Moxibustion as Supportive Therapy for Opioid-Induced Constipation in Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Case Series

Kanda K, Murakami A, Ngatu NR, Hirao T, Harusato A · Palliative Medicine Reports · 2026 January

DOI 10.1177/26892820261454476

Objective

To investigate the clinical outcomes and feasibility of moxibustion for opioid-induced constipation in advanced cancer patients.

Conclusions

This case series indicates that moxibustion is a feasible and safe complementary therapy for opioid-induced constipation in advanced cancer, with potential to reduce symptom burden and laxative use.

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Insights

Moxibustion may safely relieve opioid-related constipation in advanced cancer while reducing reliance on laxative medicines.

Researchers conducted a prospective case series involving advanced cancer patients with clinically diagnosed opioid-related constipation and no history of chronic constipation. Participants received thermal moxibustion twice weekly for three weeks at standardised abdominal, hand, and foot acupuncture points using a ceramic warming device. Constipation severity, laxative use, stool form, and broader symptom burden were assessed before treatment and at follow-up. Most participants experienced improved constipation symptoms that persisted after treatment, while all reduced their use of laxatives and some achieved more normal stool consistency. No treatment-related adverse effects were reported, suggesting that moxibustion was feasible, well tolerated, and potentially useful as a supportive palliative care approach.