Objective: To observe the effect of acupoint mounting method with Decoction of Ziziphi Jujubae (Shizaotang) in treating 48 patients with habitual constipation.

Methods: Recipe: Radix Euphorbiae Kansui, Radix Euphorbiae Pekimensis and Flos Genkwa in equal amounts; proper amount of Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae. The Chinese herbs mentioned above were ground into fine powder and honey was added to produce honeyed pills. These pills were luted in dry place for storage. When using it, proper amount was taken and mixed with Proper hot water or honey to turn out paste-like medicine. This was spread over a piece of medical adhesive plaster. The amount for child is l-2 gram, and 3-5 gram for adult. The prepared plasters were fixed on acupoints for 48-72 hours in one treatment. The adopted points were Shenque (CV 8), Tianshu (ST 25) and Dachangshu (BL 25). The plasers were changed 48-72 hours later. One treatment course was composed by application of three plasters. Another meditation was taken in case of no effect three treatment courses later. In case of plaster allergy, small piece of dressing was employed.

Results: Diagnostic Standard: Cured: Clinical symptoms disappear and no relapse occurs within one year's follow-up. 40 cases were in this group (83.3%); Effective: The symptoms disappear after treatment. Due to improper diet or suppressed mood, and limited action following long time sitting a relapse occurs. In this case, the treatment was given and the patients were told to rearrange the diet as well as regulate his mood. Adequate activity was also combined. Seven cases were in this group; No effect: There was one case. The treatment was alternated with other medication. The cure rate was 83.3%. The total effective rate was 97.9%.

Conclusion: Decoction of Ziziphi Jujubae can promote gastroenteric movement. The medicines are water purgatives, increasing intestinal juice. Acupoint mounting method renders medicinal effect directly into the ill part, removing the pathogenic factors. The genuine energy recovers while the pathogenic factors are expelled. The genuine Qi remains inside and the evil Qi can't slip in, and the purpose of radical cure is achieved. Acupoint mounting method with Chinese herbs in treating habitual constipation has merits of simpleness, quick effect and low relapse rate. It is an ideal method for treating habitual constipation. If some patient feels locally painful or itchy and blisters, no special treatment is needed because the trouble will disappear 2-3 days lated There is no other adverse reaction.

By Liu Keqi & Luan Baodi