World Health Day  - Irritable Bowel Syndrome
In today’s society Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is extremely common, according to Bupa wellness research approximately one in six people in the UK suffer from symptoms at some stage in their life. The severity of these symptoms can vary and some people are able to cope with their condition, however for the unlucky ones their symptoms can be so severe that they can affect someone’s quality of life.

There are no known reasons for IBS although lots of patients are able to recognise some of their own triggers. Stress and anxiety is usually at the top of the list for most people, along with certain dietary factors like spicy or greasy foods. Certain medications can also cause IBS symptoms although once the medication has stopped the symptoms usually disappear quite quickly. Unfortunately for some reason women seem to be most commonly affected by this condition.

Research in 2008 by the University of York found that there was some evidence to show that IBS may be helped by Traditional Chinese Acupuncture. Unfortunately the NHS doesn’t endorse the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine however if you have consulted with your doctor and they are unable to help with your symptoms or the medication you are offered isn’t working or you are unwilling to take it, here is how acupuncture may be able to benefit  you.


Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, TCM, uses a symptom of diagnosis and treatment that is individual to the patient. If you have spoken to a friend or neighbour you may find that they have also been diagnosed with IBS but have completely different symptoms to you. TCM takes away this diagnosis and works out what is going on for you the individual.

You will be asked many questions relating to your condition and any triggers that you feel you have noticed. These maybe dietary based, emotionally based, hormonally based or you may have not found anything so far. In some instances we ask that you fill out a symptom diary to see if there can be any triggers found.

With the help of the acupuncturist an appropriate treatment plan will be worked out for you, this can include everything from acupuncture needles, use of Chinese herbs and moxa, dietary advice, exercise advice or general health based advice.

If you are suffering from pain at the time of the treatment then the treatment itself will focus on reducing your pain and symptoms, however if you are currently in a good state of health the treatment will focus on the underlying cause of your condition. The number of treatments needed will depend on your general health, severity of your condition and the types of triggers that you have, but your acupuncturist will be able to give you an indication of what they feel is appropriate.

For more information on how acupuncture works, or what the treatment involves visit our website section on Traditional Chinese Acupuncture. If however you have questions that are unanswered then please contact the clinic and one of our acupuncturists will be able to help you.