This meta-analysis aimed to reach a better understanding on the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for IBS1. Studies using body, auricular and scalp acupuncture were included in this review, while acupuncture moxibustion was excluded. 41 papers were included for the systematic review and 40 (3,440 participants) for the meta-analysis. The control varied between trials with 8 using sham acupuncture, 23 trials using western medicine and 4 trials using Chinese herbal medicine. When compared to sham acupuncture, there was increased efficacy in the treatment group with significantly improved IBS symptoms (p=0.04), but there was no significant difference between follow-up scores (p=0.22) or quality of life (p=0.35). Compared to western medicine, acupuncture was also shown to have significantly higher efficacy (p<0.00001) and improved follow up scores (p=0.0002). Finally, Chinese medicine including acupuncture versus Chinese medicine alone showed the acupuncture group had better efficacy (p=0.02). Overall, it was determined that acupuncture can be used as an adjunct to western and Chinese medicine to reach a better clinical effect in the treatment of IBS; however, larger trials are needed to solidify these findings.