Characteristics of metabolic inflammatory syndrome among inpatients with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study in China.

BACKGROUND: As meta-inflammation is a common feature for obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis, we have proposed a new concept, metabolic inflammatory syndrome (MIS), to cluster such diseases. We aimed to characterize MIS and explore its association with coronary heart disease (CHD) among T2D inpatients in China. METHODS: A total number of 8344 T2D participants were enrolled. Each component of MIS and metabolic syndrome (MS) was analyzed. Their association with the risk of CHD was assessed using a binary logistic analysis. RESULTS: Among the T2D inpatients, the detection rate of MIS was much higher than that of MS (93.6 % vs. 53.2 %). Among all the components of MIS and MS, carotid atherosclerosis (71.9 %) was most commonly detected, which increased with aging in subgroups. Surprisingly, the most common combination of MIS was with all 4 components in T2D patients, with a constituent ratio of 30.9 %. According to the odds ratios (ORs), MIS was a better predictor of CHD than MS, especially after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, and alcohol consumption (adjusted OR for MIS: 3.083; for MS: 1.515). The presence of more components of MIS was associated with a higher detection rate of CHD (P < 0.001). Among all the components of MIS and MS, carotid atherosclerosis best predicted the risk of CHD (adjusted OR: 1.787). CONCLUSIONS: MIS is an independent risk factor for CHD, with a bigger OR value than MS. Carotid atherosclerosis, with the highest detection rate, was the best individual predictor of CHD and thus a critical component of MIS. The concept of MIS represents the understanding of metabolic diseases from the perspective of holistic integrative medicine.

Stepwise tracking strategy to screen ingredient from Galla Chinensis based on the "mass spectrometry guided preparative chromatography coupled with systems pharmacology".

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Galla chinensis, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, was widely used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) in folk prescriptions, however, its active ingredients and mechanism of action in the treatment of UC remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of our study was to discover the lead compounds and anti-inflammatory active ingredients of Galla chinensis and clarify their molecular mechanism for UC treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ingredients of Galla chinensis were prepared by column and mass spectrometry guided preparative chromatography. Besides, the relationship among the ingredients of Galla chinensis and targets was predicted by systems pharmacology. Additionally, Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages were used as in vitro model. The cell viability, the level of the pro-inflammatory factors, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and trans epithelial electric resistance (TEER) values were detected to screen out the active ingredients of Galla chinensis. Moreover, 4% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis mice were used as the UC animal model. The disease activity index (DAI), pathological degree of colon tissue, activities of antioxidant-related enzymes and expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines were performed to assess the anti-UC effects of the active ingredients. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression level of inflammatory factors and antioxidant related genes were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). And the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway related proteins, intestinal mucosal proteins and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway related proteins in colon tissues were analyzed by Western Blotting. RESULTS: Herein, a stepwise tracking strategy was adopted to screen out the anti-inflammatory active ingredients of Galla Chinensis based on "preparative chromatography pharmacology combined with mass spectrometry guidance and system". 11 categories of ingredients of Galla chinensis were prepared and ethyl gallate (EG) was screened out the lead compound and anti-inflammatory active ingredient of Galla Chinensis through in silico, in vitro and in vivo studies. In addition, EG had a significant therapeutic effect on ameliorating DSS-induced UC mice and protected intestinal mucosal integrity through Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Ethyl gallate was the lead compound and anti-inflammatory active ingredient in Galla chinensis. And it was discovered for the first time that EG could treat mice with ulcerative colitis. This research not only found the lead compound of Galla Chinensis for UC treatment and determined the possible mechanism, but also provided valuable references for finding lead compounds from natural products by systems pharmacology coupled with equivalent components group technology.

[Origin and development of HUA Tuo's acupuncturing sensation technique].

Based on HUA Tuo's personal experience, teaching experience, works as well as ancient books of similar times, this paper discusses the origin and development of HUA Tuo's acupuncturing sensation technique, and analyzes the reasons why this technology has been lost. The formation of this technique is influenced by the descriptions of "regulating qi " "arrival of qi " and "reaching qi" in Neijing (Internal Canon of Medicine) and Nanjing, and combines with the clinical summary of conduction direction and specific position of acupuncturing sensation. Due to HUA Tuo's personal experience, the inheritance characteristics of acupuncture technology and the background of his times, this technology may have been lost, but it still affects the acupuncture concept and practice of "qi reaching affected area" in later generations.

Curcumin attenuates inflammation and cell apoptosis through regulating NF-κB and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway against acute kidney injury.

Curcumin alleviates septic acute kidney injury (SAKI); however, the underlying mechanism remained unclear. To explore this, SAKI cell model and mice model were conducted by using LPS and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), respectively. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays indicated that LPS reduced the viability, but upregulated the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, whereas Curcumin pretreatment had no effect on viability, but reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-6. Further assays showed that Curcumin partly attenuated the LPS-induced injury as the viability was enhanced, TNF-α and IL-6 expressions and cell apoptosis rates were reduced. Western blot analysis indicated that Janus kinase (JAK) 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, p-65-NF-κB and cell apoptosis pathways were activated by LPS but suppressed by Curcumin. Mice SAKI model further indicated that the serum Cystatin C (Cys-C), creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were increased within 24 h of model construction while those indicators were decreased at 48 h. Pretreated with Curcumin, NF-κB inhibitor (PDTC) or JAK2 inhibitor (AG-490) could weaken the renal histological injury and the increased serum Cys-C, Cr and BUN, IL-6 and TNF-α induced by CLP. Moreover, PDTC, AG-490 and Curcumin all significantly reversed the previously increased expressions of p-JAK2/STAT3, p-p65 and proapoptotic proteins in the mice with AKI. The present study revealed that Curcumin attenuated SAKI through inhibiting NF-κB and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways, and proposed that Curcumin could be a potential therapeutic agent for treating SAKI.

[Discussion on the needling technique with filiform needle in acupuncture-moxibustion teaching materials in the Republic of China].

Through collecting the literature data of the needling technique with filiform needle in 20 acupuncture-moxibustion teaching materials in the Republic of China， the manipulation techniques with filiform needle were analyzed, such as the technique of needle insertion, the technique of reinforcing and reducing, and the management of acupuncture abnormal conditions, as well as manual techniques and analgesics methods. It is found that the era of the Republic of China was the transition period of traditional acupuncture techniques to the modern ones in acupuncture-moxibustion teaching materials, in which, the twirling technique was predominated in the technique of needle insertion. In that period, the insertion technique of tube needle had been introduced and simplified, the theory and method of the new-style technique of reinforcing and reducing were emerged and the types of acupuncture abnormal conditions recorded in the teaching materials were different from those at present. Additionally, the applicable manipulation had not been specified nationally. There were the highly influential teaching materials, i.e. Advanced Acupuncture and Moxibustion Teaching Materials: Science of Acupuncture and Science of Moxibustion, Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion Teaching Materials and New Acupuncture and Moxibustion. The acupuncture-moxibustion teaching materials in the Republic of China has been influenced by the transition of acupuncture-moxibustion education modes, the introduction of Chinese-translation version of Japanese acupuncture-moxibustion books, the academic thoughts of acupuncture masters and the manufacturing process of needle devices.

Auricular Intradermal Acupuncture as a Supplementary Motor Rehabilitation Strategy in Poststroke Patients: A Randomized Preliminary Clinical Study.

We have explored the potential of auricular intradermal acupuncture (AIA) in standard rehabilitation and acupuncture treatment for motor recovery in poststroke patients. This was a randomized, controlled preliminary clinical study in which the patients were randomly assigned to the CT group (conventional treatment, standard rehabilitation, and routine acupuncture) or AIA group (AIA combined with conventional treatment) and underwent 6 sessions in 1 week (6 days). Standard procedures and previously reported acupuncture points were used. Clinical outcomes were measured by the Fugl-Meyer motor assessment (FMA) of flexor and extensor synergy movement (FSM and ESM) of the upper and lower extremities (UE and LE) at days 0, 3, and 6. The assessment was performed by blinded assessors. The AIA group showed a significant increase in FMA-UE/FMA-LE scores on day 3 (P=0.012 and 0.001, respectively) and day 6 (P=0.041 and P < 0.001, respectively), but this was not observed in the CT group. Furthermore, unlike the CT group, the AIA group exhibited a significant increase in the FMA-LE score on day 3 (P=0.004) and the FMA-UE scores on day 6 (P=0.048). Finally, the correlation between ESM and FMA-UE/FMA-LE was higher than that between FSM and FMA-UE/FMA-LE after treatment: for ESM and UE, r = 0.759, P=0.007; for ESM and LE, r = 0.697, P=0.003; for FSM and UE, r = 0.604, P=0.049; for FSM and LE, r = 0.347, P=0.188. AIA is useful for motor rehabilitation in poststroke patients, particularly in terms of improving extensor synergy. This trial is registered with CHiCTR1800020150.

[Characteristics of clinical effectiveness of bloodletting and proposed ways of mechanism research].

According to the operative characteristics, the stimulated site and the curative effect-emerged site of bloodletting therapy, its clinical characteristics may be divided into three categories: a) local stimulation induced focus-local effect, b) local stimulation induced effect of the distal target organ (point-to-point distal effect), and c) special point stimulation induced broader effect of the whole body. Accordingly, the underlying mechanisms of clinical outcomes mainly involve the improvement of the local microcirculation and secondary changes of inflammatory substances for the first category (local focus). The point-to-point distal effect might mainly involve the innervation of nerve segments, while the broad effect of specific acupoint stimulation might involve multiple levels of the neuro-endocrine-immune system. The future research on the mechanisms of bloodletting should starts from its specific effects and the type of disease, which should not be generalized.

[Analysis on the origin and development of elements of reinforcing and reducing needling techniques].

Reinforcing and reducing needling manipulations are important factors affecting clinical therapeutic effect. In the present paper, the relevant elements of the reinforcing and reducing techniques of acupuncture needle including the left- and right-ward twirling, gender, needling at the left and right, front and back parts of the body, needling along or against the running course of the meridian, and their origin and development recorded in ancient Chinese medical books were collected and sorted out, followed by analysis on the understandings of Chinese ancient medical practitioners about them. Results show that the right- or left-ward twirling of needles, gender, and needling at the right or left part, the front or the back part of the body of patients are not the core components of the reinforcing and reducing techniques. Of the three stimulus parameters of needling, named amplitude, frequency and duration which are frequently researched at present, only the duration of single twirling (frequency) was highly noted in GAO Wu's book Zhenjiu Juying (A Collection of Gems in Acupuncture and Moxibustion). It is worthy of being studied in the further. Regarding the stimulation intensity of acupuncture involving the identification of reinforcing or reducing manipulations, the factors influencing the patients' feelings of needling intensity of acupuncture should be studied at the same time.

[Parameters and connotations of quantity of mild moxibustion stimulation].

The quantity of mild moxibustion stimulation is an important factor affecting clinical therapeutic effect. In the present study, we collected related literature by using key word "moxibustion stimulation quantity" from CNKI Database and make a summary about its concept. The quantity of mild moxibustion stimulation has two common characters, namely thermal intensity and cumulative stimulating quantity, and contains 6 components (parameters), including thermal energy, thermal stimulus, heated area of the skin, and stimulating duration, intensity and frequency. According to the facts mentioned above, we hold that the mild moxibustion quantity actually has 3 dimensions, i．e., the duration of stimulation, the stimulating quantity of one treatment session, and the total stimulating quantity of multiple treatment sessions. Accurately grasping and rationally using the basic term of the quantity of mild moxibustion is not only conductive to control clinical moxibustion operation, but also conforms to the basic requirements for quantitative control of intervention measures in experimental researches.

[The origin, development and mechanisms of special acupuncture needle tools for cutaneous region].

In this paper, we expound the origin and development of special acupuncture needle tools for cutaneous region, and discuss its mechanisms from modern medical theory. By consulting related acupuncture books and literature and in combination with needles used in clinical practice, we conclude that acupuncture needle tools can be divided into skin massage needle (digital pressing, spoon needle, etc.), cutaneous pricking blood needle (shear needle, three-edged needle, plum blossom needle, etc.), subcutaneous shallow puncture needle (intradermal needle, superficial needle, subcutaneous in-dwelling needle), etc. The skin-brain axis is the core of skin stimulation therapy. Mechanical pressure exerted on the skin surface induced by acupuncture stimulation or pressing, microcirculation changes and drug superposition are probably the underlying mechanisms of special skin acupuncture needle tools for treatment of various clinical disorders.

[Summary and core technique on the origin and evolution of reinforcing-reducing manipulation achieved by lifting and thrusting the needle].

By analyzing the evolution of reinforcing-reducing manipulation achieved by lifting and thrusting the needle recorded in ancient literature of traditional Chinese medicine, it is found that the main contents of reinforcing-reducing manipulation by lifting and thrusting the needle include manipulating speed change, manual amplitude, insertion layer, gender, the direction to the acupuncture receiver, forenoon and afternoon and relevant quantity. Among them, gender, the direction to the acupuncture receiver, forenoon and afternoon and relevant quantity are the unnecessary parameters, while the manipulating speed change, manual amplitude and insertion layer are the indispensable parameters. The manipulating speed change is the core of the necessary parameters for the reinforcing-reducing manipulation achieved by lifting and thrusting the needle. Combined with the manual amplitude, the manipulating speed of needle determines the volume of needling stimulation. The insertion layer is decided on the base of the clinical demand. In the core technique of reinforcing-reducing manipulation by lifting and thrusting the needle, the reinforcing is achieved by thrusting the needle forcefully and quickly and then lifting the needle body slowly and evenly back to the original layer. The reducing is achieved by lifting the needle forcefully and quickly and then thrusting the needle body slowly and evenly back to the original layer. The manipulating speed and manual amplitude of needling are the parameters to quantize acupuncture manipulation. In association with the acupuncture effects in human body, these parameters contribute to the interpretation of the dose-effect relationship of acupuncture and the improvement of clinical effects.

Electroacupuncture via chronically implanted electrodes improves gastrointestinal motility by balancing sympathovagal activities in a rat model of constipation.

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been reported for treating constipation in clinical studies. However, little is known of the possible mechanisms involved in the prokinetic effect of EA. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and underlying autonomic mechanisms of EA via chronically implanted electrodes for constipation in rat induced by Loperamide (Lop). Lop was given to regular rats to induce constipation. EA was performed via a pair of electrodes chronically implanted at bilateral acupoint ST-36. Feces characteristics, gastric emptying, small intestinal transit, distal colon transit time (dCTT), and whole gut transit time (WGTT) were measured in various sessions with EA or sham EA in rats with constipation induced by Lop. Heart rate variability (HRV) derived from the electrocardiogram was analyzed to evaluate autonomic functions. The number of fecal pellets was reduced by 27% with Lop (P < 0.01) and normalized by 7-day EA. Similar results were also observed in pellet weight. In normal rats compared with sham EA, EA shortened dCTT by 74% (P < 0.05 vs. sham EA), increased small intestinal transit by 28% (P < 0.01) and gastric emptying by 27% (P < 0.05), and accelerated whole gut transit by 14% (P < 0.05). In Lop-treated rats, the dCTT and WGTT were prolonged by Lop and normalized by EA. Lop significantly decreased vagal activity and increased sympathetic nerve activity; however, EA reversed these effects. EA at ST-36 via chronically implanted electrodes improves Lop-induced constipation by enhancing GI motility via the autonomic mechanisms. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The findings of the present study suggest that the proposed electroacupuncture (EA) may have great therapeutic potential for treating patients with opioid-induced constipation. It was demonstrated that EA at ST-36 improved transit of every organ along the gut mediated via the autonomic mechanisms in normal rats and rats with Lop-induced constipation. It is advised to administrate EA daily instead of two or three times weekly as reported in most of the clinical studies.

Colorimetric DNA assay by exploiting the DNA-controlled peroxidase mimicking activity of mesoporous silica loaded with platinum nanoparticles.

A nanozyme composed of mesoporous silica and platinum nanoparticles (MS-PtNPs) was synthesized and is shown to display peroxidase-like activity. Its activity can be controlled by loading with single-stranded DNA. The PtNPs on the MS are homogeneously distributed and act as enzyme mimics. The adsorption of DNA probe on the MS blocks the nucleation sites of PtNPs. This leads to a decrease in the peroxidase-mimicking activity. After introduction of target DNA that is complementary to the DNA probe, the activity of the nanozyme is recovered. By using the 3,3,5,5-tetramethylbenzidine/H2O2 chromogenic system, a rapid method was developed for colorimetric determination of DNA. The assay, best performed at 450 nm, has a linear response in the 5 nM to 100 nM DNA concentration range and a 2.6 nM detection limit. It possesses high selectivity and can distinguish even a single-base mismatch. Graphical abstract The peroxidase-like activity of mesoporous silica and platinum nanoparticles (MS-PtNPs) was depressed when noncovalent ssDNA-MS was in-situ deposited on the PtNPs. After introduction of target DNA, the complementary dsDNA releases from the MS, and then its activity is recovered.

[Evolvement of Acupuncture Needle Manipulation Techniques Described in Textbooks of Acupuncture and Moxibustion of Successive Editions].

This paper summarizes the evolvement of the needle manipulation techniques described in the textbooks of Acupuncture and Moxibustion of the past successive 10 editions in Chinese, analyzes the reasons for the evolvement and its impact on clinical treatment, and proposes future developing trends. After analyzing characteristics of needle-manipulation techniques of the well-known Chinese acupuncture specialists, and those described in multi-editions of the textbooks, we found that the currently evoluted contents primarily contain the definition and types of manipulating techniques. However, the reasons for the evolvement and connotation of needle manipulating are probably due to a) undefined descriptions in the history; b) changes in the academic studies and clinical application of acupuncture and moxibustion during the textbook compilation; c) the well-known specialists' and the participated editors' academic thoughts; d) the textbook content setting needs, etc. The evolvement reflects the changed preoccupations of factors affecting clinical efficacy of acupuncture manipulations, and facilitates the implementation of standardized clinical operative procedures. The development of current acupuncture needle manipulation techniques emphasizes the quantification of manual manipulations, fits clinical needs, and pays more attention to the pressing hand during needle insertion.

[Evolution of filiform needle insertion methods in multi-edition of Acupuncture and Moxibustion].

This paper reviewed the filiform needle insertionmethods in multi-edition of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, explored its evolution and reasons, and analyzed its development trend. By referring multi-edition of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and related literature regarding acupuncture manipulation published after 1940s, combined with acupuncture manipulation characteristics of modern and contemporary acupuncture masters, it was found that the definition of needle insertion methods needed to be improved after several changes. The classification of needle insertion methods was stable over development. The thrusting method of needle insertion was previously included, and then disappeared. The description of needle insertion methods was improving. These evolutions were mainly influenced by the academic and clinical background, the academic thought of writers and acupuncture masters, the internationalization and standardization of acupuncture and so on. The twist-inserting method and some other needle-inserting instrument meet the safe, sterile, painless and convenient development trend, which might be included in Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the future.

Analysis of factors influencing moxibustion efficacy by affecting heat-activated transient receptor potential vanilloid channels.

Moxibustion is an important component part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Among differ- ent kinds of moxibustion methods, thermal stimulation seems to be a pivotal impact factor to the theraputic efficacy. Based on its thermal characteristic and treated area-skin, we hypothesize that the thermosensitive TRPV channels may involve in the mechanism of moxibustion. This study, by referring to various experimental and clinical data, analyzes the properties and features of transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) subfamily 1-4 and the impact of moxibustion on these channels. The factors impacting the efficacy of moxibustion treatment were analyzed on three levels: the independent basic factors of moxibustion (temperature, space and time); moxibustion intensity (a compound factor achieved through comprehensive control of the three individual basic factors mentioned above); and moxibustion quantity (the amount of temperature stimulation applied within a certain unit of time, including the total amount of moxibustion treatment). The results from present study show that the effect of moxibustion therapy appears to be determined by the activation of TRPV1-4, mainly TRPV1 and TRPV2. Temperature (the degree of heat stimulation), time and area (how long the treatment lasts and how many TRPV1-4 channels are activated) affect the intensity of moxibustion treatment to form effective moxibustion quantity; this should be considered in clinical moxibustion application.

[Literature regarding clinical research of acupuncture for depression in the worldwide:comparison and discussion].

The literature regarding clinical research of acupuncture for depression published in Wanfang database, VIP database, CNKI database and PubMed from January of 2004 to March of 2005 was collected, and the quality of randomized controlled trial (RCT) that met the inclusive criteria was evaluated with Jadad. The research designs (research objective, intervention, effect assessment) were compared and analyzed by using the 2010 version of Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA). As a result, a total of 57 articles were included in the comparative study, 46 of which were RCTs (36 articles were published in China core journals, 6 articles written by China were published in foreign countries, and 4 articles were foreign researches). It was found the literature of Chinese researches attached great importance to the syndrome differentiation of acupuncture, and various types of acupuncture intervention and biological effect indicators were applied; the literature of foreign researches presented advantages on RCT quality, and the baseline evaluation and effect evaluation systems were more comprehensive, in addition, more attention was paid to quantitative design of clinical parameters. It was concluded the differences between Chinese and foreign clinical research of acupuncture for depression were unfavorable for the evidence-based research, and the overall quality of researches was in need of improvement. It was recommended the future researchers should be designed and reported in accord with unified criteria, and the registration of acupuncture clinical trial should be valued, which could promote the integration of research results and improve the overall researches level. In this process, the research model of real world might be introduced to stimulate new development trends of acupuncture clinical research.

[Analysis on the academic cultivation of young TCM scholars based on Professor LIU Zhicheng's academic track].

In view of the public academic papers of Professor LIU Zhicheng, his academic track is analyzed, including validating effect, exploring mechanism, improving efficacy, expanding disease variety, deepening mechanism, optimizing program and seeking breakthrough. On this basis, combined with the self-character of TCM, the potential path for the academic cultivation of young scholars is refined: focusing on clinical practice, confirming clinical efficacy, deepening mechanism exploration, improving clinical therapeutic effect, optimizing clinical program, extending clinical disease spectrum, inheriting, seeking, breaking through, innovating, expecting and topping over. It is believed that during the academic cultivation, the importance is to form the stable research direction and continuity, organize research team, absorb actively new knowledge and thoughts, and adopt multidisciplinary cross and coordination so as to achieve the greater success ultimately.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Chronic Constipation.

Chronic constipation, an ancient disease, is prevalent, and costly in the general population. Complementary and alternative therapies are frequently used for constipation. This review introduces various methods of complementary and alternative therapies, including acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, and herbal medicine. Efficacy, safety, influence factors, sham control design, and mechanisms of these therapies are discussed and evaluated. Acupuncture or electroacupuncture was found to be most commonly used for constipation among these complementary and alternative therapies, followed by herbal medicine. Although only a small number of clinical studies are flawless, our review of the literature seems to suggest that acupuncture or electroacupuncture and herbal medicine are effective in treating constipation, whereas findings on massage and moxibustion are inconclusive. More well-designed clinical trials are needed to improve and prove the efficacy of the complementary and alternative therapies for constipation; mechanistic studies that would lead to wide spread use and improvement of the methods are also discussed in this review.

The Effectiveness of Electroacupuncture for Functional Constipation: A Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial.

Background. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been reported to treat functional constipation (FC). The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of EA with different needle insertion method for FC. Methods. Sixty-seven participants were randomly assigned to control (EA with shallow puncture) and EA (with deep puncture) groups. Every patient received 5 treatments per week in the first two weeks, then 3 treatments per week during the following six weeks. Complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM), spontaneous bowel movements (SBM), Bristol stool scores (BSS), and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) were assessed. Results. Both shallow and deep EA significantly increased CSBM frequency compared to the baseline. CSBM was increased from 0.50 ± 0.59/wk to 2.00 ± 1.67/wk with deep EA and from 0.48 ± 0.59/wk to 1.33 ± 1.09/wk with shallow EA (P < 0.05, resp.). Similar finding was noted in SBM. Deep EA was more potent than shallow EA (P < 0.05) during the treatment period. No difference was found on BSS and PAC-QOL between two groups. Conclusion. It is effective and safe with EA to treat FC. Studies with large sample size and long-term observation are needed for further investigation.