Objective: This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on esophageal spasm after iodine staining for early upper digestive tract cancer. Methods: From July 2022 to July 2023, 100 patients with upper digestive tract tumors were selected. These patients underwent opportunistic screening in endoscopy centers and developed esophageal spasm after iodine staining and were divided into the comparison group and the observation group with 50 cases in each group according to different intervention methods. The comparison group received conventional oral administration of Dakronin gel, while the observation group received acupuncture stimulation on the basis of the treatment in the comparison group. Esophageal spasm end time, total dose of propofol, wake-up time, gastroscopy operation time, off-duty time, respiratory depression, nausea, and epigastric discomfort after examination were compared between the two groups. Results: Esophageal spasm remission time, total propofol dose, and esophageal spasm recovery time in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After examination, the incidence of respiratory depression, nausea, and upper abdominal discomfort was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture stimulation can effectively shorten esophageal spasm time after iodine staining screening for early gastrointestinal cancer, reduce the total dose of propofol and the time to wake up, and reduce the adverse reactions related to examination.