It is estimated that a staggering 10%-15% of the global population may suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Unfortunately, the mainstream treatments currently available are not highly successful; for example, only about 30-40% of patients who take the commonly prescribed drug linaclotide (Linzess) report any improvement. The impact of this disorder, and the bowel irregularity it causes, can be profound, affecting not only quality of life but also the ability to work or study—even disrupting social life and relationships. In one poll, 46% of IBS sufferers responded they would “do anything” to alleviate the painful, distressing, and embarrassing symptoms of this chronic malady.
But there is good news. In an article published in Gastroenterology in July this year, researchers who examined 12 randomized clinical trials found that acupuncture treatment may both reduce the severity of IBS symptoms and improve quality of life.
Comparison of Acupuncture to Sham Needling
The study, done by Xian-Bao Huang, M.D. and his research team from the Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine from Nanchang, PRC, reviewed research conducted in China, the U.S., the U.K., and Germany. Since medical research has revealed that simply needling random, non-acupuncture points can provide a benefit, acupuncture studies often use sham acupuncture for their control groups. In the clinical trials reviewed by Dr. Huang’s team, the sham control groups received simulated needle insertion to mimic real acupuncture. The verum, or genuine, acupuncture treatments proved to be effective in managing irritable bowel syndrome with higher response rates, less symptom severity, and greater enhanced quality of life compared to sham acupuncture. This evidence demonstrates that acupuncture, based on individual assessment and administered by a qualified and experienced practitioner, can treat IBS without drugs or surgery.
Ancient Medicine for 21st Century Disorders
Euronet-Soma, a prominent European research network, observes on their website
Traditionally in modern medicine, the body is thought of as consisting of different organ systems, but it is less well understood how the systems interconnect or communicate.
Ground-breaking new research has revealed the importance of the relationships among the bodily systems for health and wellness. The brain-gut connection, for example, known not only to scientists but also increasingly familiar to many laypeople, plays a key role in IBS. Several other common conditions, similarly difficult to ascribe to a single bodily system, are referred to as functional disorders—fibromyalgia and interstitial cystitis being two key examples.
Although functional disorders challenge the very nature of Western medical thinking about the body, Chinese medicine, an intrinsically holistic system, not only recognizes conditions that involve multiple systems, it is also delivers effective solutions. If you suffer from IBS or have received a diagnosis of another type of functional disorder, know that your predicament is not hopeless; in fact, getting relief from your chronic symptoms might be as easy as a making a call to schedule a consultation at our clinic. We look forward to helping you rediscover the quality of life you deserve.