by Dr. Alex Heyne Contributor 0

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, GERD: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Digestive Health

IBS and GERD Discomfort

Digestive disorders like Irritable Bowel System and GERD are increasingly common, affecting millions of people. These conditions disrupt daily life with symptoms like bloating, acid reflux, and abdominal discomfort. As conventional treatments often focus on symptom control rather than long-term relief, more individuals are turning to holistic solutions in search of lasting wellness.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a personalized, root-cause approach to digestive health, combining herbal remedies, acupuncture, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes to rebalance the body and support healing from the inside out. This blog will explore how TCM can help in managing IBS and GERD naturally and effectively.

Table of Contents

What is IBS and GERD?
Conventional Treatment for IBS and GERD
Digestion Through the Lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine
TCM Philosophy on IBS
TCM Philosophy on GERD
Common TCM Treatments for IBS and GERD
Integrating TCM with Western Care
Final Thoughts

What is IBS and GERD?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning it affects how the digestive system works without showing visible damage or disease upon examination. It’s a widespread condition that can significantly impact daily life, presenting a range of symptoms that vary from person to person.

The most common IBS symptoms include:

Bloating
Abdominal cramping
Constipation
Diarrhea (often alternating with constipation)

IBS is often triggered or worsened by:

Stress and emotional strain, due to the close connection between the brain and the gut (known as the gut-brain axis).
Certain foods, especially those high in fat, dairy, or fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs).
Imbalances in gut flora or disruptions in how the gut and nervous system communicate.

FODMAPs – a group of short-chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine, which can cause digestive discomfort—especially in people with IBS.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This leads to uncomfortable and sometimes disruptive symptoms.

The most common signs of GERD include:

Persistent heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest)
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Throat irritation or chronic cough

GERD typically occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus—becomes weak or relaxes inappropriately.

GERD can be caused or aggravated by several factors, including:

Diet, especially frequent consumption of acidic, fatty, or spicy foods
Obesity, which increases abdominal pressure and can push stomach contents upward
Chronic stress, which may influence digestion and exacerbate reflux symptoms

Conventional Treatment for IBS and GERD

Conventional treatments for digestive disorders like IBS and GERD often focus on symptom relief rather than addressing the underlying causes.

Key limitations of conventional treatments for IBS and GERD include:

Medications such as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and antispasmodics do not resolve the root issues driving the conditions.
Long-term use of these medications can lead to potential side effects, including nutrient malabsorption, increased risk of infections, and dependency.

Because of these limitations, many patients seek alternative or complementary approaches that offer more sustainable, holistic healing.

Digestion Through the Lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM views digestive health through a lens of balance, energy flow, and internal harmony. Rather than isolating symptoms, it emphasizes how different organs and systems work together.

Key TCM concepts on Digestion include:

Organ relationships: TCM focuses on balancing the Spleen, Stomach, and Liver, which play vital roles in digestion.

Example: The Spleen is responsible for transforming food into energy (Qi). Whereas the Liver ensures the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. When these organs are out of sync, symptoms like bloating, reflux, or irregular bowel movements may arise.

Qi and digestive fire: Qi (pronounced “chee”) must flow smoothly and adequately throughout the body. A strong digestive fire (often linked to Spleen and Stomach Yang energy) is essential for properly breaking down and absorbing food. Weak or stagnant Qi can lead to fatigue, poor digestion, and discomfort.
Cold vs. Heat Imbalance – Cold patterns may show up as sluggish digestion or diarrhea, while heat can cause inflammation, acid reflux, or constipation.
Excess vs. Deficiency Imbalance – Excess might mean an overabundance of dampness or Qi stagnation, while deficiency could point to weakened organ function or low energy reserves.

TCM Philosophy on IBS

TCM interprets IBS as a result of imbalances and disruptions in Qi (energy) flow, particularly involving the Liver and Spleen. Instead of treating IBS as a single disorder, TCM identifies specific patterns that contribute to its symptoms:

Liver Qi stagnation: This pattern is often linked to stress or emotional tension, which can disrupt the smooth flow of Qi and lead to bloating, cramping, and irregular bowel movements. It’s a common root cause in IBS cases, especially when symptoms worsen with emotional upset.
Spleen Qi deficiency: The Spleen plays a central role in digestion and nutrient absorption in TCM. When Spleen Qi is weak, it can lead to fatigue, loose stools, and a feeling of heaviness or sluggish digestion. Poor dietary habits or overthinking are common contributors.
Dampness and internal cold: These patterns may manifest as mucus in the stool, bloating, or abdominal discomfort that improves with warmth. Cold or damp foods, environmental exposure, and weakened digestive fire often play a role in creating these conditions.

Scientific Findings on TCM and IBS: A 2021 meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) using data from 10 trials with 2,501 participants. CHM significantly improved global IBS symptom relief and abdominal pain compared to placebo.

TCM Philosophy on GERD

In TCM, GERD is viewed as an imbalance in the body’s energy systems, particularly involving the Stomach and Spleen. Conventional therapies identify acid as being the sole issue of GERD. However, TCM identifies underlying disharmonies that cause upward movement of digestive contents:

Upward Flowing Stomach Qi: Normally, Stomach Qi should move downward to support digestion. When it flows upward instead—often due to emotional stress, poor diet, or internal imbalances—it results in symptoms like acid reflux, nausea, and belching.
Heat in the Stomach: Excess heat can cause the stomach contents to rise, leading to burning sensations, acid regurgitation, and irritability. This heat may stem from spicy foods, emotional stress, or other lifestyle factors that overstimulate the digestive system.
Weak Spleen: The Spleen is responsible for transforming and transporting nutrients. When it’s weak, food may stagnate and generate heat or dampness, contributing to reflux and bloating. A weak Spleen also fails to support proper Stomach function, allowing Qi to rebel upward.

Scientific Findings on TCM and GERD: A 2020 study reviewed 17 randomized controlled trials involving 1,441 GERD patients to evaluate herbal medicines combined with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Findings showed that Jianpi therapy combined with PPIs ranked highest in overall clinical efficacy, while Ligan Hewei therapy excelled in gastroscopic outcomes. The combination of Ligan Hewei therapy and PPIs was most effective in relieving acid regurgitation and heartburn. The study recommends these therapies as complementary treatments for GERD

Common TCM Treatments for IBS and GERD

Chinese Herbs

Chai Hu

This widely used herb helps regulate the flow of Liver Qi, relieve tension, and promote emotional balance. It’s especially beneficial for digestive symptoms that flare up with stress or emotional upset.

Chai Hu is often included in formulas designed to harmonize the Liver and Spleen, addressing both the emotional and physical roots of digestive distress. Herbs like Chai Hu are typically used in combination with others to create personalized formulas that address the unique pattern of each individual’s symptoms.

TCM holds that unprocessed Chaihu (Bupleurum chinense) has strong exterior-releasing and liver-soothing effects, useful for conditions like Yin deficiency. To validate these traditional uses, researchers used modern biomedical tools—such as network pharmacology and molecular docking—to study Chaihu’s effects.

Their findings showed that processing Chaihu with heat (e.g., with turtle blood or vinegar) changes its pharmacological effects: it reduces its exterior-releasing and fever-reducing properties but enhances its ability to soothe the liver and relieve depression by more strongly inhibiting the PI3K-Akt pathway. This supports the traditional belief that different preparations of Chaihu serve different therapeutic purposes.

Dang Shen

Dang shen is valued for its gentle yet powerful ability to tonify Qi—especially Spleen and Lung Qi. It plays a key role in supporting digestion and overall vitality, particularly in individuals with signs of deficiency.

Often used as a milder alternative to Ginseng, Dang Shen helps boost energy, support digestion, and improve the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. It is especially beneficial for symptoms like fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, and abdominal bloating—all signs of Spleen Qi deficiency. Dang Shen also supports the production of fluids and helps restore strength after chronic illness or stress.

In digestive formulas, Dang Shen is commonly paired with other herbs that enhance digestive fire, transform dampness, or regulate Qi, offering a balanced approach to rebuilding the body’s core energy.

A scientific study examined how Codonopsis Radix (Dangshen), known for its spleen-fortifying properties, can treat gastric ulcer, gastritis, and gastric cancer through shared biological mechanisms. Using network pharmacology, researchers found that Dangshen primarily acts through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, while also engaging inflammation-related pathways like TNF and NF-κB in earlier disease stages, and targeting the ErbB pathway to inhibit tumor growth in gastric cancer.

Its modulation of the HIF-1 pathway further supports its broad therapeutic role. These findings provide a scientific basis for TCM’s holistic treatment approach, demonstrating how one herb can effectively address multiple conditions with common pathological roots.

Huang Lian

Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis) is known for its bitter and cold properties, making it especially effective for clearing excess heat and dampness from the body—two common contributors to digestive disorders like GERD.

This herb is frequently used to treat acid reflux, heartburn, a burning sensation in the stomach, and foul-smelling stools—all signs of excess heat in the stomach. It has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is particularly effective when GERD symptoms are accompanied by irritability, bad breath, or a red tongue with a yellow coating. Huang Lian also helps dry dampness, which can cause a feeling of heaviness, bloating, and sticky stools.

Because of its intensity, Huang Lian is often used in small amounts and balanced with milder herbs. This prevents overcooling the digestive system while still effectively clearing heat and restoring harmony.

Recent scientific studies reveal Huang Lian’s main active compound, berberine, has broad pharmacological effects, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities. Research also highlights its potential in treating metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological conditions.

Banxia Xiexin Tang

Banxia Xiexin Tang is traditionally used to harmonize the Stomach and Spleen. It also regulates Qi and reduces heat and cold in the digestive system. It’s especially well-suited for complex digestive conditions where symptoms are mixed or contradictory—like in many cases of IBS or GERD.

This formula is unique in its ability to address both internal cold and heat, which often coexist in chronic digestive conditions. For example, a person may experience burning reflux (heat) alongside bloating and sluggish digestion (cold). It also helps redirect rebellious Stomach Qi downward, relieving symptoms like acid reflux, nausea, belching, and fullness. Banxia Xienxin Tang supports proper digestion while helping to break up stagnation, especially when there’s a sensation of fullness, discomfort, or poor appetite.

Banxia Xiexin Tang is often prescribed when there’s a mix of Spleen Qi deficiency, Stomach Qi rebellion, and damp-heat accumulation—making it a go-to formula for chronic, stubborn digestive issues with a blend of symptoms.

A 2020 systematic review evaluated the efficacy and safety of Modified Banxia Xiexin Decoction (MBXD) for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials found that MBXD was generally more effective than conventional Western medicine in improving GERD symptoms like heartburn and chest pain, with no significant difference in adverse effects.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can support digestion by promoting balance, improving motility, and reducing stress-related triggers. It helps regulate the flow of Qi, reduce inflammation, and restore harmony among the digestive organs.

Common acupuncture points used to improve digestive health include:

ST36 (Zusanli): Strengthens the spleen and stomach, improves digestion, and boosts overall energy.
LI4 (Hegu): Regulates intestinal function and helps relieve abdominal pain and bloating.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao): Harmonizes the spleen, liver, and kidney, supporting digestion and easing tension.
PC6 (Neiguan): Calms the mind, reduces nausea, and supports the stomach’s downward movement of Qi.

Together, these acupuncture points help:

Reduce stress and balance Liver Qi, which is essential in managing conditions like IBS that are worsened by emotional strain.
Improve motility, aiding in the smooth passage of food and waste through the digestive tract.
Reduce inflammation, soothing the gut lining and minimizing discomfort associated with disorders like GERD.

Scientific support for Acupuncture for IBS and GERD: Findings from a scientific review showed that acupuncture influences GI motility, visceral sensitivity, the GI barrier, and the brain-gut axis. Notably, it has a dual regulatory effect—stimulating gastric activity in those with low motility and suppressing it in those with high motility. These effects may also vary based on the intensity of acupuncture stimulation.

Integrating TCM with Western Care

For those exploring TCM as a treatment for IBS and GERD, collaboration between TCM practitioners and medical doctors is essential. This integrative approach ensures safety, maximizes effectiveness, and supports long-term healing from multiple angles.

A licensed TCM practitioner can assess your unique constitution and develop a personalized plan using acupuncture, herbs, and diet therapy. Whereas, a medical doctor can help monitor your condition, manage prescription medications, and provide diagnostic testing when needed.

Additionally, TCM can support the effects of prescription medications, reduce side effects, and promote overall resilience. In some cases, patients may be able to wean off medications (like PPIs or antispasmodics) under the supervision of both providers, using TCM therapies to manage symptoms more naturally.

Final Thoughts

Moreover, TCM addresses chronic digestive issues by focusing on the root imbalances that drive symptoms, rather than simply masking them.

Whether you’re dealing with IBS or GERD, TCM can helps by using personalized combinations of herbs, acupuncture, dietary guidance, and lifestyle shifts.

It’s important to consult with a licensed TCM practitioner and consider integrative care alongside your current medical treatment.