Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different irritable bowel syndrome patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a complex, chronic condition characterized by a group of symptoms that include abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between both. Unlike other gastrointestinal disorders, IBS does not cause changes in bowel tissue or increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Its exact cause remains unknown, though it's believed to result from a combination of intestinal nerve sensitivity, intestinal muscle contractions, and disruptions in the gut microbiome. IBS significantly impacts the quality of life and can vary in severity, with some individuals managing their symptoms through diet, lifestyle changes, and stress management.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) through the lens of disharmony and imbalance within the body's organ systems, particularly the Liver, Stomach, Intestines and Spleen.
This holistic perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and environmental influences on health, offering a unique approach to diagnosis and treatment that seeks to restore balance and harmony to the body's Qi.
TCM Patterns for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause irritable bowel syndrome
Dryness in Large Intestine
Diagnostic signs
Fine (Xi)
Recommended herbal formulas
Qi Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Tight (Jin), Wiry (Xian)
Normal or slightly dark on side with white or yellow coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Spleen Qi Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Empty (Xu)
Pale or normal tongue with thin white coating. Possible swollen with tooth marks on sides and transverse cracks
Recommended herbal formulas
Qi-Phlegm
Diagnostic signs
Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address irritable bowel syndrome