Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Damp-Heat Internal Accumulation

TCM differentiation and treatment for irritable bowel

Irritable Bowel Syndrome · Damp-Heat Internal Accumulation Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Abdomen

Pattern Overview

Damp-Heat Internal Accumulation is a pattern in IBS, characterized by

**intestinal low-grade inflammation, diarrhea with urgency, abdominal

pain, and sticky sensation. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of

Damp-Heat in the intestines**, causing low-grade inflammation, mast cell

activation, and increased enteric nerve excitability.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

stools |

Associated Symptoms

yellow urine, feverishness |

Tongue and Pulse

and rapid pulse |

Pathogenesis Damp-Heat accumulating in the intestines
Etiology

consumption, infection |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
Tianshu (ST25) 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus

of Large Intestine; regulates bowel function |

Shangjuxu (ST37)

to the tibial crest | Lower He-Sea point of Large Intestine; treats

intestinal disorders |

Yinlingquan (SP9) Below the medial condyle of the tibia

Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |

Quchi (LI11) Lateral end of the elbow crease

Large Intestine; clears Heat |

Neiting (ST44) Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones

point of Stomach; clears Stomach Heat |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; may

combine with Tianshu cupping to drain Damp-Heat.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Ge Gen Qin Lian Tang (葛根芩连汤)

Composition:

Pueraria (Ge Gen), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Coptis (Huang Lian),

Licorice (Gan Cao), Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren), Aucklandia (Mu Xiang)

Action: Clears Damp-Heat, stops diarrhea, and regulates the

intestines.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Severe diarrhea with urgency

diuresis and stop diarrhea |

Abdominal pain

|

Feverishness Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids
Nausea Add Ban Xia, Sheng Jiang to descend rebellious Qi

Western Mechanism Reference

Intestinal low-grade inflammation with mast cell activation,

histamine/tryptase release, and increased enteric nerve excitability.

Damp-Heat Internal Accumulation corresponds to IBS with inflammatory

component, where mast cell activation and low-grade inflammation

contribute to visceral hypersensitivity and abnormal gut motility.

References

1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Diarrhea with Damp-Heat Injury.

2. DB-XJB: Ge Gen Qin Lian Tang.

3. WHO. (2023). Digestive health. World Health Organization.

Explore More

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Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.