Irritable bowel syndrome is a kind of independent bowel function disorder which has special pathological and physiological basis. It is a frequently-occurring disease with complex pathogenesis and diverse clinical manifestations. Acupuncture has definite curative effect with advantages of convenience, safe, non-toxicity. The author conducted literature review to learn the latest research progress on the mechanism of treating irritable bowel syndrome by acupuncture and moxibustion.