case studies

CASE STUDY: CHRONIC CONSTIPATION

• Background: 56 yo, female presented with chronic constipation since young adulthood. She was prescribed laxatives which she used for more than 10 years, until it stopped working. Patient then sought the help of a naturopath for a more holistic approach. She was recommended multiple supplements which helped, however multiple supplementation proved to be overwhelming, compromising compliance. Patient had to take supplements to stimulate a bowel movement, much like pharmaceuticals. Patient's goal is to reduce supplement intake and have them as support only when needed.

• Treatment Plan: Acupuncture treatment twice a week for 2 months; then reduced treatment frequency to once a week on the third month onwards. Treatment alternated between traditional and electroacupuncture.

• How Patient Attributes Success: (1) Patient reported feeling movement in her intestines, this was around month 3 of treatment. She was pleasantly surprised by the peristaltic movement as this was something she had never felt before. (2) Reduced dosage and frequency of supplement intake. (3) Patient also missed a few weeks of acupuncture treatment and reported that her bowel movements continued to be regular (4) More recently, supplements are now taken as needed. Patient is on month 5 of treatment plan and continues to come in for maintenance treatment every other week.

Click here to read more about evidence-based resources on the effects of acupuncture on constipation.