A 2014 IBS acupuncture research study concluded that “acupuncture exhibits clinically and statistically significant control of IBS symptoms”. The study was entitled, “Effectiveness of acupuncture to treat irritable bowel syndrome: A meta-analysis”
Background
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic or recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort. IBS leads to significant impairment of health-related quality of life, which causes physical role limitations as well as pain and a lower perception of general health. There is currently no satisfactory conventional treatment for this IBS.
Acupuncture is gaining popularity with patients suffering from a number of complex diseases. Several studies, including this IBS acupuncture research study, have shown that acupuncture improves quality of life in IBS patients. Researchers performed a meta-analysis to establish the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture for IBS.
The Problem – IBS
IBS is defined as abdominal pain or discomfort occurring at the same time as diarrhea or constipation for more than 3 months. Acupuncture is one of the prominent methods of alternative medicine that has been used to ease digestive problems.
IBS Acupuncture Research Study
Effective treatments for IBS are needed to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce healthcare utilization. This IBS acupuncture study aimed to confirm the efficacy of acupuncture for treatment of IBS. It is hoped that further research will establish the mechanism of action of acupuncture in the treatment of IBS.
Conventional Treatment of IBS Not Effective
The researchers stated that pharmacological treatment of IBS has included antidepressants, antispasmodics, 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists, 5-HT4 receptor agonists, antibiotics, probiotics, and even melatonin. Despite the numerous studies targeting the treatment of IBS, there is still no universally accepted satisfactory treatment.
Aim of Study
The aim of the study was to evaluate the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) through evaluation of randomized controlled trials.
Methodology
The researchers searched MEDLIINE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane from 1966 to 2013 for double-blind, placebo-controlled trials examining the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of IBS. Studies were included based on randomization, controls, and measurable outcomes reported.
Conclusions
The results of this IBS acupuncture research study concluded that acupuncture exhibits clinically and statistically significant control of IBS symptoms.
Raleigh Acupuncture Treatment of IBS
We have been treating IBS for over 15 years with great success. This research supports our own findings, that acupuncture effectively reduces symptoms and improves quality of life for IBS patients.
Next Steps
If you suffer from IBS, try acupuncture. Treatments are safe, relaxing and provide long lasting relief.
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LEARN ABOUT OTHER DIGESTIVE ISSUES WE TREAT.
References
World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Feb 21; 20(7): 1871–1877. Published online 2014 Feb 21. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i7.1871
What our Clients are Saying
I can’t express enough gratitude for the positive impact acupuncture has had on my life. For years, I struggled with debilitating gastroparesis symptoms that left me feeling trapped in a cycle of pain and discomfort. Traditional medical treatments provided limited relief, leaving me searching for alternative therapies. That’s when I discovered Raleigh Acupuncture. From my first session, I felt a significant relief. As I continued regular acupuncture sessions, I noticed a remarkable improvement in my gastroparesis symptoms. The chronic nausea, bloating, and stomach pain that once plagued me began to reduce, allowing me to reclaim control over my body and my life. Acupuncture not only provided relief from my symptoms but also helped me feel more balanced and relaxed. I had more energy and focus. Today, thanks to Raleigh Acupuncture, my life is fuller and more vibrant and my gastroparesis is completely manageable. I strongly recommend acupuncture to anyone struggling with similar challenges. It truly is a holistic healing medicine.
Thanks Mark for helping relieve my gastroparesis! The nausea, stomach pain, and reflux were driving me crazy. With your help and dedication I’m feeling so much better. Recommended!
I had a severe stomach flu six months ago with high fever for three days. Afterwards I had terrible constipation. I tried laxatives, but they only gave temporary relief. The pain was so bad that I started missing work. My wife’s sister had been to Raleigh Acupuncture for migraines and was very satisfied, and she suggested I call to see if they treat constipation. Not only were they able to treat me, they totally cleared up my condition in just two weeks. I am 100% better!
My IBS triggered diarrhea every day, all day long, but especially in the mornings. It would be triggered by the foods I ate, stress at work, or nothing at all. I was getting to the point where I was going to give up my job and try to find a job where I could work out of the house. As a last resort I went to Raleigh Acupuncture. I started seeing changes right away, less attacks in the morning, less triggers during the day. Over the duration of my treatments it seemed like my intestines were getting stronger and less sensitive. After about a month of treatment I was just having problems in the morning, going about three times. After about another month I was having normal bowel movements just once in the morning. As far as I can tell, my IBS is completely healed.
I’ve lived with chronic constipation my whole life. I averaged once every five days or so, and that was normal. As a result, I always felt bottled up. My brother convinced me to try acupuncture, as it helped him with his constipation. The doctor gave me pills which he said were all natural and had been around for thousands of years. He also did acupuncture. After about half a dozen treatments I was going to the bathroom every other day. It’s been a year since my treatments ended and I’m still regular. I feel great.
I came down with an unbelievable case of diarrhea that lasted more than four weeks. I was getting severely dehydrated and was exhausted. My doctor said there was nothing wrong with me, that it was probably due to stress. The only thing stressing me out was the diarrhea! I was really starting to get scared, thinking I had contracted some terrible disease. I went to acupuncture and they immediately said there was a problem with my stomach and intestines, but that it wasn’t dangerous and it was treatable. They treated me with acupuncture and a heat herb that warmed up my stomach. I felt better immediately, and within a few weeks the diarrhea was completely gone. I am very grateful to Raleigh Acupuncture for knowing what was wrong with me and treating my condition so quickly.
My husband Arthur and I have used Raleigh Acupuncture bi-weekly for at least 4 years, for a variety of treatments, including general well-being. Both of us felt our ailments healed with the treatment. I initially visited for Irritable Bowel Syndrome – and had immediate relief… the practitioners are very professional and learned, and we have every confidence in them. Even though we pay out of pocket, we obviously feel that the acupuncture is worth it. We both highly recommend Raleigh Acupuncture – you won’t regret it!
I have always had a nervous stomach. Some people get headaches, I get stomach aches. It’s always worse with stress and eases up on the weekends when I can relax. I did not think of getting treatment until I stumbled on an article saying how acupuncture was excellent for treating stomach pain. I went to Raleigh Acupuncture and described my condition. They explained why my stomach hurt. It totally made sense to me. It’s all about internal balance. So they went to work on me to get my stomach balanced. And I’m pleased to say that it worked. I no longer have a nervous stomach and stomach pain, even in stressful situations. I’ve made some changes to my diet, based on their recommendations, and took chinese herbs for a while, but don’t need to take them now. I’m convinced that I would have lived with stomach pain for the rest of my life had it not been for acupuncture.
I’m totally afraid of needles, but my wife convinced me to try acupuncture for my IBS. It was really hampering my life. I’d have to go to the bathroom 5 times before leaving for work. Then at work I’d be sitting in a meeting and all of a sudden have to go again. Any type of stress set me off. At first they could only use 2 needles, that’s all I would let them do. But after a few treatments I started relaxing and felt more comfortable with the needles. The effect has been amazing. I’m so much better now. Mornings are easy, no problems at work. It’s hard to believe, because I’ve had this for my entire adult life. Now I just go in for maintenance and have some herbs I take when I need them. Raleigh Acupuncture is a great outfit.