RESUMEN
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with massage on irritable bowel syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-three cases of irritable bowel syndrome were randomly divided into three groups: group of acupuncture combined with massage (group A), simple acupuncture control group (group B), simple massage control group (group C), 31 cases in each group. Their therapeutic effects were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The cured rate and the effective rate in the group A were significantly higher than those in both group B and group C (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture combined with massage therapy shows a better therapeutic effect on irritable bowel syndrome, and they should be jointly used in clinical treatment.</p>