Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a distressing condition that, at its worst, can ruin the sufferer's quality of life. It manifests itself differently in patient to patient, but usually results in some or all of recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. There is no satisfactory medical treatment; the best modern drugs can do no more than alleviate some of the symptoms.
A few trials have found that sufferers have been helped with acupuncture treatment, though it may be that the placebo effect plays a significant part in this improvement.1 2
My own clinical experience is that around half of those I have treated are very much helped with acupuncture treatment.
1. Chan J. The role of acupuncture in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study. Hepato-Gastroenterology 1997; 44:1328-1330.
2. SchneiderA et al. Acupuncture treatment in irritable bowel syndrome. 2006; 55: 649-654.
A few trials have found that sufferers have been helped with acupuncture treatment, though it may be that the placebo effect plays a significant part in this improvement.1 2
My own clinical experience is that around half of those I have treated are very much helped with acupuncture treatment.
1. Chan J. The role of acupuncture in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study. Hepato-Gastroenterology 1997; 44:1328-1330.
2. SchneiderA et al. Acupuncture treatment in irritable bowel syndrome. 2006; 55: 649-654.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)