From data mining to experimental validation: ST36 and CV12 as core acupoint combination for acupuncture in functional dyspepsia

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Source: Frontiers Medicine

Original: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2026.1728742...

Published: 2026-03-10T00:00:00Z

A data mining study from the medical literature identified acupuncture points ST36 and CV12 as the essential combination for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD), a chronic digestive problem with no clear cause[1][2]. Experiments on FD rats showed that electroacupuncture stimulation of these two points significantly improved digestion and food intake during a 14-day treatment period[1]. The treatment led to a significant reduction in the number of inflammatory cells (eosinophils and mast cells) in the tissue of the duodenum and restoration of the structure of its mucosa[1]. Immunohistological examination showed an increased expression of the proteins Claudin-1 and Occludin, which are important for the integrity of the mucosal barrier[1]. The results suggest that electroacupuncture at the ST36 and CV12 points can alleviate the inflammation and damage of the duodenal mucosa in patients with functional dyspepsia[1]. These findings are supported by other studies that confirmed the effectiveness of both acupuncture points in improving the symptoms, quality of life and emotional state of patients with FD[2].