The effect of acupuncture for constipation after ischemic stroke

INTERVENTION: 1. Acupuncture group: acupuncture point selection: CV13 (Shangwan), CV12 (Zhongwan), CV10 (Xiawan), bilateral ST25 (Tianshu), CV6 (Qihai), bilateral PC6 (Neiguan) and bilateral ST36 (Zusanli). Each session will last for 30 minutes. Every participant will be treated once a day and will receive 16 treatment sessions in total during 4 continuous weeks. Treatment will be conducted 5 times per week in the first 2 weeks and 3 times per week in the last 2 weeks. 2. Medicine group: mosapride citrate tablet will be taken orally at the dose of 5 mg, three times a day for 4 weeks continuously. 3. Control group: participants of control group only receive routine treatment and healthcare for ischemic stroke. For participants who have had no bowel movements over 4 or more consecutive days, a cathartic will be used as an emergency drug. CONDITION: Constipation after ischemic stroke ; Digestive System ; Constipation PRIMARY OUTCOME: The change of mean weekly complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) from baseline; measured at the 4th and the 8th week after randomisation SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. The change of mean weekly spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) from baseline, measured at the 4th and the 8th week after randomisation; 2. The change of mean scores of stool consistency from baseline, measured at the 4th and the 8th week after randomisation; 3. The change of mean scores of straining during defecation from baseline, measured at the 4th and the 8th week after randomisation; 4. The change of weekly frequency of using laxatives from baseline, measured at the 4th and the 8th week after randomisation INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Diagnosed with ischemic stroke according to the diagnostic criteria specified by the World Health Organization (WHO) 2. With symptoms of constipation according to the Rome III functional constipation criteria 3. 2 weeks to 6 months after stroke onset 4. Aged between 30 and 75 years old, either gender 5. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score = 7 and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) = 21, which indicates that participants are conscious and without dysfunctions in comprehension 6. With no previous medical history of constipation before stroke onset and the symptoms of constipation present at least 2 weeks continuously after stroke 7. No use of gastrointestinal drugs 1 week before randomisation (except for emergency drugs) 8. No acupuncture treatment for constipation in the previous 2 weeks 9. Volunteered to join the clinical trial and provided a signed informed consent form