Irritable Bowel Syndrome — When Stress Makes Your Gut Hurt
Table of Contents
Why your stomach aches when you are nervous
Have you ever felt sudden abdominal pain before an important meeting, before an exam, or on the subway during your morning commute? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder in which abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation recur even though there is no structural abnormality in the gut. It is so common that around 10–15% of the world's population is affected.
The gut and the brain are connected
Modern medicine now recognizes the "Gut-Brain Axis" — the close communication between the gut and the brain through the autonomic nervous system and hormones. Korean traditional medicine has long described this same relationship as Liver-Spleen disharmony (肝脾不和). Stress (stagnation of the Liver) interferes with the digestive system (Spleen and Stomach), producing gut symptoms.
Korean medicine treatment strategies
- Soothing the Liver and strengthening the Spleen (疏肝健脾): The basic principle is to relieve Liver stagnation and reinforce the Spleen and Stomach. Tongxie Yaofang and Soyo-san are representative formulas.
- Diarrhea-predominant type: When the Spleen and Stomach are cold and diarrhea is frequent, Yijung-tang or Samryeongbaekchul-san is used to warm them.
- Constipation-predominant type: When intestinal fluids are deficient and qi is stagnant, Yunjang-hwan or Majain-hwan helps restore bowel movement.
- Acupuncture: Stimulating gut-related acupoints such as Tianshu (ST25), Zusanli (ST36), and Shangjuxu (ST37) regulates intestinal motility.
Diet management is essential
Dietary management is just as important as treatment for IBS. A low-FODMAP diet can help, while cold foods, greasy foods, dairy products, and excessive caffeine often worsen symptoms. Even simple habits like eating at regular times and chewing slowly can lead to significant improvement.