DOCTOR'S VIEWS ARCHIVE
Topic: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), June 2000
Dr. Lee:
Has there been any success in treating irritable bowel syndrome with acupuncture?
Dr. Marks:
There are no studies of acupuncture in the
treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. However,
it was recently reported that electro-acupuncture, in which a small
electrical shock is delivered via the acupuncture needle, could cause the
stomachs of dogs to empty faster. This is the first clear evidence that
acupuncture is able to affect the function of the bowel and suggests that
acupuncture might be useful in treating irritable bowel. (More clinical
trials are needed).
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