Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common yet complex digestive disorder, affecting millions of people worldwide. Characterised by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, and irregular bowel habits, IBS can severely impact the quality of life of people suffering with it.
Whilst the exact cause of IBS remains unclear, acupuncture for IBS has gained recognition as a beneficial treatment. Acupuncture works by addressing the underlying imbalances in the digestive system, calming the nervous system, and supporting adequate digestion and gut health. In this blog, we’ll explore what IBS is, how acupuncture works for IBS, and why acupuncture for IBS can also be effective in managing anxiety, which is often linked to the condition.
IBS is described as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning it affects how the intestines work without causing visible structural damage. IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning it is commonly diagnosed only after other potentially more serious causes have been ruled out through testing.
There are 4 different subtypes of IBS, based on the the symptoms it presents with:
IBS-C (Constipation-Predominant IBS): Characterised by infrequent, difficult bowel movements, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
IBS-D (Diarrhoea-Predominant IBS): Characterised by frequent, loose stools, often with urgency and cramping.
IBS-M (Mixed IBS): A combination of both constipation and diarrhoea, with symptoms alternating between the two.
IBS-U (Unclassified IBS): A form where symptoms don’t fit clearly into any of the above categories.
Each subtype of IBS presents its own challenges, but acupuncture for IBS can offer relief for all types by addressing the root causes of the condition.
Acupuncture for IBS has been shown to provide relief for many people suffering from this chronic condition. While NICE guidelines do not currently recommend acupuncture for IBS due to limited evidence, a recent overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis suggests that acupuncture is significantly more effective than conventional pharmacological treatments, such as antispasmodics and loperamide (antidiarrhoeal medications). Research has demonstrated that needle acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and needle acupuncture + moxibustion can all be effective in alleviating global IBS symptoms (source: SAGE Journals).
Acupuncture for IBS works by stimulating specific points on the body to restore balance to the digestive system and modulate the gut-brain axis, which is crucial for digestion and gut health. Here’s how acupuncture helps:
The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a system of communication between the gut, the enteric nervous system, and the central nervous system. In individuals with IBS, this communication can be disrupted, leading to digestive upset and IBS symptoms. Acupuncture for IBS helps restore this balance by calming the nervous system, reducing gut inflammation, and improving gut motility.
Stress and anxiety are common triggers for IBS. Acupuncture for IBS and anxiety is particularly effective, as acupuncture helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing physical manifestations of anxiety. By modulating the gut-brain axis, acupuncture helps to manage both the emotional and physical components of IBS, offering relief from both digestive discomfort and anxiety.
Recent research shows that acupuncture for IBS can also help modulate the gut microbiota, which plays a key role in digestion. Acupuncture can support a balanced microbiome, reducing symptoms like bloating and gas and improving overall gut health.
Acupuncture for IBS has been shown to improve bowel frequency, particularly in patients with IBS-C (constipation-predominant IBS). By stimulating points that regulate gut motility, acupuncture encourages regular bowel movements and helps alleviate constipation and discomfort. However, some early small studies also suggest acupuncture can improve bowel frequency in diarrhoea-predominant IBS.
IBS-D (Diarrhoea-Predominant IBS): Acupuncture for IBS-D helps regulate gut motility and reduce the inflammation associated with diarrhoea. Acupuncture restores balance to the digestive system, reducing urgency and cramping while improving stool consistency.
IBS-M (Mixed IBS): For IBS-M, acupuncture can help regulate both constipation and diarrhoea, reducing the fluctuations between the two and providing more consistent relief.
IBS-U (Unclassified IBS): Acupuncture for IBS-U can still be beneficial by addressing the root causes of digestive dysfunction, whether related to stress, gut imbalances, or other factors.
Acupuncture is just one component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which takes a holistic approach to IBS treatment. TCM views IBS as a result of imbalances in the body’s Qi (energy), digestive fire, and organ systems. By using acupuncture to restore energy flow and balance the digestive system, TCM offers a unique perspective on IBS treatment.
In Chinese medicine, IBS is often linked to stagnation of Qi in the stomach and spleen. Acupuncture points are selected to help move Qi, remove blockages, and improve digestive function. This can help relieve bloating, discomfort, and irregular bowel movements associated with IBS.
In TCM, the spleen is considered the organ responsible for transforming food into energy. Weakness in the spleen can lead to poor digestion and IBS symptoms. Acupuncture for IBS works by stimulating specific points that strengthen the spleen and promote proper digestion.
Chinese medicine recognises the link between emotions and digestive health. Stress, anger, and anxiety can all contribute to IBS symptoms. Acupuncture helps to regulate emotional imbalances, calm the mind, and reduce the effects of stress on the digestive system.
Since anxiety often coexists with IBS, many patients seek acupuncture as a way to manage both conditions simultaneously. Can acupuncture help anxiety? Yes, acupuncture has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, encouraging relaxation and reducing stress. By addressing the gut-brain axis, acupuncture helps balance hormones and neurotransmitters, which can improve both digestive and emotional health.
In addition to acupuncture for IBS, there are several lifestyle changes that can support your gut health, and that we often recommend patients make whilst they are on an acupuncture treatment course:
Avoiding known trigger foods such as gluten, dairy, and high-fat foods, while focusing on a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet. A low FODMAP diet is often recommended as a strategy to reduce IBS symptoms. Whilst this could be really helpful, it should only be a short term solution, followed by a reintroduction phase. Far too often people suffering with IBS are put and left on a low FODMAP diet for years, and this is most definitely something we do not recommend, as it could negatively impact the gut microbiota composition, amongst other things. We highly advise reintroducing high FODMAP foods under expert nutritional guidance, to help you identify your food triggers, and help you reinstate a good, balanced diet.
Whilst acupuncture for IBS works on the gut-brain axis by supporting the switch to a relaxed, parasympathetic state, it is vital that you integrate adequate stress management techniques for when you’re off the treatment couch. Yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises are often praised for their stress-reducing effects, and rightly so! But it’s worth highlighting that different stress management techniques and strategies work for different people—find what works best for you!
Regular physical activity plays a significant role in improving digestive health and managing IBS symptoms. Exercise can help regulate bowel function, reduce stress, and enhance overall gut motility.
Not all forms of exercise are equally beneficial for people with IBS. While high-intensity workouts might cause stress or worsen symptoms, more gentle and moderate forms of movement tend to offer better results. The best types of movement for IBS seem to be walking (especially going for a gentle walk after meals), yoga, pilates, cycling, swimming, Tai Chi.
Supplementing with probiotics may help balance gut bacteria and alleviate IBS symptoms. The best probiotic strains for IBS seem to be Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, so opt for probiotics that contain some of all of these strains.
A gentle and soothing remedy for IBS, linseed tea can help alleviate constipation and promote gut health. Learn more about how linseed tea can support your digestive system in our blog post Linseed Tea for IBS.
If you’re struggling with IBS symptoms and they are affecting your quality of life, acupuncture for IBS can be an effective treatment option. By addressing both the physical and emotional components of the condition, acupuncture offers relief from symptoms like pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. If you’re ready to explore acupuncture as part of your IBS treatment plan, get in touch with us to find out more.
If you’re looking to learn more about managing IBS through natural and holistic methods, including acupuncture, dietary and lifestyle changes, don’t hesitate to get in touch. At Life + Lemons, we offer personalised treatments designed to help restore balance to your digestive system for a discomfort and pain-free life.
Contact us today to book your consultation and start your journey towards better gut health.
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