Acupuncture is effective for relieving slow transit constipation (STC). Slow transit refers to the slow passage of feces through the large intestine. STC is a type of functional constipation that is present in approximately 15 to 30% of constipated individuals and is characterized by strained bowel movements with lumpy or hard stools. STC involves fewer than three bowel movements per week and is accompanied by a sensation of incomplete evacuation. There may be concomitant abdominal pain, nausea, and low appetite. The incidence of STC increases with age.
In a meta-analysis, researchers document that acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and moxibustion are effective treatment modalities for STC. The single most frequently used acupuncture point for the treatment of STC across all of the studies demonstrating that acupuncture is effective is Tianshu (ST25, Heaven’s Pivot). This acupoint is located bilaterally on the abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the navel. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, this is the Front-Mu acupoint of the large intestine. Traditional functions for this acupoint include regulating the intestines, spleen, and stomach. In addition, ST25 resolves dampness, damp-heat, qi stagnation, and blood stasis. Given the traditional functions, it is no surprise to find ST25 is in common use for the resolution of STC.
Traditional indications for the use of ST25 lend insight as to why many researchers investigated its efficacy for the treatment of STC. Indications include the treatment of diarrhea, constipation, undigested food, edema, dysuria, intestinal abscesses, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, and dysmenorrhea. The overall TCM principle garnered by the researchers was that ST25 dredges Qi in the large intestine to restore transit functionality.
The meta-analysis revealed additional acupoints in common use across multiple studies for the treatment of slow transit constipation:
ST36, Zusanli
CV6, Qihai
CV4, Guanyuan
CV12, Zhongwan
BL20, Pishu
BL25, Dachangshu
SP15, Daheng
SJ6, Zhigou
ST37, Shangjuxu
LI4, Hegu
LI11, Quchi
BL21, Weishu
Individual studies in the meta-analysis showed high effective rates. For example, Guo et al. documented a 92.5% total effective rate for acupuncture. The acupuncture protocol evaluated by Guo et al. was a set of two alternating acupuncture point prescriptions. The first set of acupoints was:
ST25, Tianshu
SP14, Fujie
ST36, Zusanli
ST37, Shangjuxu
SJ6, Zhigou
The second set of acupoints was:
BL25, Dachangshu
BL35, Huiyang
BL39, Weiyang
EX-B9, Yaoqi
Zhao et al. documented similar results. Acupuncture for the treatment of slow transit constipation achieved a 92.6% total effective rate. Acupuncture points were applied based on differential diagnoses. The research involved the use of the following acupoints:
ST25, Tianshu
ST37, Shangjuxu
BL25, Dachangyu
SJ6, Zhigou
EX-B9, Yaoqi
MUE29, Erbai
ST36, Zusanli
LI4, Hegu
LI11, Quchi
CV12, Zhongwan
CV6, Qihai
BL20, Pishu
BL21, Weishu
KD18, Shiguan
KD6, Zhaohai
Similar findings were consistent across several modalities including manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture, embedding acupuncture, and warm needle moxibustion. For example, Liu et al. had a total effective rate of 94.4% in their investigation using the following acupoints:
ST25, Tianshu
SP15, Daheng
ST28, Shuidao
ST29, Guilai
Many more studies and acupuncture styles were investigated in the meta-analysis. Consistently, they demonstrated a very high total effective rate. The researchers concluded that acupuncture is a reasonable and effective treatment option for the treatment of slow transit constipation. References: Lei, L. P., Ling, P. D., Liang, R. J. & Liu, C. Q. (2015). Acupuncture Therapy in the Treatment of Slow Transit Constipation and Analysis of the Rules of Selecting Acupoints. Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion. 31 (5).
Guo, X. Y. & Lin, X. J. (2007). Acupuncuture-moxibustion treatment for Slow Transit Constipation: 27 cases [J]. Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 34(6): 815-816.
Liu, S., Liu, B., Li, L. X, et al. (2009). Clinical acupuncture-moxibustion treatment for senile constipation: 36 cases [J]. China TCM Technology. 16 (2): 83-84.
Merkel, I. S., Locker, J., Burgio, K, et al. (1993). Physiologic and Psychologic Characteristics of Elderly Population with chronic Constipation [J]. Am JG astroenterol. 88 (11): 1854.
Wu, S. Y., Zhang, D. L., Fu, Y. P., Lu, M. X., et al. (2012). Acupuncture-moxibustion for the treatment of functional constipation [J]. Journal of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine. 28 (5): 793 – 794.
Yu, D. H. (1999). Recent diagnosis and treatment of chronic intractable constipation. The Journal of Medical Theory and Practice. 12 (11): 629.
Zhao, W. J. (2012). Acupuncuture-moxibustion treatment for Slow Transit Constipation: 68 cases [J]. China Clinical Magazine. 28 (29): 45-46.
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