Effects of Electroacupuncture at NP82 and SP15 on Bowel Motility in Healthy Subjects

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.

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy volunteers aged 18 years and older. * No symptoms related to constipation after comprehensive evaluation based on Rome IV criteria. * No gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in stool, constipation, or bloating) in the 4 weeks prior to study participation. * No use of medications that promote or inhibit bowel motility in the 4 weeks prior to participation (including prokinetics, laxatives, antispasmodics, or opioids). * Fasting for at least 4 hours before the study session. * No mental or intellectual disorders; capable of understanding the acupuncture and assessment procedures. * Willingness to participate and signed informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants with severe medical conditions (heart, brain, liver, kidney, hematological system, infectious diseases, cancer, or psychiatric disorders). * Metabolic or functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), thyroid dysfunction, or glucose/lipid metabolism disorders. * Use of bowel motility-altering medications within the 4 weeks prior to participation. * Participation in other clinical trials within the last 2 months. * Received acupuncture treatment within the last month. * Skin ulcers, abscesses, or infections at the acupuncture sites. * Known metal allergy or severe needle phobia.