Effect of Acupuncture on Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Case Report

Abstract

On the basis of single-case reversal design, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment was performed on four IBS patients who did not show a favorable response to medical pharmacologic therapy. Improvement in abdominal pain, bloating and QOL was seen in three of four patients in all acupuncture and moxibustion treatment periods without dose escalation, and these symptoms became worse after ceasing acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. In two patients, the dose requirement of medication was decreased after two periods of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. A possibility is suggested that acupuncture and moxibustion treatment can be a useful method of therapy to improve abdominal pain, bloating and QOL of IBS patients.