07/08/2025
Phenomenal new research by a well established group formerly based at Harvard. They used a series of experiments in mice and humans to carefully map out key neural anatomical regions and processes involved in the somatosensory-vagal reflex for the acupoint St36.
Stimulation of TRPV1+ nociceptors located exclusively in deep fascial tissues was essential to trigger this reflex. The clinical relevance is that deep needling is required at St36 to trigger gastric motility and improve symptoms of functional dyspepsia/indigestion.
Key takeaways: the point location matters, the depth matters, the stimulation intensity matters.
https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(25)00504-5
The British Medical Acupuncture Society blog gives a great plain language summary and interpretation for clinicians: https://bmas.blog/2025/08/05/ea-and-gi-function-2025/
Stimulated by D**g et al 2025.[1] Graphical abstract from D**g et al 2025.[1] EA – electroacupunctureGI – gastrointestinal function (but mainly gastric here)IF – impact factorDMV – dorsal motor nuc…
