Effectiveness of Acupressure in Alleviating Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, bloating, and discomfort in the absence of identifiable structural abnormalities. The condition significantly affects quality of life and is often associated with psychological stress, anxiety, and dysregulation of the gut–brain axis. Conventional management strategies, including dietary modification, antispasmodic agents, laxatives, antidiarrheal medications, and psychological therapies, provide variable symptom relief and may not fully address the chronic and multifactorial nature of the disorder. Acupressure, a non-invasive technique derived from traditional East Asian medicine, involves applying manual pressure to specific acupoints to promote physiological balance and symptom control. In gastrointestinal disorders, commonly targeted points include ST25 (Tianshu), ST36 (Zusanli), and SP6 (Sanyinjiao), which are believed to influence digestive function and autonomic regulation. This study examines the effectiveness of acupressure in alleviating core IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.