Complementary effects of auricular acupressure in relieving constipation symptoms and promoting disease-specific health-related quality of life : a randomized placebo-controlled trial

摘要

Objectives: Constipation has been identified as a worldwide health problem among elderly people. Currently, it is not effectively relieved by the use of laxatives and lifestyle modification. Previous studies reported promising results in managing constipation with auricular acupressure (AA), although its effectiveness was not affirmed. This study is to evaluate the complementary effects of AA in relieving constipation symptoms and in promoting disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among elderly residential care home (RCH) residents in Hong Kong.