Method Article

Clinical Observation of Music Therapy Combined with Acupoint Application for the Treatment of Functional Constipation

DOI:

10.3791/69631

March 3rd, 2026

In This Article

Summary

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This study aims to explore the clinical efficacy of music therapy combined with acupoint application based on the theory of midnight-noon ebb-flow in the treatment of functional constipation. Results show that this combination can effectively improve the constipation symptoms and quality of life of patients while ensuring safety.

Abstract

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This study assessed the clinical efficacy of combining five-tone therapy with acupoint application, guided by the TCM midnight-noon ebb-flow theory, for treating functional constipation (FC). A total of 103 FC patients were divided into a study group (n=52) and a control group (n=51). The control group received oral polyethylene glycol with routine diet and exercise. The study group received additional five-tone therapy and acupoint application. Results showed that post-intervention, both groups exhibited improvements in defecation frequency, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain (p < 0.05). The study group demonstrated superior outcomes, showing significant improvements in Bristol Stool Scale (BSFS) classification and anal obstruction, and a markedly shorter time to first defecation compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, all Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) and quality-of-life scores in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001), indicating greater symptom relief and enhanced well-being. The intervention was found to be safe, with no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (p = 0.400). The study concludes that five-tone therapy combined with acupoint application based on the midnight-noon ebb-flow theory is an effective and safe intervention. It can significantly alleviate constipation symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with FC.

Introduction

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Functional constipation (FC) is a common intestinal disease characterized by difficulty in defecation, decreased frequency of defecation and incomplete defecation1. As a functional disease, its diagnosis requires the exclusion of conditions that may cause secondary constipation, such as constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and organic lesions2. According to Rome IV diagnostic criteria, the global incidence rate of FC is approximately 10.1%, with a higher incidence among individuals aged over 60 years2,3. According to data, there are approximately 6 p....

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Protocol

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The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Hai'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Approval no.: HZYLL2024042). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to enrolment.

1. Patient screening and grouping

  1. Use the convenience sampling method to enroll 103 patients with FC treated in the hospital between 1 June 2024 and 1 December 2024. Based on sequential enrolment numbers, divide participants into a study group and a control group according to their order of enrolment, with odd-numbered patients assigned to the study group (n = 52) and even-numbered....

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Results

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During the trial, in strict accordance with implementation of the research protocol, one patient in the study group was eliminated due to a long absence and subsequent inability to complete the study, one patient in the study group was eliminated due to a local skin allergy, and one patient in the control group ceased participation for personal reasons. The number of treatments received by the 3 participants eliminated was less than half, and a total of 100 participants completed the trial.

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Discussion

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Compared with conventional Western medicine, the combined therapy used in this study demonstrates superior efficacy, leads to greater improvements in core outcomes (specifically, BSFS scores and defecation frequency), and provides enhanced relief from accompanying symptoms (such as abdominal distension and incomplete evacuation). Five-tone therapy alleviates anxiety by regulating autonomic nervous function, creating a synergistic effect with the local pharmacological action of acupoint application. Furthermore, when comp.......

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Disclosures

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The authors have nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

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This work was funded by the Nantong City Science and Technology Livelihood Project-Guiding Project (Number: MSZ2024022).

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Materials

List of materials used in this article
NameCompanyCatalog NumberComments
polyethylene glycol 4000 powderBofu-IpsenNo. H20171247

References

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  1. Kilgore, A., Khlevner, J. Functional constipation: Pathophysiology, evaluation, and management. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 60 Suppl 1, S20-S29 (2024).
  2. Bigliardi, R., et al. Functional constipation in pediatrics, diagnosis, and treatment. Arch Ar....

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Tags

Music TherapyAcupoint ApplicationFunctional ConstipationFive Tone TherapyMidnight Noon Ebb FlowTraditional Chinese MedicineBristol Stool ScalePatient Assessment ConstipationQuality Of LifeSymptom Relief

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