The purpose of this study is to determine if acupuncture is effective in preventing prolonged postoperative paralysis of the gastrointestinal tract among patients undergoing colostomy/ileostomy closure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Previous surgical cancer treatment with ileostomy/colostomy, now scheduled for closure
• Hospital admission must be same day as surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Incapacitating disease
• Concurrent herbal or laxative use
• Use of Heparin or Coumadin
• Upper or lower extremity deformities
• Chronic constipation prior to cancer diagnosis
• History of cerebrovascular accident or spinal cord injury
• Chronic pain that has been treated with any form of major opioid or weak opioids (=/> 30mg/24 hours)
• Pacemaker or metal implants
• Concurrent alternative medicine/herbal use