Abstract:Objective To investigate the clinical effect of electroacupuncture stimulation at specific acupoints on the recovery of gastrointestinal function after cesarean section. Methods A total of 60 patients were randomly divided into electroacupuncture group with 29 patients and control group with 31 patients. The patients in the control group were given conventional treatment after surgery, and those in the electroacupuncture group were given electroacupuncture at Zusanli and Shangjuxu acupoints at both sides in addition to the treatment in the control group. The electroacupuncture group was treated twice a day for 3 consecutive days. Time to first bowel sound, time to the recovery of bowel sound, and time to first flatus and first defecation were recorded, and the two groups were compared in terms of the levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the morning before surgery and on days 1 and 4 after surgery. Results Compared with the control group, the electroacupuncture group had significant shorter time to first bowel sound, time to the recovery of bowel sound, and time to first flatus and first defecation (P<0.05). On day 4 after surgery, the electroacupuncture group had a significantly lower plasma level of VIP than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture at Zusanli and Shangjuxu acupoints can effectively promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function after cesarean section.