Acupuncture for IBS
Treatment for IBS involves finding ways of coping with the symptoms and just as there is no single cause of IBS, there is no standard treatment plan either so it really comes down to finding a way that works for the individual.
Many people look for alternative sources of treatment and one of these is acupuncture, which has proved effective for some people with IBS. The problem is there are very few scientific studies that have confirmed the benefit of acupuncture for IBS sufferers and a Cochrane systematic review of acupuncture as a potential treatment for IBS has called for more research into the subject. However, the World Health Organisation does list acupuncture as appropriate for treating some types of digestive disorders including irritable bowel syndrome.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a Chinese healing art that is administered to an individual by a trained acupuncturist. It involves inserting acupuncture needles into acupoints to remove blocked energy and increase the flow of energy along the meridian lines. It is based on the philosophy that energy or the life force (chi) flows through these meridian lines and any blockage in the flow of energy throughout the body can lead to disease. By removing these blockages, energy can be restored and the body can heal itself.
Each acupuncture point, of which there are thousands, relates to a specific internal organ or process within the body. There are some people for whom acupuncture is not suitable and this includes people with diabetes, those who are pregnant or those who are taking medication or who have bleeding disorders. It’s important to seek the advice of a trained professional before proceeding with acupuncture treatment.
What is IBS?
IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive disorder resulting in abnormal bowel movements and changes in the appearance and form of stools along with abdominal bloating and pain. For some it may mean diarrhoea, for others constipation and some people may experience alternating diarrhoea and constipation. There is no set pattern to IBS so treatment is very much an individual affair and based around finding ways to deal with the symptoms.
Is acupuncture worth a try?
Despite the lack of scientific data relating to acupuncture and IBS, there are still many people who report an improvement in IBS symptoms after a course of treatment with acupuncture. No doubt future studies will reveal more but in the meantime, acupuncture may be worthy of consideration, particularly where other more conventional methods of treatment for IBS have failed.
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