Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of acupoint application in treatment of constipation. Methods Sixty-two cases were randomly divided into 2 groups, named acupoint application group （32 cases） and Chinese herb group （30 cases）. In the acupoint application group, Chinese herbal plaster was applied on Tianshu （天枢 ST 25）, Gufnyuan （关元 CV 4） and Qihai （气海 CV 6）. In the Chinese herb group, Congrong Tongbian Koufuye （苁蓉通便口服液） was administered orally. The efficacy was observed after 7 days treatment. Results The total effective rate was 81.3% （26/32） in the acupoint application group and was 60.0% （18/30） in the Chinese herb group, indicating significant statistical difference in comparison （P〈0.05）. The significant difference presented in the time of the first defecation after treatment between two groups （P〈0.05）. The defecation promotion in the acupoint appli- cation group was superior to that in the Chinese herb group. The significant difference resulted in the comparison of clinical symptom integral before and after treatment in two groups （P〈0. 05）. The group comparison did not present significant difference. Conclusion Acupoint application of Chinese herbs has definite efficacy on constipation. It is convenient in operation, no pain and less toxic side effect and good in compliance.
