Short and long-term efficacy of combining Fuzhengliqi mixture with acupuncture in treatment of functional constipation

Abstract

Both FLM and acupuncture can significantly shorten the defecation interval and GITT, increase MTL levels in serum, decrease the scores of stool property, constipation symptoms, and accompanying symptoms in patients with FC to increase their life quality. The combined therapy is much better in long-term efficacy and the safety is also good, worth spreading in clinical practice.

Transcutaneous Neuromodulation at Posterior Tibial Nerve and ST36 for Chronic Constipation

“…In the current study, both acupoint at ST36 and tibial nerve were chosen for TN. It was reported that EA increased the frequency of defecation [ 25 ] and decreased stool property, constipation symptom grade, and accompanying symptom grade [ 26 – 28 ], which was consistent with the results of our study. In previous studies, ST36 was also applied to treat constipation by combining it with other acupoints or moxibustion and was shown to be effective [ 13 ].…”

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Chronic Constipation

“…There were 6 high quality trials [ 14 , 16 , 17 , 23 , 24 , 27 ] which could be assessed as 5 according to Jadad scoring system [ 31 ], but sample sizes of them were all small. A trial containing 553 samples was evaluated to have a Jadad score of less than 3 due to the flaw in design [ 15 ].…”

“…The control groups in the literature included medications, other methods of stimulation, and acupuncture plus medications. Medications used in the control group included conventional medicine [ 15 , 16 , 23 , 24 ] (Mosapride, Macrogol 4000, Lactulose) and Chinese herbal medicine [ 15 , 22 ] (Fuzhengliqi mixture and Plantain and Senna Granule). Sham acupuncture [ 17 , 27 , 29 ], shallow acupuncture [ 16 , 23 , 24 ], regular electrical stimulation [ 19 ], and other methods of stimulation were performed as control methods.…”

“…Sham acupuncture [ 17 , 27 , 29 ], shallow acupuncture [ 16 , 23 , 24 ], regular electrical stimulation [ 19 ], and other methods of stimulation were performed as control methods. Combinational use of medications included EA plus Fuzhengliqi mixture [ 15 ], and EA plus Plantain and Senna Granule [ 22 ]. There was only one trial in which two kinds of stimulation methods, acupuncture and moxibustion, were used together [ 21 ].…”

“…The questionnaires used in trials included Bristol score, Cleveland Clinic Score, and Quality of Life. Some indicators about mechanisms of acupuncture for constipation also were measured, including plasma motilin [ 15 ], plasma panopioid [ 29 ], and heart rate variability [ 17 ].…”