Auricular Acupressure Improve Constipation of Patients With Schizophrenia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study.

This article focuses on a randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of auricular acupressure (AA) in alleviating constipation among patients with schizophrenia. The study applied AA to four specific auricular points—Shenmen, San Jiao, Large intestine, and Rectum—over eight weeks in 23 patients across four psychiatric rehabilitation centers. Results demonstrated significant improvements in both subjective constipation symptoms, measured by the Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms (PAC-SYM) questionnaire, and objective stool patterns, assessed via the Bristol stool form scale, compared to usual care. Additionally, heart rate variability analysis indicated enhanced parasympathetic nervous system activity in the AA group, suggesting autonomic nervous system modulation as a potential mechanism. The intervention showed high adherence and minimal adverse effects, supporting AA as a safe, non-pharmacological option for managing constipation in this population.