Q. Can both diarrhea-type and constipation-type IBS be treated?
Yes — Korean medicine applies different prescriptions for diarrhea-type (spleen-deficiency dampness), constipation-type (qi stagnation), and alternating type. Treatment is based on accurate pattern differentiation.
📝 Detailed Answer
We approach both, but the direction is opposite.
The diarrhoea type is a state where intestinal motility is excessive and water has been absorbed less. We prescribe in the direction of settling the intestine and holding water.
The constipation type is a state where intestinal motility is slow or the coordination is disordered. We approach it in the direction of aiding motility and supplementing the body fluids.
So distinguishing which type it is comes first. Even with the same disease name, the prescription becomes the exact opposite. There is also a mixed type where diarrhoea and constipation alternate, and in that case we look more closely.
Keeping a bowel diary for a few days and bringing it helps.
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Hyo-seop Kim
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