Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive complaints we see at our clinic. It affects an estimated 1 in 10 people, yet many feel like they're left without real answers or relief.

If you struggle with bloating, abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of both—you're not alone. These symptoms can feel confusing, inconsistent, and incredibly disruptive to daily life.

At Nu Wave Acupuncture, we approach IBS through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—which views digestion as a reflection of the entire mind-body system, not just your gut. When we treat IBS, we don’t just aim to relieve symptoms—we identify and treat the underlying pattern of imbalance that’s causing them.

Gut-Brain Axis and IBS

In both modern and Eastern medicine, IBS is increasingly understood as a gut-brain disorder. The nervous system plays a huge role in gut function—stress, trauma, anxiety, and even long-term overthinking can send the digestive system out of balance. During sessions, we assess and treat long-standing nervous system dysregulation and poor metabolic health to promote balanced hormones and regulation of nerves to heal IBS long-term naturally. In TCM, we focus on treating the disharmonies between key organ systems that govern digestion, stress, and emotional processing. While everyone’s presentation is unique, most IBS cases fall into a few recognizable patterns.

Below are some of the most common IBS types we treat, how TCM understands them, and the foods and habits that can help support healing.

Types of IBS

Stress-Sensitive IBS: Liver and Spleen Disharmony

This is the most common pattern we see in clinic: digestive symptoms that get worse with stress or emotional upset.

In Chinese medicine, the Liver is responsible for keeping energy (Qi) moving smoothly. When stress or tension causes Liver Qi to become stagnant, it can interfere with the Spleen, which handles digestion.

Common symptoms:

• Alternating constipation and diarrhea

• Bloating and cramping (especially with stress)

• Loose stools in the morning or after meals

• Mood changes, irritability, or anxiety

Supportive food & lifestyle tips:

• Eat at regular times, in a calm setting

• Focus on warm, cooked foods (soups, stews, lightly steamed vegetables)

• Avoid skipping meals, overeating, or eating when upset

• Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or tai chi

• Herbal teas like chamomile, ginger, or peppermint, or a custom tea blend at Nu Wave Acupuncture

• Limit alcohol, caffeine, and raw or cold foods

Fatigue and Bloating IBS: Spleen Qi Deficiency

This pattern is common in people with long-term digestive issues, fatigue, or burnout. The Spleen (in TCM) transforms food into energy, and when it becomes weakened, digestion slows down, and excess “dampness” or heaviness can accumulate.

Common symptoms:

• Frequent bloating, especially after eating

• Soft or unformed stools

• Low energy and mental fog

• Cravings for sugar or carbs

Supportive food & lifestyle tips:

• Eat smaller meals more frequently to reduce strain

• Emphasize easy-to-digest foods: cooked grains (rice, oats, quinoa), root vegetables, broths

• Avoid sugar, dairy, greasy or fried foods

• Try cinnamon or cardamom tea after meals

• Add warming spices like ginger, turmeric, and fennel

• Get to bed earlier—rest is critical for rebuilding energy

Cold-Sensitive IBS: Cold in the Intestines

This type of IBS often shows up as cramping, loose stools, or urgency, especially first thing in the morning. It’s more common in people who run cold, have a naturally sensitive system, or eat a lot of raw, cold foods.

Common symptoms:

• Loose stools or diarrhea in the early morning

• Cold hands and feet

• Abdominal discomfort that feels better with warmth

• Fatigue, low back sensitivity, or feeling chilled

Supportive food & lifestyle tips:

• Avoid smoothies, iced drinks, and raw vegetables

• Focus on warm, cooked foods with warming spices (ginger, garlic, cinnamon)

• Try congee (rice porridge) or miso soup in the morning

• Keep your abdomen and lower back warm, especially in cold weather

• Use a hot water bottle on the belly to ease cramping

Diarrhea-Type IBS: Damp-Heat in the Gut

Some people with IBS experience more urgent, hot, or inflamed symptoms. This pattern can be triggered by a history of food sensitivities, gut infections, or inflammatory diets (high in processed foods, alcohol, sugar).

Common symptoms:

• Urgent or frequent bowel movements

• Foul-smelling gas or stools

• Abdominal cramping or burning

• Bloating with heat or irritability

• Sometimes mucus in the stool

Supportive food & lifestyle tips:

• Avoid spicy, greasy, and fried foods

• Minimize alcohol, sugar, and processed snacks

• Increase bitter greens like dandelion, arugula, kale (lightly cooked)

• Drink cooling teas like mint, chrysanthemum, or licorice root

• Get consistent sleep—overexertion fuels internal heat

Acupuncture & TCM Heals IBS Naturally

IBS is complex, but it’s not untreatable. At Nu Wave Acupuncture, we see real, lasting improvements when we address the root imbalance, not just the symptoms. Acupuncture treats IBS symptoms and helps bring your body back into balance by:

• Regulating gut movement (motility)

• Reducing stress and calming the nervous system

• Easing abdominal pain, bloating, and inflammation

• Improving nutrient absorption and energy

Most successful cases include the use of herbal supplements, dietary guidance, and lifestyle support to complement the acupuncture treatments and help create long-term digestive resilience. Progress is seen as soon as one session. With continued weekly or biweekly sessions, IBS symptoms and digestive regulation improves within 1-3 months.