The Design of Clinical Trials in Irritable Bowel Syndrome using Acupuncture and Related Meridian Therapies

Current allopathic treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are of limited efficacy. Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, moxibustion, massage and cupping, including hijama, are frequently promoted in the lay press as effective alternatives. In addition, a number of clinical trials have been published, especially with regards to acupuncture, which indicate that they do have therapeutic benefits. This review considers the difficulties associated with formulating randomised controlled trials of such therapies and indicates approaches which may allow objective assessments of their effectiveness.