Irritable bowel syndrome: the Chinese medicine view in Grenoble
Bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, cramps, urgent urges… **Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)** disrupts daily life. In **Grenoble**, **traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)** sheds light on this disorder through the relationship between the Liver, the Spleen and the large intestine.
IBS: a Liver-Spleen disharmony
In Chinese medicine, colitis, Crohn's disease and **IBS** very often involve a mechanism called **Liver-Spleen disharmony (gan pi)**. The **Liver** governs the free flow of Qi; when it is constrained by stress or emotions, it 'blocks' the system, and the **Spleen** — which governs transformation and transportation — responds with **abdominal pain and diarrhoea**. An emotional or psycho-affective origin is therefore common, sometimes made worse by diet.
What is the role of the large intestine?
The **large intestine governs transit and the elimination of waste**, and reabsorbs fluids. Its disorders classically come down to two broad directions: **diarrhoea and constipation**, often interwoven in IBS. The Spleen, for its part, governs the muscles and the four limbs: its deficiency causes **lassitude, loose stools and distension**.
Qi stagnation, the driver of symptoms
**Qi stagnation** is recognised by abdominal distension or oppression, **migrating pain**, worsening under stress, frequent sighing, an irritable mood and a 'wiry' pulse at the Liver. Digestion becomes irregular, with bloating and alternating constipation and diarrhoea.
How does TCM support the person?
**Acupuncture** aims to **relax the Liver, strengthen the Spleen and regulate transit**. Points such as **LR3 Taichong** (Qi flow), **ST36 Zusanli** (Spleen-Stomach) and **SP6 Sanyinjiao** (regulating blood and fluids) are classically used. **Chinese dietetics** — regular meals, warm cooked foods, fewer raw foods and fats — and stress management complete the approach. A cold terrain shows up as relief from heat and a preference for warm drinks.
The emotional link
In TCM, eating in a tense or stressful atmosphere disrupts digestion: mental agitation can literally 'block' the stomach. Settling the mind is therefore part of the care — which is where the approach can dovetail with sophrology.
Diet and lifestyle in TCM
**Chinese dietetics** advises regular meals eaten calmly, **warm cooked foods** rather than cold raw ones, and moderation of fats, refined sugars and alcohol. Eating slowly, without stress, and keeping a steady rhythm helps the Spleen transform and transport. These principles accompany the work on emotions.
When should you be concerned?
Warning signs: blood in the stools, weight loss, fever, intense pain, or pain waking you at night. These require medical consultation. Outside those signs, TCM can support the functional terrain.
In short
In IBS, TCM seeks **balance between Liver, Spleen and large intestine**: to move the Qi, tonify the Spleen, and dispel Cold and Dampness. The aim is to reduce recurrence by working on the terrain.
Unusual diarrhoea, blood in the stools, weight loss or intense pain must be investigated by a doctor. TCM is **complementary**.
Ghislaine Morin's website in Grenoble : www.sophrologue-grenoble.fr/blog/mots-cles/irritabilite
- Author:Ghislaine Morin
- URL:https://accu-grenoble.com/en/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome-grenoble
- Copyright:All articles in this blog, except for special statements, adopt BY-NC-SA agreement. Please indicate the source!