IBS: Is acupuncture useful in treating IBS?

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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