Main description:

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.