Acupuncture for Chronic Constipation
Summary
Since there have been few advances for constipation in laxative treatment in the last 50 years, this study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for patients with chronic constipation based on the theory of traditional Chinese Medicine.
Description
Although many people regard regular defecation as important factor to maintain healthy, constipation is still a common problem in general population. Because the symptoms cause serious impairment of life quality, laxatives are commonly prescribed for people and over prescribing of laxatives is also common. Despite the large sums spent on laxatives, there have been few advances in laxative treatment in the last 50 years and there have been minimal research addressing the problem.
Since there is unsatisfactory effect by current pharmacologic therapies and preventive strategies, we look forward to the practice of traditional Chinese medicine, which had abundant clinical experiences and medical records in the past of thousands years ago. Therefore we aim to do the research to create the evidence of acupuncture on the safety, efficacy and quality of life for chronic constipation.
Study Design
Allocation: Randomized, Control: Placebo Control, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Subject), Primary Purpose: Treatment
Conditions
Chronic Constipation
Intervention
(electro)acupuncture, sham acupuncture
Location
National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch
Yun-Lin
Taiwan
640
Status
Completed
Source
National Taiwan University Hospital
Results (where available)
Links
- Source: http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00746200
- Information obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov on July 15, 2010
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Acupressure
A type of massage in which finger pressure on specific body sites is used to promote healing, relieve fatigue, etc. Although the anatomical locations are the same as the ACUPUNCTURE POINTS used in ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY (hence acu-), no needle or other acupuncture technique is employed in acupressure. (From Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2d ed). Shiatsu is a modern outgrowth that focuses more on prevention than healing.
Acupuncture Analgesia
Analgesia produced by the insertion of ACUPUNCTURE needles at certain ACUPUNCTURE POINTS on the body. This activates small myelinated nerve fibers in the muscle which transmit impulses to the spinal cord and then activate three centers - the spinal cord, midbrain and pituitary/hypothalamus - to produce analgesia.
Acupuncture, Ear
Acupuncture therapy by inserting needles in the ear. It is used to control pain and for treating various ailments.
Acupuncture Points
Designated locations along nerves or organ meridians for inserting acupuncture needles.
Acupuncture
The occupational discipline of the traditional Chinese methods of ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY for treating disease by inserting needles along specific pathways or meridians.
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PubMed Articles
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