Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the gastro-intestinal tract characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and a disturbance in bowel function (constipation, loose stools, passage of mucus, incomplete evacuation, straining with bowel movement, or some combination of these). IBS is classified as a functional disorder, meaning it cannot be attributed to a structural problem, infectious process, or biochemical imbalance. Western medicine also notes that patients who seek treatment for IBS frequently also have mental emotional discomfort such as anxiety or depression. Western medicine considers IBS a lifelong, chronic affliction, and treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms of the disorder.

Western management of the symptoms may include dietary changes to eliminate aggravating foods (often dairy or gas-forming foods), stress reduction methods, and/or medication. The medications used include anti-spasmodic, anti-constipation, and anti-diarrheal agents. Fiber supplements may also be suggested to help regulate the bowel. Anti-depressants are also sometimes prescribed, depending upon the patient's presentation.

Chinese medicine recognizes digestion as primarily the realm of the Spleen and Stomach organs. (Other organs such as the Liver, Large Intestine, and Small Intestine also contribute to maintaining the integrity of digestion.) The Stomach is responsible for receiving and processing food for the Spleen. The Spleen is responsible for "transformation and transportation" of food: to transform it into useable energy (qi) and distribute it appropriately throughout the body.

When this process is happening efficiently, digestion is painless, bowel movements are regular, one's energy level is high, and mental processes are clear.

The digestive element can be damaged by various factors, including immoderate eating and drinking, inappropriate levels of physical activity (too much or too little), inadequate rest, and emotional stress. One's constitutional tendency can also make one more susceptible to digestive upset. A weakened digestive element is also more vulnerable to interference from other organ systems that are out of balance, such as the Liver. (According to Chinese medicine, the Liver has an important role in the regulation of the emotions. An imbalance between the Liver and Spleen is associated with the depression and anxiety Western medicine sometimes observes in IBS.) When the Spleen is damaged by any of the above factors, digestion is less likely to happen efficiently.

When the processing of foods becomes compromised, bowel movements become irregular, abdominal pain and bloating occur, and evacuation may be strained or incomplete. Additionally, the body can accumulate Dampness, the by-product of inefficient food processing, commonly manifested in IBS as the passage of mucus.

Treatment of IBS with Chinese medicine begins with an individual evaluation to diagnose the patient according to the Chinese medical understanding of the body's systems. This is done through a health history and examination of the tongue and pulse. Once a diagnosis is made, appropriate acupuncture points are chosen to strengthen and/or regulate the digestive process to address the individual's symptoms. An herbal formula to address the individual's particular imbalance can also be an important part of treatment. Massage, moxibustion, and lifestyle changes are also used to both resolve discomfort and treat the root of the dysfunction. By strengthening and harmonizing the digestive system, Chinese Medicine balances the entire body and helps avoid the disruptions of IBS episodes without the side effects of Western medicine.

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