OBJECTIVE: 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: 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. RESULTS: 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 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.
Humans ; Constipation/physiopathology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; Intestines/physiopathology* ; Quality of Life

Objective To observe the effects of line-needling method combined with distal acupoint selection on the temperature of waist and lower limb circulation in patients with Taiyang meridian type lumbar disc herniation(LDH)using infrared thermal imaging.Methods A total of 54 subjects were included,including 34 patients with Taiyang meridian type LDH and 20 healthy subjects.The patients were treated with lumbar line-needling method and distal acupuncture,leaving the needle for 30 min,once every other day,3 times a week for 4 weeks.Healthy subjects were not treated.The infrared thermal imaging of the waist and lower limbs of healthy subjects and patients before and after treatment was collected,and 4 areas(affected lumbar muscle area,thigh posterior side,popliteal cavity and calf posterior side)through which the meridians ran were selected to measure and record the body surface temperature.The difference of circulating temperature between healthy subjects and patients before and after treatment was compared and analyzed.The simplified McGill Pain Scale(SF-MPQ)score and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)score were compared before and after treatment,and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results LDH patients with Taiyang meridian type had abnormal temperature along the meridian in the waist and lower limbs.Compared with healthy subjects,abnormal low-temperature areas could be seen in the meridian areas of the waist and lower limbs(P<0.05).After treatment,the temperature in the meridian area increased,and the SF-MPQ score and ODI score significantly decreased(P<0.05),with a total effective rate of 97.06%(33/34).Conclusion The combination of line-needling method and distal acupoint selection can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of LDH patients with Taiyang meridian type,and has a significant adjustment effect on the changes of lumbar and lower limb meridian temperature.