BY RICCARDO GALEOTTI

Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent disorder that affects the large intestine of individuals. This condition is characterised by discomfort in the abdomen, bloating, and alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhoea. Statistics reveal that approximately 15% of Australians receive a diagnosis of IBS each year, primarily during early adulthood. It is found that women are more vulnerable to developing IBS compared to men, and they often experience more severe symptoms. However, it is important to note that IBS does not cause any long-term harm to the digestive tract nor does it increase the risk of developing conditions such as colitis or cancer.

Managing IBS: Treatment Options

While there is no straightforward cure for IBS, a variety of treatment options are available to help manage its symptoms. By reducing stress levels and making necessary dietary and lifestyle changes, individuals can effectively alleviate the effects of IBS. It is important to remember that the current pharmacological treatment for IBS primarily focuses on symptom relief rather than eliminating the root cause. Over-the-counter medications are readily accessible and can provide relief for abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, or constipation when used as directed by a healthcare professional. In certain cases, a limited range of prescription medications may be prescribed if deemed necessary.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

The most common signs of irritable bowel syndrome are:

Abdominal pain or cramping that is often relieved by passing gas or faeces
Alternating constipation and diarrhoea
Feeling of incomplete emptying of bowel after going to the toilet
Abdominal bloating
Mucus in the stools
Nausea
Urgent need to go to the toilet

These symptoms tend to appear intermittently, with varying intensities, and can persist for several days or weeks. The impact on an individual's quality of life is substantial, highlighting the importance of seeking appropriate medical attention. It is crucial to note that while the symptoms of IBS are not exclusive to this condition, they may also be indicative of other underlying conditions like coeliac disease.

WHAT’S THE CAUSE IBS?

The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains unclear, but researchers have identified several potential factors that contribute to its development.

nerve sensitivity in the bowels - one possible cause is an increased nerve sensitivity in the bowels, which can lead to abnormal bowel contractions and chronic inflammation. This disruption in the normal functioning of intestinal muscles can result in a variety of symptoms, including pain, cramps, flatulence, and bouts of diarrhea and/or constipation.
triggers that can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with the condition. Infections, such as gastroenteritis, commonly act as a trigger for IBS symptoms. It is believed that these infections may cause changes in nerve function or the bacterial environment of the bowel, thereby furthering the onset of symptoms.
food intolerances, particularly lactose intolerance, can also serve as triggers for individuals with IBS. Consuming foods or beverages containing lactose can lead to digestive discomfort and exacerbate IBS symptoms. It is important for those with IBS to identify and avoid specific trigger foods in order to minimize the occurrence and severity of symptoms.
Beyond physical factors, psychological factors can also play a role in triggering IBS symptoms. Anxiety and stress have been shown to have a significant impact on the functioning of the gastrointestinal system, often exacerbating the symptoms of IBS. Managing stress levels and implementing relaxation techniques can be beneficial for individuals with IBS, as it may help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.\
medications can potentially contribute to the development or worsening of IBS symptoms. Antibiotics, antacids, and certain painkillers have been found to disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria, leading to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and constipation. It is important for individuals with IBS to discuss their medication usage with healthcare professionals, as alternative options or adjustments may be necessary to minimize symptom flare-ups.

Overall, while the exact cause of IBS remains uncertain, it is clear that a combination of factors can contribute to the development and exacerbation of symptoms. Understanding and managing these triggers, such as infections, food intolerances, psychological factors, and medication usage, can help individuals with IBS to better control and alleviate their symptoms.

How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?

According to Healthdirection.gov.au your doctor can diagnose IBS just by asking you some key questions about your symptoms.

A diagnosis of IBS can be made if the following criteria, known as the Rome IV, are met:

Recurrent abdominal pain on average at least 1 day/week in the last 3 months, associated with two or more of the following criteria:

Related to defecation
Associated with a change in frequency of stool
Associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool

Recurrent abdominal pain (at least 1 day each week in the past 3 months) associated with at least 2 of these symptoms:

pain related to bowel motion
a change in the frequency — more frequent or less frequent — of when you poo
a change in the consistency or appearance of faeces
Symptoms must be present for 6 months before a diagnosis of IBS is made

Alternative Therapies for IBS

IBS is not only takes time and if difficult to diagnosis, but difficult to find the right treatment for you. Western medicine starts with dietary changes and often the use of pharmaceuticals aids including antispasmodics, antidiarrhoeals, antidepressants or antibiotics — that have symptom-relieving side-effects. Please note: it is not advisable to discontinue a medication without talking with your prescribing doctor.

There are other options out there. Acupuncture and Traditional Dietary Medicine (TDM) can treat and improve the symptoms of IBS. In a Meta-Analysis comparing acupuncture versus western medicine found that acupuncture statistically significantly improved symptoms of IBS1.

IBS and Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is frequently diagnosed as a result of the Liver overacting on the Spleen. The Liver, regarded as the organ responsible for maintaining the smooth flow of qi, is also closely associated with the emotions. Thus, when the Liver qi moves freely, the mind experiences a sense of ease. However, external factors such as stress, emotional disturbances, excessive workload, or excessive worrying can cause the Liver qi to stagnate, inhibiting its free movement. This stagnation then starts to suppress the Spleen qi. As the central organ for digestion, the Spleen is responsible for breaking down and absorbing food. Hence, when the Liver overacts on the Spleen, all the aforementioned symptoms of IBS manifest.
TCM practitioners also consider an individual's unique constitution and life stage when making a comprehensive diagnosis and implementing an appropriate treatment plan. Acupuncture, either as a standalone therapy or in conjunction with other treatments, has proven to be an effective approach for managing IBS. Each appointment involves discussing the patient's medical history or updating their current symptoms, conducting a tongue and pulse diagnosis, and administering the appropriate treatment. Usually, a course of acupuncture treatment for IBS entails 3 to 6 sessions. We offer a chronic health treatment plan option for long term health treatment.

Acupuncture and IBS: Exploring the Potential Benefits

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterised by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Traditional treatments for IBS often focus on dietary modifications, medications, and psychotherapy. However, in recent years, alternative therapies such as acupuncture have gained popularity as potential complementary approaches to managing IBS symptoms. This article aims to explore the potential benefits of acupuncture in alleviating IBS symptoms based on available research.
Acupuncture, rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the skin to stimulate the body's natural healing process. It is believed that acupuncture helps restore the balance of Qi (energy) flow within the body, thereby promoting overall well-being.

Acupuncture and IBS: The Research

Numerous studies have investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture in managing IBS symptoms. Although evidence is still limited, the results thus far have been promising.

- A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases analysed 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared acupuncture to sham acupuncture or standard care in IBS patients. The study concluded that acupuncture significantly reduced IBS symptom severity, pain, and bloating compared to sham acupuncture or standard care.
- Another systematic review published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2020 examined 12 RCTs on acupuncture for IBS. The review found that acupuncture resulted in a significant improvement in overall IBS symptoms, abdominal pain, and bowel habits when compared to control groups.
- In a randomised controlled trial published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology in 2019, researchers investigated the effects of acupuncture on IBS patients. The study demonstrated that acupuncture led to a reduction in abdominal pain, bloating, and improvement in quality of life compared to a sham acupuncture group.

The exact mechanisms by which acupuncture alleviates IBS symptoms are not fully understood. However, several theories have been proposed. One hypothesis suggests that acupuncture may modulate the nervous system and reduce pain perception, thus providing relief from abdominal discomfort commonly associated with IBS. Additionally, acupuncture may influence gut motility and secretion, promoting regular bowel movements and reducing bloating.

Zheng H, Chen R, Zhao X, et al. Comparison between the Effects of Acupuncture Relative to Other Controls on Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis. Pain Res Manag. 2019;2019:2871505. Published 2019 Nov 11. doi:10.1155/2019/2871505
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
https://theromefoundation.org/rome-iv/rome-iv-criteria/
Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis, Am J Gastroenterol. 2012 Jun;107(6):835-47; quiz 848.
doi: 10.1038/ajg.2012.66.Epub 2012 Apr 10.
Clinical evidence of acupuncture and moxibustion for irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Front Public Health. 2022 Nov 24;10:1022145.doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1022145.eCollection 2022.

IBS and Acupuncture