OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy on senile habitual constipation between the auricular therapy based on the pattern/syndrome differentiation and the conventional auricular point sticking therapy.

METHODSTwo-hundred cases were randomized into a group of the auricular therapy based on the pattern/syndrome differentiation (an auricular differentiation group) and a group of conventional auricular point sticking therapy (an auricular sticking group), 100 cases in each one. In the auricular differentiation group, Brain Stem (AT3,4i), Occiput (AT3), Subcortex (AT4), Large Intestine (CO7), Triple Energizer (CO17), Abdomen (AH8), Endocrine (CO18) and Constipation Point were taken as the main points. According to the pattern/syndrome differentiation, for excessive heat in the stomach and intestine, Stomach (CO4) and Small Intestine (CO6) were added; for blockage of lung qi, Lung (CO14) was added; for spleen and kidney deficiency, Spleen (CO13) and Kidney (CO10) were added. In the auricular sticking group, CO7, Rectum (HX2), Sympathetic Nerve (AH6a) and AT4 were selected. In both groups, the patients were required to press the points four times a day by themselves. The auricular points were changed once every 3 to 4 days, and the two ears were alternated. The eight treatments made one session and two sessions were required totally. The clinical efficacy and the changes of the score for the quality of life before and after treatment were observed in the two groups.

RESULTSThe effective rate was 92.0% (92/100) in the auricular differentiation group, which was superior to 76.0% (76/100) in the auricular sticking group (P < 0.05). The score for the quality of life after treatment was reduced to different extents for the patients in the two groups (both P < 0.05). The score decrease in the auricular differentiation group was much more apparent as compared with that in the auricular sticking group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe auricular therapy based on the pattern/syndrome differentiation is safe and effective in the treatment of senile habitual constipation and its efficacy is superior to the conventional auricular point sticking therapy.