Warm Needling Moxibustion at Tianshu and Guanyuan Acupoints for Yang Deficiency Type Chronic Functional Constipation

Chronic functional constipation (FC) is a common condition that can negatively impact quality of life, often associated with psychological issues like anxiety and depression. A specific type within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is 'Yang deficiency type' FC, which is understood as a deficiency of Yang Qi leading to slowed metabolism and weakened large intestine motility. This study explores whether warm needling moxibustion at specific acupoints, Tianshu (ST25) and Guanyuan (CV4), can provide superior and sustained benefits compared to electroacupuncture alone for this condition. The trial aims to offer clinical evidence on the efficacy of warm needling for a well-defined TCM condition, potentially improving care for those suffering from chronic functional constipation. This single-center, randomized controlled trial involves 60 participants diagnosed with Yang deficiency type chronic FC. Participants are divided into two groups: an experimental group receiving warm needling, and a control group receiving electroacupuncture. For the warm needling group, sterile needles are inserted at Tianshu (ST25) and Guanyuan (CV4), then a moxa stick is attached and ignited, conducting heat down the needle to deeper tissues. For the electroacupuncture group, needle insertion is identical, but the needles are connected to an electroacupuncture device delivering a dense-sparse wave. Both groups receive treatment every other day, three times weekly, for four weeks. The primary outcome is the change from baseline in the Constipation Severity Score (CSS) at week 4 and month 6, with secondary outcomes including changes in TCM syndrome score, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) scale.