The journal Zhongguo Zhen Jui (2012 Jan; 31(1): 92-6) published a review of 15 studies (meta-analysis) that dealt with the use of acupuncture and moxibustion to treat constipation. The studies involved over 1,000 patients. The studies demonstrated that treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion produced reduction in abdominal, time taken for defecation and improvement in symptom scores, and actually out performed standard medical treatment.