Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A Holistic Perspective
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine, causing a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and irregular bowel movements. These symptoms may include constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of both, and may also involve the presence of mucus in the stool. The exact cause of IBS remains unclear, but it is often influenced by a variety of factors, including food sensitivities, infections, and conditions such as celiac disease, which interferes with the digestion of gluten.
IBS is often considered a functional disorder, meaning that there is no clear structural cause for the symptoms, but rather an underlying dysfunction in how the digestive system operates.
Chinese Medicine Approach to IBS
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the treatment of IBS involves identifying the individual’s specific diagnostic pattern, which is central to determining the most appropriate course of treatment. TCM focuses on restoring balance within the body’s systems, considering factors such as Qi, blood, and organ function, rather than addressing IBS as a generalized condition.
The following patterns may represent the underlying contributing factors for the development of irritable bowel syndrome: Kidney Yang Deficiency, Liver Qi Stagnation, Spleen Qi Deficiency
Common used points: L4 Hegu, LV3 Taichong, ST25 Tianshu, ST36 Zusanli
Common used formula: Si Jun Zi Tang Wan, Wu Mei Wan, and Huang Lian Jie Du Wan
Research
Insufficient evidence; low to moderate quality evidence (Manheimer 2012 – Cochrane SR of 17 RCTs)(1)
Acupuncture superior to usual care on IBS symptom severity score at 6, 9 and 12 months but not at 24 months (MacPherson 2016 – high quality RCT)(2)
References
1. Manheimer E, Wieland LS, Cheng K, Li SM, Shen X, Berman BM, et al. Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2012 Jun;107(6):835-47; quiz 48.
2. MacPherson H, Tilbrook H, Agbedjro D, Buckley H, Hewitt C, Frost C. Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome: 2-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial. Acupunct Med. 2016 Mar 15.