limb) needling strategies produce differential therapeutic effects on IBS-D symptoms and microbiome composition. As a study protocol, no results are yet available; findings may inform personalized acupuncture treatment strategies based on mechanism-specific targeting.