Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome is not simply a sensitive stomach.

IBS is a disorder of gut-brain interaction involving altered communication between the digestive tract and nervous system. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation or alternating bowel habits.

NIH research describes IBS as involving both peripheral and central changes in sensory processing, altered gut-brain signaling and, in some patients, abnormal stress responsiveness.

Prognosis

IBS is often chronic and tends to wax and wane.

Because no single structural injury explains the condition, successful treatment may address bowel function, visceral sensitivity, diet, stress and nervous-system regulation at the same time.

What Does the Research Say?

Recent acupuncture research for IBS is encouraging.

A 2025 randomized clinical trial in diarrhea-predominant IBS found that acupuncture significantly improved both abdominal pain and stool consistency, with benefits sustained through 18 weeks of follow-up.

Other recent systematic reviews and trials have likewise evaluated acupuncture for IBS-D, although techniques and study quality vary.

Typical Course of Care

A typical starting course is weekly treatment for approximately 6–8 visits.

We track:

• Abdominal pain

• Bloating

• Stool frequency

• Stool consistency

• Urgency

• Stress-related flares

Treatment can then be spaced farther apart as symptoms stabilize.

Acupuncture and Other Treatment

IBS is particularly suited to an integrated approach.

Depending on the type of IBS, treatment may also include dietary intervention, soluble fiber, medications, GI evaluation and gut-directed CBT or other psychological therapies.

This does not mean IBS is “psychological.” The gut and brain are physiologically interconnected, and NIH research increasingly emphasizes that relationship in the pathogenesis of IBS.

New or unexplained rectal bleeding, substantial weight loss, anemia, fever or other concerning gastrointestinal symptoms warrant medical evaluation rather than assuming the symptoms are IBS.

Schedule an evaluation at Backupuncture of Denver for IBS and other functional digestive symptoms.