Constipation
is a common problem that affects people of all ages. Although constipation is
not a life-threatening condition it could significant impact people’s daily
life when it is not treated. Unhealthy life style, chronic medication and other
conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, Parkinson’s and many
others can cause constipation. Changes in life style and medications such as
laxatives are effective in treating constipation. For many people who prefer to
alternatives acupuncture is a popular choice for constipation treatment.
Recently
researchers in China conducted a randomized clinical study to assess the
efficacy of different acupoint prescriptions on constipation. One hundred and
four patients with functional constipation were divided into group 1 (n=19)
treated with electroacupuncture at acupoints bilateral Tianshu (ST 25) and
Dachangshu (BL 25). Patients in group 2 (n=34) were treated at bilateral Quchi
(LI 11) and Shangjuxu (ST 37). Acupoint prescription in group 3 (n=26) was
Tianshu (ST 25), Dachangshu (BL 25), Quchi (LI 11) and Shangjuxu (ST 37).
Patients in group 4 (n=25) were given mosapride citrate tablets, 5mg/each, 3
times daily for 4 weeks. Electroacupuncture treatment was given 5 times a week
for the first two weeks, then 3 times a week in the following two weeks. The
weekly defecation frequency and life quality scores were evaluated before, at
the end of treatment and a 4-week follow-up.
The results
showed that 3 acupuncture-treated and drug-treated groups all significantly
improved weekly defecation frequency. However, only patients in group 2
reported that defecation difficulty and life quality scores were markedly
improved compared with other groups.
The study
suggests that acupuncture stimulation at Quchi (LI 11) and Shangjuxu (ST 37)
has super therapeutic effect on constipation.
Reference:
Wu JN et al., [Comparison of efficacy on
functional constipation treated with electroacupuncture of different acupoint
prescriptions: a randomized controlled pilot trial]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014
Jun;34(6):521-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25112080
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