Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Biophysical Assessments of Acupuncture Points in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

100 participantsStarted 2026-08-01

Plain-language summary

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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

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

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Skin blood perfusion

Timeframe: 1 day

Skin temperature

Timeframe: 1 day

Pressure pain threshold

Timeframe: 1 day

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07681895

SponsorBrigham and Women's Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2027-09-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.