Irritable Bowel Syndrome · Damp-Heat Internal Accumulation Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Abdomen

Pattern Overview

Damp-Heat Internal Accumulation is a pattern in IBS, characterized by intestinal low-grade inflammation, diarrhea with urgency, abdominal pain, and sticky sensation. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the intestines, causing low-grade inflammation, mast cell activation, and increased enteric nerve excitability.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Irritable Bowel Syndrome · Liver Depression with Spleen Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Abdomen

Pattern Overview

Liver Depression with Spleen Deficiency is the most common pattern in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), characterized by gut-brain axis dysregulation, abdominal pain triggered by stress, alternating diarrhea and constipation, and bloating. The core pathogenesis is emotional stress causing Liver Qi depression, which overacts on the Spleen, leading to visceral hypersensitivity and abnormal gut motility.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome · Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Abdomen

Pattern Overview

Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency is a severe deficiency pattern in IBS, characterized by autonomic dysfunction, diarrhea at dawn, abdominal pain, and cold intolerance. The core pathogenesis is Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency failing to warm and transform the intestines, leading to abnormal colonic transit, impaired fluid absorption, and chronic diarrhea.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome · Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Abdomen

Pattern Overview

Spleen-Stomach Deficiency is a common pattern in IBS, characterized by digestive enzyme insufficiency, abdominal pain, diarrhea, poor appetite, and fatigue. The core pathogenesis is Spleen Qi deficiency failing to transform and transport food, leading to incomplete digestion, loose stools, and abdominal discomfort.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Abdomen / Digestive System

Overview

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders of gut-brain interaction, affecting approximately 4–10% of the global population. Characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits—ranging from diarrhea (IBS-D) to constipation (IBS-C) or mixed patterns—IBS significantly diminishes quality of life and drives substantial healthcare costs. Anxiety and depression frequently accompany IBS, creating a vicious cycle that worsens symptoms.