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Biophysical Assessments of Acupuncture Points in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital
Summary
Acupuncture points or acupoints are fundamental to the practice of acupuncture, yet their scientific basis remains unclear. According to traditional explanations of acupuncture, acupoints can become tender or more sensitive to pressure when there is an underlying disease of the body. Findings from recent basic animal studies support this traditional theory. For example, compared to healthy control animals, models of colitis have shown increased skin temperature, blood flow, and pain sensitivity at specific body regions that correspond to the location of acupoints that are commonly used in acupuncture treatment for colitis. However, little is known about whether these findings apply to humans.
Official title: Acupoint Sensitization in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Non-interventional Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
Start Date
2026-08-01
Completion Date
2027-11-30
Last Updated
2026-07-02
Healthy Volunteers
Yes