Can acupuncture help patients with metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)?
Acupuncture, a key modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is increasingly studied as a complementary therapy for metabolic and liver disorders, including MASLD. While still emerging, early research suggests acupuncture may help modulate metabolic function, reduce inflammation, and improve liver health.
1. Acupuncture improves insulin sensitivity
- Several clinical and animal studies indicate acupuncture (especially electroacupuncture) can:
- Enhance insulin receptor signaling
- Reduce fasting blood glucose and HOMA-IR
- Improve glucose uptake in peripheral tissues
Relevant acupoints: ST36 (Zusanli), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), and CV12 (Zhongwan)
2. Acupuncture reduces liver fat accumulation
- Acupuncture may help reduce hepatic steatosis by:
- Inhibiting lipogenesis (fat synthesis)
- Enhancing lipid metabolism
- Reducing serum triglycerides and LDL cholesterol
3. Acupuncture has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
- Acupuncture appears to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6) and increase antioxidant enzymes.
- This helps protect liver cells from oxidative damage, potentially slowing progression to MASH.
4. Acupuncture supports weight management and appetite regulation
- Some protocols targeting hypothalamic regulation may reduce appetite and support weight loss, a key goal in MASLD management.
- May influence ghrelin and leptin levels, which play roles in energy balance.
5. Acupuncture regulates the gut-liver axis
- Emerging research suggests acupuncture may improve gut microbiota diversity, reduce intestinal permeability, and lower endotoxin levels - factors implicated in MASLD pathogenesis.
6. Acupuncture promotes emotional well-being
- Reducing anxiety, depression, and stress -factors that can negatively impact graft function and adherence to care.
- Help manage gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue and neuropathic pain, which are common in transplant recipients.
Acupuncture may offer complementary benefits for patients with MASLD, especially in improving metabolic markers, reducing liver fat, and supporting inflammation control. While early findings are promising, larger, high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and define optimal treatment protocols.
Acupuncture may serve as a safe and supportive adjunct therapy in liver transplant recipients with a history of MASH. While it does not replace immunosuppressive therapy or conventional medical management, acupuncture has been shown to offer several potential benefits in the post-transplant population, particularly in the context of metabolic regulation, pain management, stress reduction, and overall quality of life.
Current literature supports the safety of acupuncture in immunosuppressed patients when delivered by trained professionals using sterile techniques. While more robust clinical trials are needed, acupuncture may be a valuable integrative option to enhance post-transplant care, particularly for patients recovering from MASH-related liver disease.