Can acupuncture really help IBS? A new study says yes
At Bristol Community Acupuncture, we’re always excited to see high-quality research that backs up what our patients often tell us: acupuncture works. A recent clinical trial from China has delivered some pretty compelling evidence that acupuncture can significantly relieve symptoms in people with refractory Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)—the kind that doesn’t respond to typical treatments. Link here.
Here’s a plain-language summary of what the researchers did and found, and why it matters for anyone dealing with stubborn IBS symptoms.
What is refractory IBS?
IBS is a common gut-brain disorder that causes chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits—diarrhoea, constipation, or both. About 1 in 10 people live with it, and for many, symptoms come and go over time. But for some, nothing seems to work—not diet changes, not medication, not even therapy. That’s when it’s called refractory IBS.
What did the study test?
Researchers ran a large, well-designed randomised controlled trial—the gold standard for medical studies—comparing real acupuncture to “sham” acupuncture (using fake points with no stimulation) in people with refractory IBS. Both groups continued their usual care with medications if needed.
Participants had 12 sessions over 4 weeks. Researchers then followed them for another month to see if the effects lasted.
The results
The group receiving real acupuncture improved twice as much as those getting sham acupuncture. Here's what they found:
- 91% of acupuncture patients said they had “adequate relief” of symptoms vs. just 32% in the sham group
- Improvements held strong during the month after treatment
- Bonus: Quality of life scores improved more in the acupuncture group too
And the best part? No serious side effects.
Why might acupuncture work?
While we still don’t fully understand all the mechanisms, scientists believe acupuncture helps regulate the gut-brain axis—the two-way communication between your digestive system and your nervous system. This might ease pain, reduce inflammation, and help normalise bowel habits.
Real acupuncture also involves achieving the “deqi” sensation (a dull, tingling, or heavy feeling at the needle site), which is thought to activate specific nerve pathways.
What this means for you
If you’ve been struggling with IBS and feel like you’ve tried everything, acupuncture could be a safe, effective addition to your care—especially when done consistently over a few weeks.
At Bristol Community Acupuncture, we offer affordable, community-based sessions in a calm, welcoming environment. Our experienced practitioners can work alongside your existing care to support your digestive health and wellbeing.
