The wisdom of Donguibogam aligns closely with modern medicine. In particular, alternating constipation and diarrhea is the classic presentation of irritable bowel syndrome. Recent studies reveal that irritable bowel syndrome is not merely an isolated intestinal problem, but originates from an imbalance in the gut-brain axis, through which the brain and gut communicate continuously. Just as Donguibogam described the lung and large intestine as sharing an exterior-interior relationship, the brain and gut exert profound influences on one another.
When we experience stress or anxiety, the brain secretes various neurotransmitters that travel directly to the gut, where they can excessively stimulate or inhibit intestinal peristalsis. For instance, the stress hormone cortisol increases intestinal permeability, triggering inflammatory responses and disrupting the gut bacterial flora. This disrupts defecation rhythms, causing constipation on some days and sudden diarrhea on others. Because the gut produces roughly 95 percent of the body's serotonin and houses a dense network of neurons, it is often called the second brain, highlighting just how vital this brain-gut communication is.
Furthermore, the gut microbiome plays an indispensable role. When the balance between beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria is disrupted, the intestinal mucosa becomes inflamed and the secretion of digestive enzymes is impaired, making digestion and absorption difficult. This is a primary driver of gas production, abdominal distension, and irregular defecation. In many cases, increased sensitivity to specific foods triggers abdominal pain or diarrhea. Westernized diets, antibiotic use, and chronic stress are major factors contributing to microbiome dysbiosis.
In conclusion, modern medicine views irritable bowel syndrome as a condition arising from the combined effects of gut-brain axis dysfunction, dysbiosis, and visceral hypersensitivity. Donguibogam's concepts of impaired qi circulation, the relationship with the lung, and damp-heat correspond remarkably well with modern views on stress, nervous system responses, and changes in the intestinal environment. The key lies in looking beyond the gut alone to understand the connection between body and mind, ultimately restoring overall balance.
