Objective <p>To observe the effect of auricular point sticking plus rubbing the abdomen on functional constipation (FC) in older people.</p> Methods <p>One hundred senile patients with FC were recruited and assigned to a drug group and a non-drug group using the random number table method, each consisting of 50 cases. Both groups of participants received guidance on health preservation from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In addition, the drug group took oral administration of Huang Xing Run Chang Pian, and the non-drug group received auricular point sticking and rubbing the abdomen. After 2 treatment courses, the Wexner constipation score and patient assessment of constipation symptoms (PAC-SYM) score were compared; clinical effectiveness was evaluated; and adverse reactions and events occurring during the study were recorded.</p> Results <p>After intervention, the total effective rate was 76.0% in the non-drug group and 66.0% in the drug group, and the between-group difference was statistically insignificant (<i>P</i>&gt;0.05). The Wexner component symptom scores decreased markedly after treatment in both groups (<i>P</i>&lt;0.01); the scores of the sense of incomplete evacuation, abdominal pain, the need for assistance, and total score were notably lower in the non-drug group than in the drug group (<i>P</i>&lt;0.01 or <i>P</i>&lt;0.05). After intervention, the PAC-SYM scores for stool form, abdominal symptoms, rectal symptoms, and the total score dropped significantly in both groups (<i>P</i>&lt;0.01); the non-drug group showed greater improvement in abdominal symptoms than the drug group (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05).</p> Conclusion <p>Auricular point sticking combined with abdominal rubbing has definite effectiveness in treating senior patients with FC and is readily accepted by patients; it is superior to Huang Xing Run Chang Pian in improving constipation-related symptoms and enhancing the quality of life.</p>