Objective

2

To observe the clinical efficacy of thread-embedding at the combined lower

he

-sea and front-

mu

points for functional constipation with intestinal excess heat.

Methods

2

A total of 80 patients with functional constipation of intestinal excess heat were randomly divided into a thread-embedding group (40 cases

2 cases dropped out) and a Chinese patent medication group (40 cases

1 case dropped out). Based on the theory of combined lower

he

-sea and front-

mu

points for diseases of

fu

organs

Zhongwan (CV12)

Guanyuan (CV4) and bilateral Zusanli (ST36)

Shangjuxu (ST37)

Tianshu (ST25)

Xiajuxu (ST39) were selected and thread-embedding therapy was delivered in the thread-embedding group

once a week.

Maren Runchang

pill was given orally in the Chinese patent medication group

6-12 g each time

twice a day. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment

the scores of constipation assessment scale (CAS)

Bristol stool form scal

e (BSFS)

patient-assessment of constipation quality of life (PAC-QOL) and TCM syndrome were observed

and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment in the two groups.

Results

2

After treatment

the CAS scores and the TCM syndrome scores were decreased compared with those before treatment (

P

<

0.05)

while the BSFS scores were increased compared with those before treatment (

P

<

0.05) in the two groups; the total scores

as well as the physical discomfort and psychosocial discomfort scores of PAC-QOL were decreased compared with those before treatment (

P

<

0.05) in the two groups

the worry and anxiety

and the satisfaction scores of PAC-QOL were decreased compared with those before treatment (

P

<

0.05) in the thread-embedding group. After treatment

the CAS score

the total score and item-scores of PAC-QOL

as well as the TCM syndrome score in the thread-embedding group were lower than those in the Chinese patent medication group (

P

<

0.05). The total effective rate was 78.9% (30/38) in the thread-embedding group

which was higher than 56.4% (22/39) in the Chinese patent medication group (

P

<

0.05).

Conclusion

2

Thread-embedding at the combined lower

he

-sea and front-

mu

points can effectively treat functional constipation with intestinal excess heat and improve quality of life.