Acupuncture for IBSGiven the success of acupuncture in treating illnesses and injuries that are typically resistant to more conventional forms of Western treatment, it is no wonder that IBS and acupuncture treatment are receiving more attention and undergoing more clinical studies. Traditional Chinese Medicine and AcupunctureAcupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has proven itself successful in treating a large variety of symptoms and illnesses. It is centuries old, and in the past few decades it has gained a huge amount of popularity and acceptance in the West. These days, many conventional doctors are recommending acupuncture as part of a more comprehensive medical treatment plan, and many professional athletic teams employ their own acupuncturists for injuries that may be sustained by their athletes during practice or games. Benefits of Acupuncture for IBSSo what are the results of the IBS and acupuncture treatment studies? IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is the most common digestive disorder in America. Its' symptoms include muscle cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. At times, these symptoms can be quite severe. IBS is often triggered by several factors, which can include insomnia, anxiety, premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, and nervousness. While studies determining the effects of IBS and acupuncture treatment are still being conducted, there is a plethora of conclusive evidence regarding the benefits of acupuncture treatment for the many symptoms and triggers of IBS. Acupuncture has long been used to combat stress in a person's body, and many of the symptoms and triggers for IBS are stress related. Success with AcupunctureMany patients with IBS choose to receive acupuncture treatments, and they typically report a reduction of symptoms, a general feeling of overall well being, a higher quality of life, and an increased appetite - sometimes after only one session. The number of sessions required during IBS and acupuncture treatment varies depending on the severity of the symptoms and can range in length from one session receiving treatment several times a week for months at a time. Your acupuncturist will complete a thorough assessment before beginning treatment and will discuss an individualized treatment plan with you. For this reason, it is very important that you make your acupuncturist aware of the symptoms of IBS you are experiencing. Ask Your Doctor About Acupuncture for IBSIf you would like to learn more about IBS and acupuncture, talk to your healthcare provider and ask them to recommend a qualified acupuncturist. While there is currently no cure for IBS, acupuncture has proven to decrease the majority of symptoms shown by IBS, and that means less suffering for you. |