Biophysical Assessments of Acupuncture Points in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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.

Inclusion Criteria (Adults with IBD): * adults (age 18 years or older) * clinical diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease Exclusion Criteria (Adults with IBD): * any history of serious musculoskeletal or soft tissue injury of the lower and/or upper extremities * presence of scarring or tattoo on the lower and/or upper extremities * presence of serious cardiac diseases, severe dermatological conditions, peripheral neuropathy, infectious disease, psychological illnesses, or other serious co-morbidities (e.g., cancer) * prior history of colostomy or ileostomy * pregnancy Inclusion Criteria (Healthy control participants): \- adults (age 18 years or older) in good health conditions Exclusion Criteria (Healthy control participants): * history of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as IBD * severe digestive and/or intestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) * any history of serious musculoskeletal or soft tissue injury of the lower and/or upper extremities * presence of scarring or tattoo on the lower and/or upper extremities * presence of serious cardiac diseases, severe dermatological conditions, peripheral neuropathy, infectious disease, psychological illnesses, or other serious co-morbidities (e.g., cancer) * pregnancy