Can acupuncture soothe Kids' tummy troubles? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT07435610

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Children's Hospital of Orange County Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether acupuncture can reduce stomach pain in children aged 8-17 with disorders of gut-brain interaction, like irritable bowel syndrome. Half of the 96 participants will get real acupuncture, and half will get a sham (fake) treatment. Researchers will measure pain relief and quality of life over several weeks to see if acupuncture truly helps.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: acupuncture
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a safe, drug-free option to ease chronic abdominal pain and improve quality of life for children with gut-brain disorders.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 96 participants. The sham control may also produce some benefit, making it hard to prove real acupuncture works. Results may not apply to all children.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

irritable bowel syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DISORDERS OF GUT-BRAIN INTERACTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

CHOC Center for Children's Health Building: Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care (CAC)
RECRUITING

Irvine, California, 92612, United States

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