Acupuncture for GI endoscopy: a systematic review

Acupuncture occupies an important place in traditional Chinese medicine and is routinely used in China, Japan, Korea, and other Eastern countries. It involves insertion of fine needles into specific point locations and usually manipulation of the needles to elicit a characteristic sensation called De-Qi, with the aim of curing disease or promoting health. A variety of modalities, such as electrical stimulation, laser light, and moxibustion (burning herbal preparations containing Artemisia vulgaris [mugwort] on an acupuncture point), are used in conjunction with needling. The choice of modality, acupuncture point(s), and the method of manipulation mainly depend on patient factors and conditions. Although acupuncture has been found to release various neurotransmitters, including opioids and serotonin, the scientific basis for acupuncture is not well established. Acupuncture has long been used to treat a variety of conditions. There is good evidence for effectiveness in the therapy of low back pain, acute dental pain, recurrent headache, and the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, pregnancy, and recovery from surgical procedures. Acupuncture also is used for GI endoscopic procedures that result in pain or discomfort and that represent a stressful experience for the patient, whether anticipation of, or during, the procedures. One advantage of acupuncture could be that it positively influences a range of symptoms experienced during endoscopy: gagging, pain, and anxiety. However, the effectiveness of acupuncture in relation to endoscopy is uncertain and no systematic review of this subject exists. The aim of this review, therefore, was to critically evaluate data from randomized clinical trials (RCT) and to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture as a supportive intervention during GI endoscopy.