26SW10 - Combining TCM and Modern Medicine: SIBO -- A New Disease or a New Name for What We’ve Been Treating for Centuries?

Speaker: Jason Miller, DACM, LAc

Is SIBO a new diagnosis? No, it is a new name for certain cases of digestive upset and/or dyspepsia in which an overgrowth of commensal bacteria is identified. The ecological perspective of traditional Chinese medical theory identifies changes in the “soil” of the digestive system, rather than focusing on the microbiota. The diagnosis of Spleen Qi deficiency, often with the pathological factor,“turbid Dampness,” present, is commonly
associated with a symptom picture that depicts a clinical diagnosis of SIBO. With a diagnosis of Spleen Qi deficiency, the digestive system is weakened, leading to dyspepsia and digestive upset. When turbid Dampness is present, there is an alteration of the biological terrain in the digestive system, which supports an imbalanced microbiota population.

By combining both perspectives, treatment success is improved, and the synergistic effects of
addressing both the “soil” as well as the microbiota represents an evolutionary step in medical practice. This lecture will explore botanical, nutritional, and dietary strategies for successfully addressing SIBO-related dyspepsia, IBS, and gastrointestinal upset. We will integrate TCM theory with specific laboratory testing to inform our internal biological
terrain assessment and to direct our treatment strategies.

Related product: The PowerPoint for this recording is available here: 2026 Southwest Conference Book Download (PDF)