Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are debilitating diseases of the digestive system that severely impair an individual's quality of life and impose a significant economic burden. However, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of FGIDs and effective treatment options remain unclear. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), a novel neuromodulation therapy, has shown promising therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of FGIDs. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the development of taVNS and its relationship with vagus nerve stimulation and explored the clinical application of taVNS in managing FGIDs, including functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional constipation. Additionally, this study investigated the pathophysiological mechanisms of taVNS in FGIDs and reviewed its application as a holistic treatment approach, aiming to provide new insights into its therapeutic potential.

AIM: To investigate the effect of relieving liver-qi recipes(Radix Bupleuri,Radix Paeoniae Alba,Fructus Aurantii,etc.) on the neuro reproductive endocrine in female rats under psychologic stress. METHODS: The psychologic stress induced syndrome of liver-qi stagnation in female rats was established by tail pinch.The hypothalamus pituitary and serum levels of NE,DA,5 HT,5-HIAA,DOPAC,HVA and the serum FSH,LH,E2,T,P,PRL in rats of any groups were measured. RESULTS: The levels of NE in hypothalamus pituitary and FSH,LH,E2,P in serum of model rats were lower and the contents of DA,5-HT,5-HIAA in hypothalamus pituitary and in serum and NE,T in serum were significantly higher than those of the normal control.The serum P and LH in the complex group were elevated.The descending NE in hypothalamus pituitary and FSH,E2 in serum increased and the ascended DA,5-HT,5-HIAA in hypothalamus pituitary and NE,5-HT,T in serum significantly descresed in the shugan group and the complex group.The enhance of NE in hypothalamus pituitary and FSH,P in serum and the reduction of 5-HT in hypothalamus pituitary and 5-HT,NE,T in serum were also obversed in the bushen group. CONCLUSION: Regulating liver-qi and tonifying the kidney recipes could improve the function of neuro reproductive endocrine system which could be attenuated or disturbed by psychologic stress.