IrritableBowel Syndrome - the efficiency of acupuncture

Acupuncture shows promise in alleviating symptoms of chronic irritable bowel syndrome

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A recent randomized controlled trial has shed light on the efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for refractory irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that significantly impacts quality of life and often resists conventional treatment.

The study was meticulously designed to ensure a robust evaluation of acupuncture's impact on IBS. It included 170 participants, aged between 18 to 70 years, who had been diagnosed with refractory IBS according to the Rome IV criteria.

The findings were promising. (This) indicated a substantial improvement in symptom severity, including abdominal pain, distension, and interference with daily life. Additionally, the benefits of Traditional Acupuncture (TA) were observed to persist throughout the 4-week follow-up period, suggesting a lasting effect beyond the treatment period.

There was also a positive trend in reducing anxiety symptoms, although the changes in depression scores were not significant. The study also found that TA was well-tolerated, with only mild and transient adverse events reported, such as subcutaneous hematoma and residual needle sensation.

In conclusion, this randomized controlled trial provides substantial evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture in alleviating symptoms of refractory IBS. The study's findings are a significant contribution to the field of integrative medicine, suggesting that acupuncture could be a viable adjunctive treatment for IBS patients who have not responded to conventional therapies. Future research should aim to replicate these results in diverse populations and explore the mechanisms underlying acupuncture's effects on IBS.

Source:

Frontiers Journals

Journal reference:

Zhao, J., et al. (2024). Efficacy of acupuncture in refractory irritable bowel syndrome patients: a randomized controlled trial. Frontiers of Medicine. doi.org/10.1007/s11684-024-1073-7.