Research Supports Acupuncture for IBS-D and IBS-C

I recently came across an excellent study about acupuncture for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, both IBS-C and IBS-D.

This study was carried about by the Mayo Clinic Proceedings in 2023:

Reference: Mayo Clinic Proceedings. “Efficacy of Acupuncture for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial,” 2023.

Patients received six weeks of acupuncture, followed by a twelve-week follow-up to assess long-term effects.

Findings of the study:

“The acupuncture group showed a greater reduction in symptom severity compared with the pharmacological group.

The acupuncture group had sustained benefits 12 weeks after treatment ended.”

According to the study, acupuncture might help reduce IBS in the following ways:

• – Regulating gastrointestinal motility, therefore reducing symptoms of constipation and diarrhea
• – Reduction in hypersensitivity of the gastrointestinal tract to distension and pain

The researchers concluded:

“This study provides strong evidence that acupuncture is an effective and well-tolerated primary or adjunctive therapy for IBS.

The sustained symptom relief observed at twelve weeks post-treatment indicates that acupuncture offers longer-lasting benefits compared with conventional pharmacological treatments.“

They also mentioned that,

“Given the acupuncture’s favorable safety profile compared with many medications, acupuncture should be considered as part of an integrative approach to IBS management, particularly for patients seeking non-pharmacological treatment options.”

If you’re dealing with any of the following digestive symptoms, we would love to help:

• – Abdominal pain
• – Bloating
• – Diarrhea
• – Constipation
• – Excess gas
• – Heartburn
• – Nausea

Click the button below or call (607) 216-8112 to set up an appointment today.