Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I tried accupuncture for about a year. It really helped for a while, then not. In fairness, there were special circumstances when it stopped helping: I was cutting back on my accupunture schedule AND I got a hideous intestinal bug. Unfortunately, when I visited the accupuncturist once I got the bug, every needle she set made things worse. It took me months to get over the bug and by that time I had no interest in returning to the accupuncturist.

My Family Practice physician, who has some training in accupuncture, believes it could be helpful and has suggested I try it again. One of her suggestions was that I try sessions at a local accupuncture school: the senior students will do accupuncture for less than an independent practitioner.

As for herbs, a couple of years ago I read an article that said some studies had shown relief of IBS symptoms following treatment with Chinese herbs. I didn't keep the article, so I can't give you the reference. I did look for more information on the Internet, but didn't find it then. It might be out there now. Please remember that herbs can have side effects just like Western medicines: if it's strong enough to help, it can be strong enough to hurt.

Good luck with this. Please do post how it goes - maybe your story will inspire me to try accupuncture again.

Oh, and one more thing. I loved the way I felt once the needles were set.

--------------------
[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator