IBS predominantly affects women with symptoms appearing in early adulthood and persisting until early forties. According to Chinese organ theory, the Liver organ is most affected by a disruption in regularity, emotional stress and repressed anger. Women in this age group often presenting the pattern of Liver Qi Stagnation as a result of lifestyle and family issues. These women may suffer from irregular or painful periods. Their IBS symptoms typically involve abdominal pain immediately after eating, bloating, loss of appetite, and alternating episodes of constipation and normal bowel movements.
In Chinese medicine, any Liver disharmony readily implicates the Spleen, and vice versa. The pattern of Liver-Spleen disharmony is commonly seen in IBS patients presenting with alternating episodes of diarrhoea and constipation. These group of IBS patients tend to over-think or over-worry to the extent of getting frustrated. They may also have a hot temperament which overwhelm their appetite and digestion. If there is habitual overeating or excessive intake of dairy, sugary and greasy food, then the pattern will be complicated by Spleen damp and food stagnation. In this case there may be additional symptoms of incomplete bowel movement and mucus in stools.
Chronic IBS patients or those susceptible individuals who have weaker constitution generally suffers from deficiency patterns. These IBS patients typically have impaired digestion, poor energy and low immunity. Their IBS symptoms are diarrhoea predominated, with urgent bowel movements either immediately after waking in the morning or after a meal. The abdominal pain symptoms can be more severe, often accompanied by cold limbs.
