As many as 10 to 20 percent of Americans are reported to suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, alternating constipation, diarrhea and gas. In Western medicine, there is no single medication to correct IBS. Stress is regarded as a strong trigger of IBS. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 78 percent of IBS patients taking the standard Chinese herbal formula improved their condition with treatment.

According to Chinese Medicine, IBS is viewed as an imbalance of the Liver and Spleen organs. The Liver is the organ that is most susceptible to stress. The Spleen controls the digestive system. When there is an underlying weakness of the digestive system due to poor diet and lifestyle, the Liver will "invade" the Spleen and cause intestinal disturbance. Acupuncture, herbs and stress-reduction techniques harmonize the Liver and Spleen by resolving Liver Qi stagnation and strengthening the Spleen. Depending on the individual, there may be dampness, heat or cold condition that co-exists with the Liver and Spleen disharmony. In such cases, different herbal formulas and acupuncture protocol is used to eliminate the symptoms of IBS.