Research conducted by teams from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine has demonstrated that acupuncture may offer significant relief for patients suffering from refractory irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study, titled “Efficacy of Acupuncture in Refractory Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” was published in Frontiers of Medicine on March 15, 2024.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder that can severely impact patients’ quality of life. Traditional pharmacological treatments and psychological therapies often yield limited results for those with refractory IBS, leading to a need for alternative therapeutic options. This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture in treating this condition.
The study involved a multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled trial with a total of 170 patients, divided equally into two groups. Each participant received either real or sham acupuncture three times a week over the course of 12 sessions, alongside their usual treatments. The primary outcome measured was the change in the IBS-Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) score from baseline to week four. Additionally, researchers assessed quality of life, work and social adjustment, and any adverse events that may have occurred during the treatment period.
Results indicated a substantial decrease in the IBS-SSS total score for the acupuncture group, with a reduction of 140.0 points (95% CI: 126.0 to 153.9), compared to a 64.4 point decrease (95% CI: 50.4 to 78.3) in the sham group. This resulted in a significant between-group difference of 75.6 points. Notably, the positive effects of acupuncture persisted during the 4-week follow-up period, contributing to improvements in patients’ overall quality of life and their ability to adapt socially and at work.
Importantly, the study did not report any serious adverse events associated with acupuncture, underscoring its safety as a complementary treatment for refractory IBS. These findings suggest that acupuncture, when combined with standard treatments, may provide an effective and safe option for managing this challenging condition.
For further details and insights, the full paper can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11684-024-1073-7.
