Pilot Study of the Physiological Effects of an Integrative Medicine Approach in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Inclusion Criteria

• •1. Age greater than 18 years old.
• •2. Meets the Rome III criteria for IBS: Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort at least 3 days per month in the last 3 months associated with 2 or more of the following: 1) Improvement with defecation; 2) Onset associated with a change in frequency of stool; 3) Onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool.
• •3. Patients have no other pre-existing and active significant gastrointestinal medical, neurological, or psychological disorders as per review by the PI
• •4. Minor, stable health problems that should have no substantial effect on cerebral blood flow will be allowed (i.e. controlled hypertension, medication controlled diabetes) as per review by the PI.
• •5. Patients will be allowed to be taking medications or supplements at the initial intake, but they must be on a stable dose regimen for at least 1 month.
• •6. Able to give informed consent and willing to complete the study.
• •1. No significant current active medical conditions.
• •2. Stable medical conditions as determined by the PI are allowed.
• •3. No brain or body abnormalities that would affect the acquisition or analysis of the scan.