Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – TheTole Treatment & Herbal Approach
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, including constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of both. While not life-threatening, IBS can significantly affect quality of life.
Overview
- IBS occurs when the intestines’ normal motility and sensitivity are disrupted, causing abdominal discomfort and irregular bowel movements.
- Common symptoms include abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, mucus in stool, and urgency.
- Triggers include stress, dietary factors, hormonal fluctuations, and gut microbiome imbalance.
- From a TCM perspective, IBS reflects Spleen Qi deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, and Damp-Heat accumulation, leading to poor digestion, abdominal distension, and irregular bowel movements.
TheTole Approach
Treatment Philosophy
- TheTole approach focuses on strengthening Spleen Qi, harmonizing Liver Qi, resolving Damp-Heat, and regulating intestinal function.
- Treatment aims to relieve abdominal pain, normalize bowel habits, improve digestion, and reduce bloating.
Acupuncture
- Acupuncture is used to improve intestinal motility, regulate Qi flow, strengthen Spleen function, and relieve abdominal discomfort.
- Treatment points are selected based on dominant symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or cramping.
Herbal Remedies
- Customized herbal formulations are designed to:
- Strengthen Spleen Qi and support digestive function
- Relieve Liver Qi stagnation to reduce tension-related triggers
- Clear Damp-Heat to improve bowel regularity
- Restore intestinal balance and promote overall digestive health
Herbal prescriptions are adjusted according to symptom patterns, bowel habit changes, and response to treatment.
Lifestyle & Diet
- Lifestyle guidance emphasizes stress management, regular meal schedules, and mindful eating.
- Dietary recommendations include easily digestible foods, avoidance of excessive spicy, oily, or processed foods, and identification of personal trigger foods.
- Gentle exercise such as walking or stretching is encouraged to support Spleen Qi and intestinal motility.
Treatment Process
- Consultation with Dato’ Tole to assess digestive patterns, symptom triggers, and constitutional imbalances.
- Personalised acupuncture sessions to harmonise Qi, strengthen Spleen function, and regulate intestinal motility.
- Custom herbal prescriptions refined over time based on bowel habit response and symptom improvement.
- Ongoing follow-up to maintain regular digestion, reduce bloating, and prevent IBS flare-ups.
Home Care Tips
- Eat smaller, frequent meals and avoid overeating.
- Identify and avoid foods that trigger symptoms.
- Manage stress through relaxation, breathing exercises, or gentle movement.
- Maintain hydration and moderate fiber intake for bowel regulation.
Research & Evidence
- IBS is recognized as a functional gastrointestinal disorder influenced by gut motility, stress, and diet.
- TCM strategies strengthening Spleen Qi, harmonising Liver Qi, and resolving Damp-Heat improve bowel regularity and reduce abdominal discomfort.
- Integrative therapy including acupuncture, herbal support, and lifestyle modification enhances digestive balance and quality of life.
FAQs
Q: Can IBS be improved naturally?
A: Yes. With integrative therapy including acupuncture, herbal support, and lifestyle modification, many patients experience reduced symptoms and improved bowel regularity.
Q: Why do I get bloated or crampy with IBS?
A: Imbalanced intestinal motility and disrupted Qi flow can cause abdominal distension, cramping, and discomfort.
Q: Can TheTole’s approach prevent flare-ups?
A: Yes. Strengthening Spleen Qi, harmonizing Liver Qi, and resolving Damp-Heat supports long-term digestive balance and reduces IBS recurrence.
