Acupuncture for Constipation? Yes!
Many years ago, a family member whose diet consists mainly of burgers, pizza, and monster drinks, was stricken with a severe case of constipation. His stomach distended and he could not go to the bathroom for several days. Being a new practitioner, I immediately suggested he try acupuncture. I asked my colleagues for a local referral and hoped he would receive some relief. Not sure how the treatment would affect him, or how long it would take, I was surprised when he called the next day to inform me that it worked almost immediately. He was so relieved – literally – and grateful for the suggestion.
Although the effects of acupuncture are not always that fast, a Chinese study of the effects of acupuncture on chronic severe constipation has proven the effectiveness of the modality.[1] The Annals of Internal Medicine published the study in 2016. During the study, fifteen Chinese hospitals observed over 1000 patients with the condition for 20 weeks. Some were offered acupuncture, and others a sham acupuncture procedure. During the first eight weeks, the number of patients in the acupuncture group who had more than 3 weekly bowel movements was 31% compared to only 12% in the sham group.[2] During the follow-up period, from weeks 9 through 20, the number of patients in the acupuncture group having more than 3 regular bowel movements per week improved to 37%.
The acupuncture treatment used in the study involved “electroacupuncture.” This procedure is similar to traditional acupuncture, but the needles are attached to a device that sends continuous electrical pulses through the needles.[3] The frequency and intensity of the current can be adjusted depending on the acupuncturist’s assessment of the body’s Chi, but it does not cause pain. Although not necessary to treat constipation, if the acupuncturist determines that there is an accumulation or stagnation of Chi, electroacupuncture is particularly effective.
[1] http://annals.org/aim/article-abstract/2552074/acupuncture-chronic-severe-functional-constipation-randomized-trial?doi=10.7326%2fM15-3118
[2] http://annals.org/aim/article-abstract/2552074/acupuncture-chronic-severe-functional-constipation-randomized-trial?doi=10.7326%2fM15-3118
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroacupuncture
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Acupuncture for Constipation
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