Several small studies have found acupuncture to be effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Fireman Z, Segal A, Kopelman Y, Sternberg A, Carasso R. Acupuncture treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. A double-blind controlled study. Digestion 2001;64(2):100-3. RESULTS: “The effect of the first true acupuncture on overall symptoms and abdominal pain was a clear and significant improvement (p = 0.05).”

Chan J, Carr I, Mayberry JF. The role of acupuncture in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study. Hepatogastroenterology 1997 Sep-Oct;44(17):1328-30. RESULTS: “The results showed a significant improvement both in general well-being and in symptoms of bloating.” CONCLUSIONS: “Acupuncture seems to be effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and merits further study.” 7 subjects.

Kunze M, Seidel HJ, Stube G. Comparative studies of the effectiveness of brief psychotherapy, acupuncture and papaverin therapy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Z Gesamte Inn Med 1990 Oct 15;45(20):625-7. RESULTS: “The acupuncture with 31% long-term success is significantly superior to the pseudoacupuncture (17.2%).”

Lewis P J 1992. Irritable bowel syndrome. Emotional factors and acupuncture treatment. Journal of Chinese Medicine 40:9-11