Acupuncture showdown: manual vs. electric for constipation relief

NCT ID NCT07506122

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

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

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••