Clinical Efficacy Observation of Press-Needle Embedding at Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) Combined With Auricular Point Sticking for Pediatric Functional Constipation

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of press-needle embedding at Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) combined with auricular point sticking therapy for pediatric functional constipation (FC). Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 173 children with FC (Rome IV criteria) treated between March 2023 and January 2026. Based on the treatment received, patients were divided into the observation group ( n = 87, press-needle at ST36 + SP6 plus auricular point sticking) and control group ( n = 86, auricular point sticking alone). Treatment lasted 4 weeks with an additional 4-week follow-up. Primary outcomes were weekly spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) and constipation symptom score (0–10). Secondary outcomes included abdominal pain VAS and appetite score. Results At week 4, the observation group showed significantly higher SBMs (5.2 ± 0.8 vs. 3.5 ± 0.8, P < 0.001) and lower symptom scores (3.5 ± 1.2 vs. 5.5 ± 1.1, P < 0.001) than controls. The total effective rate was 98.9% in observation vs. 72.1% in control ( P < 0.001). Improvements persisted at week 8. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion Press-needle embedding at ST36 and SP6 combined with auricular point sticking was associated with greater improvements in bowel movement frequency, constipation symptoms, abdominal pain, and appetite than auricular point sticking alone.