Observation on effects of moxibustion at abdominal acupoints for slow transit constipation due to yang deficiency of the spleen and kidney

Objective： To observe the clinical effects of moxibustion at abdominal acupoints for slow transit constipation（STC） due to yang deficiency of the spleen and kidney. Methods： A total of 52 cases with slow transit constipation in conformity with the inclusion criteria were selected and divided into a control group and an observation group according to their visit order and random digital table, 26 cases in each group. Patients in the control group received routine nursing guide. Besides the same routine nursing guide, patients in the observation group received moxibustion at the abdominal acupoints, once every day. The course of the treatment was 4 weeks in the two groups, and the 3-month follow-up was given after the course was finished, for comparing the clinical symptoms, results of colon transit tests, scores of depression/anxiety scale and nursing satisfaction. Results： The total effective rate was 92.3% in the observation group and 69.2% in the control group, with a significant difference between the two groups. After the treatment and during the follow-up checks, the scores of Chinese medical symptoms in the two groups were remarkably decreased than those before the treatment（all P〈0.01）; the scores of the observation group were obviously lower than those in the control group（all P〈0.01）. The discharge rates of the markers in the two groups were remarkably increased than those at the same time period before the treatment; moreover, the discharge rates of the markers at various time periods were remarkably better in the observation group than those in the control group（P〈0.01）. SDS and SAS scores were remarkably decreased after the treatment in the two groups（P〈0.01）. In comparison of SDS score between the two groups after the treatment, the difference was statistically significant（P〈0.01）. In comparison of SAS score between the two groups after the treatment, the difference was statistically significant（P〈0.05）. The nursing satisfaction was 96.2% in the observation group after the treatment, obviously better than that in the control group（73.1%）. The recurrence rate was 8.3% in the observation group, remarkably lower than that in the control group（33.3%）. Conclusion： Moxibustion at the abdominal acupoints plus routine nursing can remarkably improve the colon transit functions and anxious and depressive emotion in patients with STC, and the therapeutic effects are remarkable. Not only the clinical satisfaction is higher, but the recurrence rate is obviously lower than that of routine nursing.

Observation on efficacy of thumbtack needle combined with pediatric Tuina for constipation in children caused by liver depression and Qi stagnation

Objective To observe the clinical effect of thumbtack needles combined with pediatric Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)for constipation in children caused by liver depression and Qi stagnation.Methods A total of 60 children with constipation caused by liver depression and Qi stagnation were randomly divided into a combined group and a Tuina group,with 30 cases in each group.The cases in the Tuina group were treated with pediatric Tuina,while those in the combined group were treated with additional thumbtack needle therapy.We observed the clinical efficacy and the change in the number of spontaneous bowel movements per week before and after treatment.Results After treatment,the cure rate and the total effective rate in the combined group were higher than in the Tuina group,showing statistical significance(P<0.05).Compared with the same group before treatment,the number of spontaneous bowel movements per week in both groups increased after treatment(P<0.05).With the progression of treatment,the number of spontaneous bowel movements per week increased in both groups,and the number in the combined group was more than that in the Tuina group,showing statistical significance(P<0.01).Conclusion Thumbtack needles combined with pediatric Tuina is more effective than pediatric Tuina alone in the treatment of constipation in children caused by liver depression and Qi stagnation.