Acupuncture and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): What you need to know

Do you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), an estimated 25-45 million people in the United States have IBS (source). This all-too-common disease is characterized by chronic stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, excess gas, and irregular bowel movements. While there’s no known cure for IBS, however, acupuncture may offer relief.

How can acupuncture help?

Acupuncture involves the placement of thin needles in specific areas of the body, rightfully known as acupuncture points. The primary function of acupuncture is to restore Qi by correcting blockages in the meridians. When Qi begins to flow, diseases and health conditions such as IBS correct themselves.

Read Dr. Heintze’s previous post on how acupuncture can help IBS, here.

What do the studies say?

A recent study conducted by researchers in the U.K. found acupuncture to offer relief of IBS symptoms. For the study, researchers split 233 IBS patients into two groups, one of which receive acupuncture plus the usual care, while the second group strictly received the usual care.

“Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome provided an additional benefit over usual care alone. The magnitude of the effect was sustained over the longer term. Acupuncture should be considered as a treatment option to be offered in primary care alongside other evidenced based treatments,” wrote researchers in the study’s conclusion.

There’s no enough evidence to definitively say that it’s a cure for IBS. However, numerous studies, including the one cited above, attest to the healing power of acupuncture. Whether you experience minor or severe symptoms as a result of IBS, you should consider seeking acupuncture. It’s a safe, painless and highly effective way to treat a wide variety of diseases, only of which is Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

At Starting Point Acupuncture, we specialize in chronic and complex conditions, like IBS. To learn if we can help your case, give our office a call at (425) 686-4498 to schedule your initial consultation.