Low-intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) Modulates Organ Function via Meridian Mechanisms: A Systematic Review

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) provides a non-invasive, quantifiable, and deep stimulation method for acupoints, offering a promising alternative to manual acupuncture. This review summarizes evidence indicating the efficacy of LIPUS in regulating internal organ functions via meridian-based mechanisms, demonstrating improvements in gastrointestinal motility, reducing inflammation, and enhancing tissue regeneration. Mechanistically, LIPUS acts through multiple pathways, including neural, immune, and cellular pathways, sharing common ground with acupuncture, while differing in its biomechanical mode of action. Despite encouraging results, variations in treatment parameters and a paucity of large-scale randomized trials limit broader clinical use. By bridging traditional meridian theory with biophysical principles, LIPUS exemplifies a modernized strategy for complementary medicine. Future well-controlled studies are essential to establish standardization and validate therapeutic applicability.