Electroacupuncture, which involves the application of electrical stimulation to acupuncture needles, has been shown to improve quality of life for cancer patients with chronic constipation and pain.
A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that electroacupuncture reduced the severity of constipation and pain in cancer patients receiving palliative care. The study involved 32 cancer patients with chronic constipation and pain who were randomized to receive either electroacupuncture or a sham treatment.
The electroacupuncture group received treatment twice a week for four weeks, while the sham group received non-penetrating acupuncture at non-acupuncture points. After four weeks, the electroacupuncture group showed significant improvement in quality of life, as well as a reduction in the severity of constipation and pain, compared to the sham group.
The researchers concluded that electroacupuncture may be an effective treatment for chronic constipation and pain in cancer patients, and could help improve their overall quality of life. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to explore the potential mechanisms of action behind electroacupuncture’s effects.
Most used acupoints for pain
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are called acupoints, and they are believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, including pain relief.
Here are 20 of the most commonly used acupoints for pain, along with details about their locations and the types of pain they are typically used to treat:
LI4 (Hegu): Located on the back of the hand, between the thumb and index finger. Used for headaches, toothaches, and facial pain.
GB34 (Yanglingquan): Located on the outside of the lower leg, below the knee. Used for knee pain and general leg pain.
ST36 (Zusanli): Located on the lower leg, about 4 finger widths below the knee. Used for general pain relief, as well as digestive issues.
CV6 (Qihai): Located on the lower abdomen, about two finger widths below the navel. Used for menstrual cramps and lower abdominal pain.
LV3 (Taichong): Located on the foot, between the big toe and second toe. Used for headaches, menstrual cramps, and general pain relief.
LI11 (Quchi): Located on the outer elbow. Used for elbow pain, as well as general pain relief.
BL40 (Weizhong): Located on the back of the lower leg, in the center of the crease behind the knee. Used for back pain and sciatica.
BL60 (Kunlun): Located on the foot, in the depression between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. Used for ankle pain and general pain relief.
GB20 (Fengchi): Located at the base of the skull, in the hollows on either side of the spine. Used for headaches, neck pain, and shoulder pain.
GB21 (Jianjing): Located on the top of the shoulder, midway between the base of the neck and the edge of the shoulder. Used for shoulder pain and tension headaches.
LI10 (Shousanli): Located on the forearm, between the elbow and the wrist, on the radial side of the forearm. Used for wrist pain and tennis elbow.
LI20 (Yingxiang): Located on either side of the nose, in the crease where the cheek meets the upper lip. Used for sinus pain and nasal congestion.
PC6 (Neiguan): Located on the inner forearm, about two finger widths from the wrist, between the tendons. Used for nausea, chest pain, and wrist pain.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao): Located on the inside of the lower leg, about three finger widths above the ankle. Used for menstrual cramps, lower abdominal pain, and digestive issues.
SP10 (Xuehai): Located on the inner thigh, about 2 finger widths above the knee. Used for menstrual cramps and general pain relief.
SP9 (Yinlingquan): Located on the inside of the lower leg, about 3 finger widths above the ankle. Used for knee pain and general leg pain.
DU20 (Baihui): Located at the top of the head, at the intersection of the midline and the line connecting the ears. Used for headaches, dizziness, and general pain relief.
DU14 (Dazhui): Located at the base of the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra. Used for neck pain and upper back pain.
HT7 (Shenmen
Most used acupoints for constipation with details
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including constipation. Acupuncturists use specific points on the body to improve the flow of qi, or energy, which is believed to be the root cause of many health problems. Here are 20 commonly used acupoints for constipation:
Zhongwan (CV12): Located on the midline of the abdomen, three finger-widths above the belly button. Stimulating this point can help relieve constipation, abdominal bloating, and other digestive issues.
Tianshu (ST25): Located on the lower abdomen, two finger-widths to the side of the belly button. This point is also called the “Heavenly Pivot,” and it is commonly used to treat constipation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Qihai (CV6): Located on the midline of the lower abdomen, one and a half finger-widths below the belly button. This point is also known as the “Sea of Qi,” and it is used to stimulate the digestive system and relieve constipation.
Shangjuxu (ST37): Located on the lower leg, four finger-widths below the knee, and one finger-width to the outside of the shin bone. This point is commonly used to treat constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
Zusanli (ST36): Located on the lower leg, one finger-width from the anterior crest of the tibia. This point is also known as the “Leg Three Miles,” and it is commonly used to treat digestive disorders, including constipation.
Fenglong (ST40): Located on the lower leg, one finger-width from the lateral side of the anterior crest of the tibia. This point is commonly used to stimulate the digestive system and relieve constipation.
Tianshu (CV10): Located on the midline of the abdomen, two finger-widths above the belly button. This point is also known as the “Heavenly Pillar,” and it is commonly used to relieve constipation and other digestive issues.
Hegu (LI4): Located on the hand, in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. This point is commonly used to treat a variety of health conditions, including constipation.
Quchi (LI11): Located on the elbow, at the lateral end of the elbow crease. This point is commonly used to stimulate the digestive system and relieve constipation.
Shenshu (BL23): Located on the lower back, at the level of the second lumbar vertebra. This point is commonly used to strengthen the digestive system and relieve constipation.
Dachangshu (BL25): Located on the lower back, at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra. This point is commonly used to stimulate the colon and relieve constipation.
Taichong (LV3): Located on the foot, in the depression between the first and second metatarsal bones. This point is commonly used to stimulate the liver and digestive system, and it is believed to help relieve constipation.
Zhigou (SJ6): Located on the arm, two finger-widths above the wrist crease, on the outside of the arm. This point is commonly used to stimulate the digestive system and relieve constipation.
Qimen (LR14): Located on the abdomen, four finger-widths below the nipple, and two finger-widths to the side of the midline. This point is commonly used to stimulate the liver and digestive system, and it is believed to help relieve constipation.
Tiantu (CV22