Acupuncture Treatment for Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Based on the Theory of "Simultaneous Regulation of Body and Spirit"
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2026.12.015
- VernacularTitle:基于“形神同调”论针灸治疗腹泻型肠易激综合征
- Author:
Ziyue WU
1
;
Jiping ZHAO
1
;
Sheng CHEN
1
;
Chao YANG
1
Author Information
1. Dongzhimen Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,Beijing,100700
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
irritable bowel syndrome;
acupuncture;
moxibustion;
simultaneous regulation of body and spirit
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2026;67(12):1334-1338
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) exhibits typical characteristics of psychosomatic comorbidity. Its core pathogenesis is considered to involve simultaneous disorders of both the body and the spirit, for which the former is attributed to liver constraint and spleen deficiency, and dysfunction of large intestine conduction, whereas the latter is induced by spirit restlessness of zang (脏) organs, and gate insecurity of the corporeal soul. Based on this understanding, the therapeutic principle of "simultaneous regulation of body and spirit" is established. For regulating the body, the methods include soothing the liver, fortifying the spleen, consolidating the intestines, and stopping diarrhea, with emphasis on the front-mu (募) points of the related zang-fu (脏腑) organs and acupoints of the foot yangming (阳明) stomach channel and foot taiyin (太阴) spleen channel. For regulating the spirit, the methods include calming the brain spirit, tranquilizing the zang organs spirit, and securing the corporeal soul gate, mainly selecting acupoints of Governer Vessel (督脉) and the back-shu (背俞) points of the corresponding zang-fu organs. Needle manipulation techniques for supplementation and drainage are flexibly applied according to the deficiency or excess nature of the syndrome. In addition, comprehensive application of moxibustion, electroacupuncture, and auricular therapy is emphasized, with the aim of providing clinical insights for diagnosis and treatment.