A recent study supports the use of acupuncture for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome when used in conjunction with standard treatment.

Patients were divided into two groups; one group received acupuncture treatment as well as usual care, and the second group usual care only.  Patients received up to ten sessions of acupuncture and results were measured at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.  At 3 months, 49% of patients in the acupuncture group reported improvement in symptoms, compared with 31% in the usual care group.  There was some evidence of a sustained effect up to 12 months.

Chinese medicine treatments aim to support, nourish and restore balance in the digestive system to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.  As IBS can have an emotional component, treatments are also designed to calm the spirit and reduce stress.

The full text of the study can be found here.