Irritable Bowel Syndromeaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
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.
How does TCM View Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
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.
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome According to TCM
In TCM, the root causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are often linked to Qi Stagnation, Dampness accumulation, and imbalances in the body's Yin and Yang. Qi Stagnation, particularly in the Liver and Spleen, can disrupt the smooth flow of energy through the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating.
Additionally, an accumulation of Dampness can result in a heavy, sluggish feeling, contributing to diarrhea or constipation. TCM also considers external factors like diet and stress, which can exacerbate these imbalances. By identifying the specific pattern of disharmony, TCM practitioners can tailor treatments to address the underlying causes and alleviate symptoms.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
TCM offers a range of herbal formulas to address the various patterns associated with IBS. For Qi Stagnation, Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang and Yue Ju Wan are frequently used to promote Qi movement and alleviate discomfort. In cases of Cold-Damp invasion or Yang Deficiency, warming formulas like Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang and Li Zhong Wan can help restore the balance of Yin and Yang, warming the middle and dispelling Cold.
To strengthen the Spleen and Stomach, tonifying formulas such as Shen Ling Bai Zhu San and Si Jun Zi Tang are recommended. Moreover, Ping Wei San is utilized to transform Dampness and harmonize the Stomach, addressing digestive irregularities and bloating. Each formula is selected based on the individual's specific TCM diagnosis, ensuring a personalized approach to treatment that targets the root cause of symptoms.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address irritable bowel syndrome, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
- Formulas that expel parasites
- Formulas that moisten intestines and unblock bowels
- Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.
One such formula is Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that promote qi movement" recommended for irritable bowel syndrome
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu) |
| Yue Ju Wan | Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu), Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) |
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold" recommended for irritable bowel syndrome
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang | Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), Maltose (Yi Tang) |
| Li Zhong Wan | Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) |
Formulas that tonify Qi
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, with ginseng as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for irritable bowel syndrome
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Shen Ling Bai Zhu San | Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu), Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), Liquorice (Gan Cao) |
| Si Jun Zi Tang | Ginseng (Ren Shen) |
Formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these formulas when it is due to dampness affecting the stomach, leading to digestive disturbances.
One such formula is Ping Wei San, with black atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that expel parasites
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by parasitic infections, requiring anti-parasitic herbs to eliminate the parasites.
One such formula is Wu Mei Wan, with chinese plum as a key herb.
Formulas that moisten Intestines and unblock bowels
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these formulas if it results from dryness affecting the intestines, leading to constipation or difficulty in bowel movement.
One such formula is Wu Ren Wan, with apricot seed as a key herb.
Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these formulas when it is due to a deficiency in Yin leading to dryness, calling for nourishing Yin and moistening actions.
One such formula is Zeng Ye Tang, with ningpo figwort root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address irritable bowel syndrome, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
- Herbs that cool the blood
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for irritable bowel syndrome, like Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for irritable bowel syndrome
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for irritable bowel syndrome, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness" recommended for irritable bowel syndrome
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu) | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang |
| Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu) | Ping Wei San |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for irritable bowel syndrome, like Wu Ren Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for irritable bowel syndrome
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Wu Ren Wan |
| Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) | Yue Ju Wan |
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for irritable bowel syndrome, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for irritable bowel syndrome, like Li Zhong Wan.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for irritable bowel syndrome, like Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Chinese Plums (Wu Mei), a key herb in some formulas recommended for irritable bowel syndrome, like Wu Mei Wan.
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for irritable bowel syndrome, like Wu Ren Wan.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Ningpo Figwort Roots (Xuan Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for irritable bowel syndrome, like Zeng Ye Tang.