Meta-analysis Of Tianshu (ST25) To Treat Functional Constipation

ObjectiveSeeking evidence based medicine of efficacy, dominance and safety of Tianshu(ST25) for ianshcuring functional constipation by the use of meta-analysis.MethodsSearching for clinical trials in several databases, A cut-off date of January 1st, 2016 was used. Included were all randomized controlled trials about functional constipation that were treated by Tianshu, and then selected using criteria according to the current international and domestic general functional constipation diagnosis standard, After completion of the date extraction, the date were analyzed using Rev Man 5. 3 software.ResultsAfter strict screening 10 randomized control trials were included. All trials with a total of 706 participants were performed in China.1. Meta-analysis indicated that deep needling at Tianshu(ST25) had a higher efficiency in curing functional constipation than routine needling at Tianshu(ST25), and that routine needling at Tianshu(ST25) has the same efficiency as with drug therapy.2. Deep needling at Tianshu(ST25) in order to improve self help defecation time had better effect than drugs. At the end of treatment for three months and after six months of observation, deep needling and routine needling at Tianshu(ST25) have better effect than light needling at Tianshu(ST25) and drugs. Routine needling at Tianshu(ST25) has the same efficiency as high needling.3. Needling at Tianshu(ST25) to improve the clinical symptoms of functional constipation had better effect than drugs, and deep needling at Tianshu(ST25) has a better effect than routine needling at Tianshu(ST25).4. Deep needling at Tianshu(ST25) to improve the function of colonic transportation had better effect than drug, the rest of the treatment had almost the same effect.5. Light needling at Tianshu(ST25) to improve the defecate number greater then 4 times a week had better effect than drug, the rest of the treatment had almost same effect.6. Deep needling at Tianshu(ST25) to improve the stool property had better effect than routine needling.7. Deep needling at Tianshu(ST25) to improve the first bowel movement had better effect than drug and light needling had the same effect as routine needling or with the use of drugs.8. Patients were more satisfied with acupuncture than with the use of drugs.9. None of the studies showed any adverse reactions.Conclusion1.Tianshu(ST25) has a positive effect on curing functional constipation is in every aspect better than by the use of oral medication. Not only deep needing or low needing, but also conventional needing is shown to be more effective.2.This systematic evaluation still has deficiencies, and requires more research with large, randomized clinical trials.