Effects of Electroacupuncture at NP82 and SP15 on Bowel Motility in Healthy Subjects
Investigation of Bowel Motility Changes Following Electroacupuncture at NP82 (Tongbian) and SP15 (Daheng) Acupoint Pair in Healthy Volunteers
University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
30 participants
Mar 30, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This study aims to investigate how a specific combination of electroacupuncture points, Tongbian (NP82) and Daheng (SP15), affects bowel movements in healthy volunteers. Constipation is a significant health issue, especially for post-stroke patients, and current treatments like laxatives often have unwanted side effects. The researchers want to determine if stimulating these two acupuncture points can objectively increase the frequency of bowel activity. Participants will undergo a three-stage procedure: a 30-minute period of baseline bowel sound recording, followed by 20 minutes of electroacupuncture stimulation at the specific points, and a final 30-minute recording period after the intervention. Throughout the study, an advanced digital stethoscope (3M™ Littmann® CORE) will be used to record bowel sounds objectively. This data will then be analyzed to measure any significant changes in bowel motility caused by the acupuncture.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria7
- Healthy volunteers aged 18 years and older.
- No symptoms related to constipation after comprehensive evaluation based on Rome IV criteria.
- No gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in stool, constipation, or bloating) in the 4 weeks prior to study participation.
- No use of medications that promote or inhibit bowel motility in the 4 weeks prior to participation (including prokinetics, laxatives, antispasmodics, or opioids).
- Fasting for at least 4 hours before the study session.
- No mental or intellectual disorders; capable of understanding the acupuncture and assessment procedures.
- Willingness to participate and signed informed consent form.
Exclusion Criteria7
- Participants with severe medical conditions (heart, brain, liver, kidney, hematological system, infectious diseases, cancer, or psychiatric disorders).
- Metabolic or functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), thyroid dysfunction, or glucose/lipid metabolism disorders.
- Use of bowel motility-altering medications within the 4 weeks prior to participation.
- Participation in other clinical trials within the last 2 months.
- Received acupuncture treatment within the last month.
- Skin ulcers, abscesses, or infections at the acupuncture sites.
- Known metal allergy or severe needle phobia.
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Interventions
The intervention is performed by practitioners with at least 3 years of experience. Sterile acupuncture needles (0.30×40mm) are inserted vertically into the Tongbian (NP82 - located 3 cun lateral to the umbilicus) and Daheng (SP15 - located 4 cun lateral to the umbilicus) acupoints. Insertion depth ranges from 20 to 65 mm depending on the participant's body type, aiming to achieve the "De Qi" sensation (aching, heaviness, and tension). Electrical stimulation is applied using a Hwato SDZ-III device with a dense-disperse wave at a frequency of 10 Hz for 20 minutes. The current intensity is adjusted (0.1-1 mA) until a mild muscle vibration is visible without causing pain to the participant.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07496697