Zhang JL, You LZ. Evidence-based acupuncture: Methodological insights and challenges in gastroenteroscopy recovery research. World J Gastroenterol 2026; 32(2): 114591 [DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v32.i2.114591]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Liang-Zhen You, MD, Doctor, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 5 Hai Yun Cang, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100700, China. youliangzh@126.com
Research Domain of This Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Gastroenterol. Jan 14, 2026; 32(2): 114591 Published online Jan 14, 2026. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v32.i2.114591
Evidence-based acupuncture: Methodological insights and challenges in gastroenteroscopy recovery research
Jia-Le Zhang, Liang-Zhen You
Jia-Le Zhang, Institute of Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
Liang-Zhen You, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
Author contributions: Zhang JL contributed to the concept, design, manuscript writing, and editing, as well as the review of the literature; You LZ contributed to the concept, design, manuscript editing.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Liang-Zhen You, MD, Doctor, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 5 Hai Yun Cang, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100700, China. youliangzh@126.com
Received: September 24, 2025 Revised: November 10, 2025 Accepted: November 19, 2025 Published online: January 14, 2026 Processing time: 110 Days and 23.9 Hours
Abstract
This editorial examines the emerging potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in enhancing postoperative recovery following gastroenteroscopy, highlighted by a 2025 randomized controlled trial by Hong et al. The study, involving 120 patients, demonstrates that meridian flow injection (MFI) combined with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) significantly improves gastrointestinal (GI) function, evidenced by a reduced time to first defecation (3.20 ± 1.04 days vs 3.98 ± 1.27 days, P < 0.001), lowers stress biomarkers (e.g., reduced cortisol and norepinephrine), and enhances clinical efficacy (93.33% vs 75.00%, P = 0.006). Leveraging TCM’s five-element theory and Ziwu Liuzhu timing, the intervention targets key acupoints such as Zusanli (ST36) with a herbal paste comprising Qingpi, Houpu, and rhubarb, delivered transdermally to optimize bioavailability. This approach harmonizes ancient TCM principles with contemporary evidence-based practice, offering a holistic strategy to address postoperative nausea, delayed motility, and patient discomfort. Currently, integrative methods like MFI-TEAS are gaining traction, supported by recent meta-analyses that affirm TEAS’s efficacy in accelerating GI recovery across surgical contexts, including shortened times to first exhaust and defecation. This reflects a growing recognition of TCM’s role in perioperative care amidst rising global endoscopy demands. Looking forward, future research should prioritize multicenter, double-blinded trials to enhance generalizability, adhere to standardized reporting frameworks such as CONSORT and STRICTA, and employ advanced tools like multi-omics and functional magnetic resonance imaging to elucidate mechanistic pathways, including gut-brain axis modulation and microbiota-immune interactions. Such developments promise to refine these interventions, fostering a seamless integration of TCM with Western medicine and delivering tailored, patient-centered solutions to improve postoperative outcomes worldwide.
Core Tip: This study highlights the innovative integration of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation and meridian flow injection with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles to enhance gastroenteroscopy recovery, demonstrating significant improvements in gastrointestinal function and stress reduction. Its key contribution lies in proposing a novel evidence-based framework, emphasizing the need for multicenter trials and advanced methodologies to address current challenges in trial design and reporting, thereby advancing the global acceptance of TCM in perioperative care.
