Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 13, 2025

Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
Published on: July 5, 2024
[Systematic review on the treatment of functional constipation with electroacupuncture and gastro-kinetic drugs]
Xi Huang1, Yang Shen1, Xiao-Han Li1
1Nursing School, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
Objective:
To compare the therapeutic effect and safety in treatment of functional constipation between electroacupuncture (EA) and gastro-kinetic drugs.
Methods:
Using "functional constipation", "prucalopride", "mosapridecitrate", "electro-acupuncture" and "randomized controlled trial", both in Chinese and English, as search terms, the articles of randomized controlled trial (RCT) regarding to the comparison of therapeutic effect on functional constipation in the patients between EA and gastro-kinetic drugs were retrieved from CMB, Wanfang, VIP, CNKI, OpenGrey, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, JBI, PubMed, WOS and Ovid databases. The retrieval time was from the establishment date to June 2018. The two researchers screened articles, extracted data and assessed literature quality in reference to Cochrane Handbook. Using RevMan 5.3 software, the meta-analysis was conducted.
Results:
A total of 11 articles were included finally, with 744 patients involved. It was found after meta-analysis that in EA group, the weekly spontaneous defecation frequency, constipation related quality of life in patients, depression relief and incidence of adverse reaction were all better than those in gastro-kinetic medication group. The therapeutic effect of the improvements in stool character and defecation difficulty in EA group were better or similar to that in gastro-kinetic medication group.
Conclusion:
Regarding the therapeutic effect and safety in treatment of functional constipation, the results of electroacupuncture are superior or similar to gastro-kinetic medication, presenting a satisfactory therapeutic prospect.
More Related Videos
03:50Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 18, 2023
04:33Effects of Different Connection Modes of Electroacupuncture on Electrocardiogram and Nerve Discharge in Rats
Published on: January 3, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...