Objective

2

To sort out the experimental research literature on acupuncture-moxibustion for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

and to analyze the main research directions and progress of acupuncture-moxibustion for IBS.

Methods

2

Experimental research literature on acupuncture-moxibustion for IBS was retrieved from CNKI

Wanfang

VIP

PubMed

and Web of Science databases. The screening period was limited from January 1

2020 to December 31

2024

and data analysis was performed on all included literature.

Results

2

A total of 124 articles were included

among which 66 articles were on diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D)

accounting for 53.23%. The most commonly used modeling methods were chronic acute combining stress (CAS/CACS) and restraint stress combined with senna gavage in IBS-D studies

each being reported in 14 articles (each accounting for 21.21%). Electroacupuncture was the most frequently used [50.00%(67/134)]. The core acupoints were Zusanli (ST36) (78 times

26.17%)

Tianshu (ST25) (76 times

25.50%)

and Shangjuxu(ST37) (52 times

17.45%). Visceral sensitivity was the most commonly used effect evaluation index [81.45% (101/124)]. In the past five years

studies on acupuncture-moxibustion for IBS have mainly focused on regulation of visceral hypersensitivity

regulation of inflammatory factors

regulation of intestinal flora

protection of intestinal barrier function

improvement of behavior and depressive symptoms

and regulation of metabolic disorders.

Conclusion

2

In the past five years

mechanism studies on acupuncture-moxibustion for IBS have achieved certain breakthroughs

but there are still deficiencies in the standardization of effect evaluation indexes and modeling methods. Future studies need to optimize the evaluation system

standardize modeling methods

and combine multidisciplinary approaches to deeply explore the mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion.