Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.[1] While lifestyle changes and medication can help manage IBS symptoms, many sufferers seek alternative therapies like acupuncture. Here’s what the research shows about whether acupuncture can help treat IBS.
How Might Acupuncture Help IBS?
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body.[2] It works by stimulating nerves, muscles and connective tissues to initiate the body’s natural painkilling and relaxation responses.[3] There are a few ways acupuncture may help ease IBS symptoms:
- Relaxing the bowels: Acupuncture is thought to help relax the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce bowel spasms that cause discomfort in IBS.[4]
- Reducing pain: Stimulating acupuncture points can boost the production of endorphins and enhance the effects of the body’s endogenous opioids, which help decrease pain perception.[5]
- Regulating the gut-brain axis: IBS involves communication issues between the brain, gut nerves and intestines. Acupuncture may help rebalance this gut-brain axis and normalize bowel function.[6]
- Addressing stress: Stress commonly triggers or exacerbates IBS symptoms. Acupuncture is highly effective at reducing stress levels and anxiety.[7]
What Does the Research Say?
Several randomized controlled trials and reviews have explored whether acupuncture safely and effectively treats IBS:
- A 2014 review of clinical trials found that acupuncture significantly improved overall IBS symptoms, abdominal pain and bloating compared to no acupuncture.[8]
- A 2020 pilot study showed acupuncture was associated with improved stool consistency, reduced urgency and pain in patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS.[9]
- A 2017 randomized trial reported a 70% response rate with significant pain reduction and quality of life improvements post-acupuncture treatment in IBS patients.[10]
- A small study found fMRI changes in patients’ brain activity pre- and post- acupuncture, likely reflective of gut-brain communication normalization.[6]
- While promising, larger and higher quality trials are still needed before definitive conclusions can be made. Individual results also vary.[11]
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Are There Any Risks?
When performed by a licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is generally very safe. Minor risks include mild bleeding or bruising at the needle site or worsening of symptoms in some cases.[12] As with any treatment, discuss risks and benefits with your licensed healthcare provider before trying acupuncture for IBS or other conditions.
Bottom line
In conclusion, preliminary evidence suggests acupuncture may offer relief for some IBS sufferers, likely by relaxing bowel muscles, reducing pain, and modulating gut-brain communication. More research with larger sample sizes is still warranted, but acupuncture appears to be a relatively low-risk option some with IBS choose to discuss with their doctor.
Trusted Sources:
[1] https://www.webmd.com/ibs/what-is-ibs
[2] https://www.apathtonaturalhealth.com/acupuncture-for-the-treatment-of-irritable-bowel-syndrome
[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/acupuncture-for-ibs
[4] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2020.608688/full
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3930986/
[6] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2020.608688/full
[7] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/acupuncture-for-ibs
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3930986/
[9] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2799968
[10] https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(20)30151-8/pdf
[11] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/acupuncture-for-ibs
[12] https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/acupuncture-risks-and-safety-concerns#1
