Alternative Health Blog

In a preliminary, randomized, sham/placebo-controlled trial involving 29 men and women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion, twice a week for a period of 4 weeks, was found to significantly improve symptoms of abdominal pain/discomfort, intestinal gas, bloating, and stool consistency. Subjects who received real acupuncture and moxibustion therapy were assessed by an acupuncturist according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and treated with an individualized acupuncture point prescription. The results of this study are promising, suggesting that acupuncture and moxibustion therapy may be an effective treatment for managing symptoms in patients with IBS.
 
Referece:
“Symptom management for irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot randomized controlled trial of acupuncture/moxibustion,” Anastasi JK, McMahon DJ, et al, Gastroenterol Nurs, 2009; 32(4): 243-55. (Address: Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY 10032, USA. E-mail: jka8@columbia.edu ).