Abundant clinical practice has showed that acupuncture therapy has some distinct advantages in the treatment of chronic functional constipation(CFC)

such as faster positive effect

shorter course of treatment

long-term post-effect

etc.In the present paper

the authors reviewed progresses of researches in clinical treatment of CFC with acupuncture therapy in recent years.Results of clinical trials indicated that among the 3types(slow transit

outlet obstruction and mixed type)of constipation

acupuncture therapy showed a better effect for slow transit constipation by improving severity

increasing defecation frequency

reducing abdominal distension

easing patients' psychological discomfort and raising daily life activity

probably by ameliorating colonic motility

enteric nervous system function and neurotransmitter secretion(vasoactive intestinal peptide

acetylcholine

substance P

nitrix oxide

etc.).Most of the chosen acupoints(ST 25

SP 15

SP 14

CV 6

BL 25

BL 23

etc.)are located in the projection region of colon.For outlet obstruction defecation

the effect of acupuncture is relatively better for chalasia type

in spite of generally being poorer in the efficacy.Majority of the selected acupoints(GV 1

BL 32

BL 33

BL 30

etc.)are located near the pelvic floor region.In addition

the clinical therapeutic effects of acupuncture need being confirmed by more large sample

multiple centers randomized controlled trials.