Bloating, cramps, unpredictable transit, the feeling that your stomach reacts to everything - especially stress. Irritable bowel syndrome affects one in ten people. In Grenoble, traditional Chinese medicine and sophrology support the regulation of the gut-brain axis, alongside gastroenterology follow-up.
What the practice brings In TCM, irritable bowel is read as an imbalance between the Spleen (digestion) and the Liver (stress, emotions) - the famous "Liver attacking the Spleen". Acupuncture aims to: - Harmonise the Liver and the Spleen to clear stagnation and soothe the abdomen - Regulate digestive motility (diarrhoea, constipation, alternating) - Reduce visceral sensitivity (pain, bloating at a low threshold) - Support the terrain over time with Chinese herbal therapy (strengthen the Spleen, drain Dampness)
Sophrology acts directly on the gut-brain axis: full, slow breathing to stimulate the parasympathetic system (digestion, rest), work on the anticipatory anxiety linked to symptoms, anchoring sensations of abdominal calm.
When to seek help It may be useful to consult if: - Irritable bowel syndrome has been diagnosed (Rome IV criteria) or symptoms are suggestive - Symptoms clearly worsen with stress, emotions, fatigue - Bloating, abdominal pain, irregular transit affect social or professional life - Symptomatic treatments (antispasmodics, transit) are not enough - Alongside dietary (FODMAPs) and medical follow-up
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Traditional Chinese medicine and sophrology are complementary approaches; they do not replace medical advice or treatment.