Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the intestines occurring in the absence of visible structural abnormality and is the most common functional digestive disorder in the UK.

The condition can often begin during adolescence or early adulthood and can be caused by emotional stress, low-fibre diet, use of laxatives or infectious diarrhoea. Pain or impairment from IBS can result in regular visits to your GP or hospitalisation, which can commonly result in depression. Many sufferers feel their IBS limits their daily activities, causing a negative cycle of stress which in turn exacerbates the condition. The cause of IBS is unclear but it appears that sensory nerves in the bowel are hypersensitive in people that suffer from the condition and may overreact when the bowel wall stretches. The intestinal muscles can be hyposensitive or hypersensitive, therefore resulting in cramping, physical pain, sudden diarrhoea, flatulence and/ or constipation. These symptoms are usually activated from stress or eating.

Acupuncture can have a positive affect on the symptoms of IBS by helping with abdominal bloating and the discomfort caused by the condition. some research has shown that when acupuncture needles are inserted into the body they stimulate electromagnetic signals in the body.