A delicate process is used to rebalance energy thought to cause symptoms. Practitioners believe the lung and spleen meridians are deficient in qi and use a process called moxibustion – burning mugwort over specific acupuncture points -- to enhance the effects of acupuncture, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

If you do try acupuncture, be sure that the practitioner you choose has experience treating IBS. This may make a difference.

3.    Exercise

Exercise can be useful for more than just cardiovascular health. In fact, a study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology shows that exercise can have a significant impact on symptoms of IBS.

In the study, 102 patients were divided into a physical activity or control group. Those in the physical activity group were led to a life of increased activity by a physiotherapist. However, those in the control group were told to keep their lifestyles the same.

Those in the control group had a greater increase in symptoms than those in the physical activity group. Study authors concluded that more physical activity improves symptoms related to IBS and that this physical activity should be a primary method of treatment in patients.

So add exercise to your IBS treatment plan. The results may surprise you.

4.    Peppermint

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies show that enteric-coated peppermint capsules can be helpful in managing symptoms associated with IBS.