This 2017 constipation acupuncture research study is entitled “Comparison of Electroacupuncture and Medical Treatment for Functional Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” The study’s goal was to assess the effectiveness of electroacupuncture compared to conventional medication for functional constipation.
What Is A Meta-Analysis?
Meta-analysis is a quantitative, formal study used to assess past research studies and derive conclusions about them. The benefits of meta-analysis include a consolidated and quantitative review of a large, often complex, group of studies. Well constructed meta-analyses are beneficial tools in evidence-based medicine.
Constipation Acupuncture Research Study
There were several requirements for past studies to be included in this constipation acupuncture research meta-analysis. They needed:
To be randomized controlled trials.
Recruited adult patients diagnosed with functional constipation based on the American GI Association guideline for chronic constipation.
To have randomized patients treated with electroacupuncture or anti-constipation medication.
Researchers used Medline, the Cochrane Library, and Embase databases for articles published through June 2016.
What Was Compared?
This constipation acupuncture research aimed to compare the effectiveness of electroacupuncture versus anti-constipation medication in functional constipation treatment. The primary outcome measure was the change in the number of weekly spontaneous bowel movements. Secondary outcomes included:
The overall response rate (effective rate).
Symptom relief.
Cleveland Clinic constipation assessment scores.
Results
The compiled results showed significantly more improvement in the frequency of spontaneous bowel movements in the electroacupuncture group than in the medicine-treated group. Acupuncture was significantly more beneficial than treatment with medication at increasing the frequency of bowel movements. Also, acupuncture dramatically improved total response rates and reduced symptom scores.
Conclusions
This constipation acupuncture research study concluded that electroacupuncture was more effective than medication at improving spontaneous bowel movements and total response rate and reducing functional constipation symptoms.
Constipation Relief With Acupuncture
At Raleigh Acupuncture, we get excellent results when treating patients with constipation. Typically we can increase spontaneous bowel movements and help them reduce their medications. Our treatments are safe, natural, and have no adverse effects.
Next Steps
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References
Zhou S-L, Zhang X-L, Wang J-H. Comparison of Electroacupuncture and Medical Treatment for Functional Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Acupuncture in Medicine. 2017;35(5):324-331. doi:10.1136/acupmed-2016-011127
If you have questions about this constipation acupuncture research or our treatment at Raleigh Acupuncture, please reach out to us.
What our Clients are Saying
I had a severe stomach flu six months ago with high fever for three days. Afterwards I had terrible constipation. I tried laxatives, but they only gave temporary relief. The pain was so bad that I started missing work. My wife’s sister had been to Raleigh Acupuncture for migraines and was very satisfied, and she suggested I call to see if they treat constipation. Not only were they able to treat me, they totally cleared up my condition in just two weeks. I am 100% better!
I’ve lived with chronic constipation my whole life. I averaged once every five days or so, and that was normal. As a result, I always felt bottled up. My brother convinced me to try acupuncture, as it helped him with his constipation. The doctor gave me pills which he said were all natural and had been around for thousands of years. He also did acupuncture. After about half a dozen treatments I was going to the bathroom every other day. It’s been a year since my treatments ended and I’m still regular. I feel great.
