Acupuncture and the Gut Microbiome

In October 2025, my research was published in the Journal of Chinese Medicine.

I wrote my undergraduate thesis on whether acupuncture had an influence on the gut microbiome. At the time there were only 3 good quality randomised controlled trials. The trials examined Crohns, Obesity and Parkinson’s. They all showed similar, positive results.

To summarise briefly, acupuncture did not increase microbiome diversity (it didn’t encourage new strains/types of bacteria) but it did modulate levels of gut bacteria in a positive manner. To summarise crudely, all three conditions were associated with increasing numbers of so-called ‘bad’ bacteria which correlated with disease progression. Acupuncture reduced the number of ‘bad’ bacteria and increased the number of ‘good’ bacteria.

In clinic, my most common patient group is mental health professionals who have gut issues. Across the trials, there were a number of acupuncture points that all 3 trials shared, which suggests that these particular points have efficacy with regards to the microbiome. I often use these particular points when treating in clinic, but with some other points alongside so that treatment is tailored to the individual.

If you would like to read a copy of my thesis, please email me and I will send you a copy or subscribe to the Journal of Chinese Medicine.

The abstract is below:

This article is a critical review that evaluates whether acupuncture has a statistically significant effect on bacterial diversity and/or microbial composition in the human gut. Of the 213 papers retrieved from a systematic literature search, three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture for subjects with Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease and simple obesity were identified for appraisal using CONSORT (Consolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials) / STRICTA (Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture) guidelines. The article concludes that although there is insufficient evidence that acupuncture influences diversity within the human gut microbiome, it may have a modulating effect on bacterial composition, elevating levels that are reduced and reducing levels that are elevated within the conditions studied. However, due to the limitations in the evidence available, more research is required and therefore suggestions are made for future research design.