I was recently investigating acupuncturists for a family member who suffers from chronic back pain and while talking to a few of them, they mentioned that they can 'possibly' help with IBS. Has anyone gone this route with any success? I don't look forward to having needles (no matter how tiny) stuck in various parts of my body, but if it will help with my IBS, I'll gladly http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif give it a shot.

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<waving hi to Harry and wishing all a Happy Holiday>

Acupuncture does not hurt and can help with IBS symptoms too. It can help with the pain of IBS and also the diarrhea/constipation aspect and can reduce anxiety levels that contribute to IBS. By having a better sense of well being you can feel better.

A lot of IBS and especially if you have diarrhea is to do with Spleen Qi Deficiency, so you may also be advised to look at your diet and cut out dairy products which can harm the Spleen and cause too much Dampness. If you have constipation, then this probably means that you have too much heat in your that dries up the fluid in your Stomach. The Stomach is known as the reservoir of fluids and if you have too much Heat, this dries up the fluids and causes constipation and pain.

Anyway, good luck and I would definitely have some treatment. It could really help you.

Hi there,

I am doing acupuncture right now. I've only done it 4 times, and I don't know if it helps. My constipation is pretty much gone (but could also be from not taking Levbid anymore), and my face has cleared up. However, I continue to have my worst problem - gas. I think it may take longer to see results. And the doctor told me that I would not see changes immediately. He puts pressure on certain areas in my body, and where it hurts, he places needles to improve the energy flow. In following sessions, he remembered where the pain was before, which means to me that he pays attention and remembers.

I can understand that the idea of tiny needles in your body seems weird. However, I don't mind them as long as I don't look when the doctor puts them in. Now I am actually enjoying the experience. The doctor also uses a warm light to warm up my stomach and suction cups to improve circulation. It is a relaxing treatment, with nice music being played, sometimes with a little pain not from the needle but from the blockage of energy. So far, I think that maybe this can help me. It's worth it to give it a try.