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Effects of Electroacupuncture at NP82 and SP15 on Bowel Motility in Healthy Subjects
Sponsor: University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
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.
Official title: Investigation of Bowel Motility Changes Following Electroacupuncture at NP82 (Tongbian) and SP15 (Daheng) Acupoint Pair in Healthy Volunteers
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2026-03-30
Completion Date
2026-08-30
Last Updated
2026-03-27
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Electroacupuncture at NP82 (Tongbian) and SP15 (Daheng)
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)
Faculty of Traditional Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam