Irritable bowel syndrome is a type of functional bowel disorder causing symptoms of abdominal pain and altered bowel habits such as diarrhoea (IBS-D) and constipation (IBS-C). This book uses the ’whole evidence’ approach to give an overview of the available evidence for Chinese medicine treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, particularly subtypes IBS-D and IBS-C.

The book starts by summarising the conventional understanding of irritable bowel syndrome, including its subtypes, aetiology, diagnosis and current available treatments. Data from Chinese medicine classical literature and clinical studies are then discussed. Evidence from clinical studies are evaluated using high-quality and rigorous scientific methodology. For IBS-D and IBS-C, evidence from treatment modalities including Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture and combination Chinese medicine therapies are presented. The findings are analysed and potential implications for clinical practice and research are explored. Experimental studies that describe the potential mechanisms of action of key herbs are summarised. In the final chapter, current evidence of Chinese medicine for IBS-D and IBS-C are synthesised, recommendations for contemporary clinical practice and future research are also offered.

The book is a helpful guide for clinicians and students of Chinese and integrative medicine, offering a comprehensive synthesis of both classical and contemporary knowledge that can integrated into their clinical practice for people with irritable bowel syndrome.

Contents:

• Introduction to Irritable Bowel Syndrome


• Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Chinese Medicine


• Classical Chinese Medicine Literature


• Methods for Evaluating Clinical Evidence


• Clinical Evidence for Chinese Herbal Medicine


• Pharmacological Actions of Frequently Used Herbs


• Clinical Evidence for Acupuncture and Other Chinese Medicine Therapies


• Clinical Evidence for Combination Therapies


• Summary and Conclusions

Readership: Chinese medicine practitioners and students in evidence-based Chinese medicine management of irritable bowel syndrome, particularly irritable bowel syndrome with predominant diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation.

Key Features:

• The editors of this series are internationally recognized, well-respected leaders in the field of Chinese medicine and evidence-based medicine with strong track records in research


• The book provides clinically relevant information written by experienced clinicians and researchers


• The book focuses on the management of irritable bowel syndrome with Chinese medicine using a ’whole evidence’ approach, comprising information from various resources, including classical texts of Chinese medicine and clinical evidence


• This book provides a comprehensive review of classical Chinese medicine literature. Analysis of the classical literature presents the conception and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome using herbal medicine, acupuncture related therapies and diet therapy. Providing insight into Chinese medicine treatment for irritable bowel syndrome throughout the Chinese medicine history


• A rigorous scientific approach is used to review evidence from clinical studies — including randomised controlled trials, controlled clinical trials and non-controlled studies — of Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture therapies and a combination of Chinese medicine therapies