Thread-embedding at combined lower he-sea and front-mu points for functional constipation with intestinal excess heat: a randomized controlled trial

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.

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 scale (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.

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).

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.