Vagus Nerve Stimulation Through Electro-acupuncture for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is defined as a chronic inflammatory-mediated that causes ulceration and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Among most patients, course of repeatedly shows intermittent exacerbations alternating remissions. However, despite various therapeutic options to relieve symptoms, such corticosteroids, TNF-α inhibitors, antibiotic drugs, there no known cure for IBD. Nonetheless, previous research has revealed autonomic nervous system involved pathophysiology In this study, we reviewed clinical trials confirming effect vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on IBD vivo. We searched vivo human studies Pubmed using keywords combined with “vagus stimulation”, “VNS”, “inflammatory disease”. All included review reported direct VNS effective relieving symptoms severe adverse effects. The frequently stimulated site was unilateral cervical area, parameters were set 5-20 Hz. Based results, aim summarize evidence efficacy suggest possibility auricular electroacupuncture treatment option