Therapeutic Observation of Electroacupuncture for Functional Constipation

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in treating functional constipation. Method Sixty patients with functional constipation were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 30 in each group. The treatment group was intervened by electroacupuncture, while the control group was by sham-electroacupuncture. The Clinic Constipation Score (CCS), therapeutic efficacy index, plasma NOS, and plasma 5-HT were observed before and after intervention. Result The CCS was changed significantly after intervention in both groups (P 0.05). After intervention, there was a significant difference in comparing the CCS between the two groups (P0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% in the treatment group versus 66.7% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P 0.05). The NOS and 5-HT contents were changed significantly after intervention in both groups (P 0.05). After intervention, there were significant differences in comparing the NOS and 5-HT contents between the two groups (P 0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture is an effective approach in treating functional constipation, and it can improve NOS and 5-HT contents in gastrointestinal tract.