Therapeutic Observation of Application with Da Huang to Umbilicus plus Acupoint Massage for Refractory Constipation in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of application with raw Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) to umbilicus plus acupoint massage in treating functional constipation in patients who were receiving hemodialysis. Method Forty patients were recruited and randomized into an observation group and a control group, 20 in each group. The observation group was intervened by application to umbilicus with Chinese medication, while the control group was by oral administration of Rhubarb and Sodium Bicarbonate tablets. Result In the observation group, 16 were cured and the recovery rate was 80.0%;in the control group, 15 were cured and the recovery rate was 75.0%. There was no significant difference in comparing the recovery rate between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Application with raw Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) plus acupoint massage can produce equal effect in treating constipation compared with laxatives, while application plus acupoint massage avoids the intake of too much water and the bitter taste brought by oral administration of drugs, and also avoids the risk of hyperkalemia induced by intake of Chinese medication.