C09. Effect of Court-Type Thai Traditional Massage Versus Cassia alata Linn. Treatment on Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: 24 percent of the Thai population thinks they have constipation, it was found that about 10 percent who had defecation less than three times a week or had difficulty defecation had different health effects. Abdominal pain or bleeding from the rectum in cases of hemorrhoids causing ulcers in the colon or around the anus. Constipation can also be a symptom of a serious illness, such as colon cancer. It can make you depressed, and socioeconomic consequences may cause the patient to be absent or unable to work fully. 

Objective: This study aimed to compare Court-type Traditional Thai massage with the used Cassia alata drug to treat chronic constipation.

Methods: This study was a Randomized Controlled Trial, randomized 2-group trial, 30 patients were randomly allocated to use Court-type Traditional Thai massage and to use Cassia alata drug (15 patients/group). Patients in the massage group received 60 minutes sessions of Court-type Traditional Thai Massage 2 times a week and the Cassia alata drug used group received 1 sachet of drug dissolve warm water 7 days in a row (before bedtime). Functional constipation was measured before (pre-test) and after (post-test) 7 days compared between 2 groups by the constipation assessment tools, adverse reaction assessment form, and satisfaction assessment form. 

Results: A study showed the massage group differed significantly from the drug group (P < 0.05). However, the adverse reaction assessment indicated no symptoms after massage while the drug user group had symptoms; of dizziness, nausea, and stomach discomfort after using the Cassia alata drug.  

Conclusion: Court-type Traditional Thai Massage and Using Cassia alata drug was effective in treating functional constipation. However, massage therapy has no symptoms, and stomach comfort after treatment satisfies patients.