Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for irritable bowel
Irritable Bowel Syndrome · Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Spleen-Stomach Deficiency is a common pattern in IBS, characterized by
**digestive enzyme insufficiency, abdominal pain, diarrhea, poor
appetite, and fatigue. The core pathogenesis is Spleen Qi deficiency
failing to transform and transport food**, leading to incomplete
digestion, loose stools, and abdominal discomfort.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
fatigue |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
cold limbs |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
transport |
| Etiology |
|---|
poor nutrition |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
| Tianshu (ST25) | 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus |
|---|
of Large Intestine; regulates bowel function |
| Taibai (SP3) |
|---|
| Source point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Pishu and Zusanli to warm and tonify
Spleen Qi.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (参苓白术散)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Dioscorea
(Shan Yao), Hyacinth Bean (Bian Dou), Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren), Amomum (Sha
Ren), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Strengthens Spleen, supplements Qi, and stops diarrhea.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe diarrhea |
|---|
stop diarrhea |
| Bloating |
|---|
|
| Poor appetite |
|---|
promote digestion |
| Cold limbs | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Digestive enzyme insufficiency causing incomplete food digestion,
altered intestinal osmotic pressure, diarrhea, and reduced intestinal
barrier function. Spleen-Stomach Deficiency corresponds to IBS with
malabsorption and impaired intestinal barrier function, where reduced
digestive capacity and increased intestinal permeability contribute to
symptoms.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Diarrhea with Spleen-Stomach Deficiency.
2. DB-XJB: Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.
3. WHO. (2023). Digestive health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for digestive
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM digestive health.
Related TCM Patterns for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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.