Transcutaneous electrical acustimulation is a method based on electroacupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and it treats diseases by applying current stimulation with percutaneous electrodes to specific acupoints close to or overlapping with the nerves. It is non-invasive, portable, easy to operate and popularize, and may play a role by balancing autonomic nervous function, improving gastrointestinal motility, and regulating the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones and neurotransmitters. It is expected to become a promising treatment for gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. This article reviews the origin and mechanism of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation, as well as its application and progression in gastrointestinal diseases.