Objective
To investigate the clinical acupoint selection rules and therapeutic effects of tuina and acupuncture for functional constipation using smart medical big data analysis.
Conclusions
Tuina and acupuncture treatment of functional constipation has a good therapeutic effect, with Tianshu, Shangjuxu, Dachangshu, Zusanli, and Zhigou being the five most frequently selected acupoints, and is worthy of extensive clinical application.
Critical Appraisal
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Insights
Smart medical data analysis identified a consistent set of acupuncture points that may enhance massage and acupuncture treatment for functional constipation.
The study combined literature review, theoretical analysis, and a clinical experiment to examine massage and acupuncture treatment for functional constipation using smart medical big data. It analysed treatment records to identify commonly selected acupuncture points and compared symptom and quality-of-life assessment outcomes between an experimental group receiving massage and acupuncture and a control group.
The analysis identified Tianshu, Shangjuxu, Dachangshu, Zusanli, and Zhigou as the most frequently used acupuncture points for functional constipation. Participants receiving massage and acupuncture showed better overall treatment effectiveness and improvements in constipation symptoms and quality of life than those in the control group.
