Ancient Literatures on Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Constipation

Objective:To explore and summarize the law of acupuncture and moxibustion for constipation in ancient literatures,so as to guide the clinical practice.Methods:We searched theEncyclopaedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Acupucnture and Tui Na Sectionand abstacted information including reference books,dynasty,acupuncture perscriptions,depth of needling,methods and timing of manipulation and contraindication,with which we built a database.Results:We obtained 106 pieces of literature,involving 19 acupoints(appeared≥3 times),97 frequencies,belonging to 7 meridians.Conclusion:In ancient times,the law of acupuncture and moxibustion for constipation focuses mainly on sydrome differentiation of the spleen,and often chooses acupoints on kidney meridian,urinary bladder meridian and spleen meridian.Distant acupoints,shallow needling and moxibustion are also commonly applied.