Effect of acupuncture for functional constipation using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

INTERVENTION: Verum acupuncture group:Acupuncture at ST25;Sham acupuncture group:Shallow acupuncture at sham acupoint near ST25;Medication group:Macrogol 4000 Powder;Watchful waiting group:Watchful waiting and emergency treatment; CONDITION: Functional constipation PRIMARY OUTCOME: Cerebral white matter microstructure by fMRI;Brain regions functional connectivity by fMRI;Number of spontaneous bowel movements per week; SECONDARY OUTCOME: Self‐rating depression scale;Stool consistency score;Self‐rating anxiety scale; INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Right handedness. 2. Matching the diagnostic criteria of functional constipation according to the Rome IV criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders. 3. No gender limitation and aged between 25 and 70 years. 4. No use of gastrointestinal drugs 2 weeks before treatment (except for emergency drugs), no acupuncture treatment for constipation in the previous 3 months, not participate in other ongoing clinical trials. 5. No use of psychotropic drugs before and during the study. 6. Participate voluntarily in the study and sign informed consent prior to treatment.