Research Progress in Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Functional Constipation in the Elderly
CHU Yunhang
LENG Yan
YANG Ming
CHEN Sulan
XU Lingyu
LI Ting
Abstract：Functional constipation(FC)is a common digestive system disorder among the elderly and represents a significant public health issue in aging societies,often requiring multidimensional interventions.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)offers advantages in holistic regulation and individualized diagnosis and treatment for this condition,demonstrating notable efficacy in alleviating symptoms and reducing recurrence.This article provides an in-depth analysis of the theoretical understanding of FC by ancient and modern physicians,as well as recent clinical research.It reveals that contemporary physicians primarily approach the diagnosis and treatment of FC from three perspectives:"visceral disharmony,aiming for balance","fluids and blood sharing a common source,increasing fluids to promote bowel movement",and"promoting unblocking through tonification,using tonification to relieve obstruction".Clinical studies indicate that Qi deficiency constipation and Yin deficiency constipation are the most prevalent subtypes.Data mining analysis shows that herbal prescriptions for elderly FC predominantly employ herbs with neutral,slightly cold,or warm properties;sweet,bitter,or pungent flavors;and meridian tropisms primarily targeting the stomach,spleen,and lungs.The core herb combinations identified include Xuanshen(Scrophulariae Radix),Shengdihuang(Rehmanniae Radix),Maidong(Ophiopogonis Radix),Shengbaizhu(raw Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma),Danggui(Angelicae Sinensis Radix),and Yuliren(Pruni Semen).External therapies such as acupuncture,Tuina,and acupoint application have also demonstrated unique advantages in treating FC by stimulating the body surface,transmitting effects through meridians,and facilitating transdermal drug absorption.Through a systematic analysis of recent literature on the treatment of elderly FC,this article aims to provide insights and references for clinical management of the condition.
Keywords：ElderlyFunctional constipationTraditional Chinese medicine treatment
Publication Date：2026-02-28
Online Publishing Date：2026-03-13(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 456-461 )