Acupuncture for Chronic Constipation

Although many people regard regular defecation as important factor to maintain healthy, constipation is still a common problem in general population. Because the symptoms cause serious impairment of life quality, laxatives are commonly prescribed for people and over prescribing of laxatives is also common. Despite the large sums spent on laxatives, there have been few advances in laxative treatment in the last 50 years and there have been minimal research addressing the problem.

Since there is unsatisfactory effect by current pharmacologic therapies and preventive strategies, we look forward to the practice of traditional Chinese medicine, which had abundant clinical experiences and medical records in the past of thousands years ago. Therefore we aim to do the research to create the evidence of acupuncture on the safety, efficacy and quality of life for chronic constipation.

Inclusion criteria

• men or non-pregnant women who are at least 20 years old
• who meet any one of the following three criteria: 1.the one who meets RomeIII criteria; 2.at least once a week of enema/suppository in past three months; 3.laxative use in more than half time of last three months

Exclusion criteria

• known colorectal cancer, anal abscess, anal fissure, rectocele, inflammatory bowel disease, megacolon or mechanical bowel obstruction
• unknown cause of gastrointestinal bleeding or acute infection
• history of alcohol or drug abuser
• women who are pregnant, as determined by a urine pregnancy test
• history of adverse reaction to (electro)acupuncture
• received herb or acupuncture therapy within one month prior to enrollment