Acupuncture for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Inclusion criteria: Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome based on Rome II criteria, including at least 12 weeks of abdominal discomfort or pain in the last 12 months with at least 2 of the following features: * Relief with defecation * Onset associated with a change in stool frequency * Onset associated with a change in form/appearance of stool Exclusion criteria: * History of severe or intractable IBS, defined as continuous, unremitting and several abdominal pain greater than 12 hours/day * Previous acupuncture treatment * Concurrent diagnosis of any bowel disturbance that would interfere with the assessment or safety of the study * History of laxative abuse * Previous abdominal surgery (uncomplicated appendectomy, hysterectomy or cholecystectomy at least 6 months prior to entry acceptable) * History of metabolic or inflammatory disease that may affect bowel motility, eg.g., inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes mellitus, sarcoidosis * Other significant illness as determined by Investigator * History of drug or alcohol abuse w/in 2 years; * Insufficient knowledge of English to complete self-assessments to participate in study