Emotions and the Gut
The IBS–Stress Connection in Body-Mind Medicine
For many people living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), symptoms seem to appear out of nowhere. But over time, patterns often emerge: flare-ups before a big meeting, after an argument, or during periods of anxiety or emotional tension. While Western medicine now recognizes the strong connection between stress and digestion, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has viewed this link as central to one's health for thousands of years.
In both systems, there’s growing understanding that the gut and the mind are in constant communication. What we feel emotionally is echoed in the body—especially in the digestive tract.
The Gut–Brain Axis: A Modern View
In Western science, the gut-brain axis refers to a two-way communication network between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system (often called the “second brain” in the gut). Signals between the brain and intestines affect everything from muscle contractions to the release of digestive enzymes.
When we experience stress or emotional strain, the body enters a heightened state. Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline impact blood flow, digestion slows, and the muscles of the intestines may tighten or spasm. This can lead to constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or pain—key features of IBS.
Even low-grade, long-term emotional stress can disrupt the gut’s rhythm. This is why Western doctors increasingly recommend mindfulness, therapy, or even antidepressants for IBS—not just to treat mood, but to calm the gut itself.
The Liver and Spleen: A TCM Perspective
TCM offers a more poetic—but equally detailed—explanation of this same relationship. In Chinese medicine, emotions are not separate from the body. Each organ system has its own emotional character, and imbalances often arise when emotions are suppressed, unexpressed, or chronic.
The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body. When emotions—especially anger, frustration, or long-term stress—are bottled up, the liver’s ability to move Qi becomes disrupted. This leads to what TCM calls Liver Qi Stagnation.
The spleen, meanwhile, governs digestion and transformation. It’s responsible for breaking down food and sending nourishment upward. But the spleen is weakened by worry, overthinking, and stress. When the liver is stuck and the spleen is under pressure, the result is a common TCM pattern: Liver Overacting on Spleen.
This pattern explains many IBS symptoms: bloating, gas, alternating bowel movements, and a digestive system that feels “tight” or unpredictable. It also reflects the emotional state that often goes along with it—frustration, anxiety, and fatigue.
So What Can Be Done?
In both medical systems, calming the nervous system is key. TCM adds the layer of balancing the liver and supporting the spleen. That may include:
- Acupuncture to move liver Qi and calm the spirit
- Herbal formulas to regulate Qi and support digestion
- Dietary changes that reduce dampness and avoid spleen-damaging foods (cold, greasy, or sweet)
- Breathing practices or Qigong to process emotional tension physically
- Daily routine and rest, which help anchor both the mind and digestion
Even without treatment, simply understanding that emotions affect digestion—and vice versa—can help patients feel less helpless. IBS isn’t just “in the gut” or “in the head.” It’s a conversation between the two.
By honoring that relationship, and supporting both sides of it, people regularly find not just fewer symptoms—but a greater sense of emotional and physical ease.
