The Effect of Acupressure on Constipation: A Systematical Review

Abstract

IntroductionConstipation is an important symptom among the functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are used to prevent constipation. One of the nonpharmacological methods used on constipation is acupressure. This systematic review aimed to examine the published studies on relieving constipation problem, to systematically review the data obtained in these studies, and to assess the effectiveness of acupressure on patients experiencing constipation. Method This study which examined the effect of acupressure on constipation was conducted by reviewing the relevant literature. The studies conducted within the last decade in the PubMed, Cochrane, Sciencedirect, and Web of science, Medline, EMBASE databases were reviewed with the keywords "constipation," "nursing" and "acupressure," and various combinations of them. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was used to guide this systematic review. All studies on the effect of acupressure on constipation published between 2010 and 2020 were included in the scope of this systematic review. 1927 data were obtained as a result of the screening. Compliance with the inclusion criteria was checked by the researchers and 8 publications that met the criteria were included in the study as a result of the evaluation. Result & Discussion Four of the studies included in the study were randomized controlled studies, and the remaining four were nonrandomized controlled control studies. Forms developed by researchers in these studies; Data collection tools such as patient records, Bristol stool form scale, Constipation assessment scale, CAS and PAC-QOL scales were used.This systematic review determined that acupressure can be used on different age groups and patient groups and that acupressure does not require to be performed only by healthcare staff. This systematic review also determined that acupressure has positive effects on relieving constipation and its symptoms in patients experiencing constipation.

Effectiveness of Acupressure Therapy in Cancer Patients with Constipation

“…(10) Acupressure therapy has been shown to have a positive impact in treating constipation in patients during treatment. (6)(7)(8) This acupressure therapy can identify disorders or diseases in certain areas of the body by detecting the areas of the feet and hands. This therapy originates from China and ancient Egypt and was introduced to the West in 1920 by Dr William Fi gerald, an ENT specialist from America who together with his colleague Eunice Ingham mapped sensitive areas on the feet.…”

“…Research that has been conducted to prove the benefits of this zone therapy has repeatedly shown that acupressure therapy has a positive effect on quality of life, stress, anxiety and reduction in pain. (7) Literature reveals that acupressure therapy is also very useful for cancer treatment, treating pain and fatigue. (16) Acupressure zone therapy increases blood flow to the appropriate organ or targeted body part.…”

“…Acupressure has a positive impact in relieving constipation. (7) Short-term acupressure is effective in reducing constipation in patients with advanced cancer. (8) Therefore, this research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of acupressure in cancer patients experiencing constipation at the Indonesian National Hospital.…”

The Effect of Acupressure on Preventing Constipation in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction under Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

“… 12 Acupressure can balance the energy, so it has beneficial effects according to the acupressure point. 13 Several studies were conducted that revealed the beneficial effect of acupressure on the constipation of patients. A systematic review conducted on patients with leukemia revealed that acupressure had positive effects on constipation.…”