Acupuncture showdown: manual vs. electric for constipation relief

NCT ID NCT07506122

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Tongji Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture to see which works better for people with long-term constipation. 72 adults will receive 12 weeks of treatment, three times per week. The main goal is to see if bowel movements increase to at least three per week. Researchers will also look at changes in gut bacteria and brain activity to understand how acupuncture might help.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: acupuncture (manual and electroacupuncture)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could clarify which type of acupuncture works best for constipation and why, potentially leading to a standard non-drug treatment option.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with no placebo group, so results may not prove effectiveness. Acupuncture effects can vary widely between individuals.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

constipation disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION (FC)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
RECRUITING

Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China

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