Transcutaneous Electroacupuncture for Gastric Complications of Scleroderma

Transcutaneous Electroacupuncture for Gastric Complications of Scleroderma

An innovative method of needleless transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA) using a newly developed watch-size stimulator is proposed. Weak electrical current will be delivered via skin surface electrodes to acupuncture points related to gastrointestinal functions. The stimulator can be attached to the skin near the acupuncture points and therefore daily activity of the patient does not need to be altered. Two experiments are designed to prove the feasibility of the proposed therapy for gastric complications of Scleroderma .

Inclusion Criteria:

• No any systemic diseases;
• no scleroderma; no history of gastrointestinal surgery;
• no dyspeptic symptoms during the past 2 weeks;
• not taking any medications except contraceptives during the past 2 weeks;
• age 18 and older.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of any systemic diseases or surgeries;
• allergic to adhesives; pregnancy;
• unable to sign the consent form.