Trials of Meridian Therapies, Such as Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Hijama and Marma, in the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Review of the Limitations

Abstract

This review considers the role of meridian therapies, such as acupuncture, moxibustion, marma and hijama, in treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the difficulties of designing clinical trials to assess their effectiveness. The issue of distinguishing case from non-case because of a lack of a uniform and consistent definition of the disease together with choice of appropriate placebos are analysed and the “rituals of healing” associated with such therapies considered.