The Spleen’s primary function is to process food into its essence and deliver it to all four extremities and bones, as well as regulate fluid metabolism, regulate muscle development and control four limbs.<\/p>\n
TCM theory holds that anxiety impairs the function of the Spleen. Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) has proven its pharmacological properties by inhibiting thrombus formation and improving blood flow thereby relieving anxiety [44].]<\/p>\n
The Spleen is the yin energy organ of the body, responsible for transporting, processing and storing nutrients. Together with the Stomach, it works to regulate water absorption and metabolism; transporting nutrient-rich blood upward to be utilized by Lungs for use, while excreting excess fluid plus metabolic wastes from different regions to Kidneys for elimination. Studies of skeletal muscle have demonstrated that patients with Spleen dysfunction exhibit elevated blood lactate levels, suggesting impaired transport of nutrients to skeletal muscles [1]. Furthermore, studies on rats have indicated its significance as an integral component of immune function; studies on their emotional responses can alter Spleen activity, and this may determine their ability to phagocytose foreign material [2.].<\/p>\n
One of the primary signs of a weak Spleen is fatigue. Other symptoms may include poor appetite, abdominal bloating after meals, loose stools, breathlessness and pale yellow complexion. Furthermore, an impaired Spleen may lead to easy bruising and blood in stool or urine; to ease these symptoms proper diet and lifestyle are needed; cold energy foods like bread, pasta, milk ice cream processed foods should be avoided while replacing with whole grain, vegetables and lean proteins diet is beneficial in strengthening it further.<\/p>\n
Exercise can also help the Spleen. To optimize its condition, exercising in moderation with no exertion should be used – walking and yoga are light non-impact exercises which allow the Spleen to function more efficiently.<\/p>\n
Herbs that can nourish the Spleen include astragalus (Huang Qi), codonopsis (Dan Can), Chinese yam, and white atractylodes (Bai Zhu). Licorice root (Gan Cao) can reduce dampness while stimulating production of plasma cells and immune system activity. Ginseng (Panax ginseng) can further bolster immunity by suppressing suppressive T-cells while increasing activity among other immune system cells.<\/p>\n
The liver is responsible for processing blood and transporting nutrients throughout the body, so its weak energy can result in symptoms like fatigue, low or no appetite, abdominal bloating after meals, loose bowel movements and breathlessness.<\/p>\n
A healthy spleen is essential to our immune systems. Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that when our Spleen operates optimally, we are less vulnerable to external evils such as colds and flu. Since it relates to Lungs energy, nurturing its health during this transition period from summer to autumn is particularly crucial.<\/p>\n
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), when your Spleen is functioning well it maintains harmony with all organs – an essential aspect for overall organ system health. This principle forms an integral component in TCM’s philosophy.<\/p>\n
Anxiety is often the first symptom of spleen qi deficiency and may also include poor digestion, bloating and abdominal pain. A weakening spleen can also contribute to digestive system dysfunctions which could result in conditions like IBS-F, functional dyspepsia-Crohn’s Disease- and reflux or GERD.<\/p>\n
Traditionally, warm foods are recommended to help strengthen the Spleen. Eating cooked vegetables instead of raw ones may also aid digestion. Furthermore, eating slowly and chewing thoroughly is advised as overeating may strain the spleen and inhibit its work in digesting food efficiently.<\/p>\n
As green is associated with the spleen, including plenty of leafy vegetables and green tea in your diet can help support its function. Foods that look green or taste like it may also aid the spleen; similarly, antioxidant-rich berries and fruits such as blueberries provide extra support.<\/p>\n
Women, as spleens are responsible for producing blood, are especially prone to having deficiencies of their spleen Qi. Menstruation results in significant blood loss that must be compensated for by working harder in terms of producing more qi for circulation and digestion; furthermore they frequently present in clinic with digestive or bloating issues that acupuncture or herbal formulas for supporting spleen function may provide relief from.<\/p>\n
TCM holds that the spleen plays an essential role in processing food into blood for organ nutrition; when its function becomes compromised, fatigue and poor appetite are likely. Indigestion, abdominal bloating after meals and soft or loose stools may also result from its weakness; moreover spleen dysfunction has been linked with issues like leaky gut syndrome, SIBO syndrome, chronic gastritis as well as anxiety, insomnia, low appetite and weight gain.<\/p>\n
Nurturing the spleen can help manage these symptoms. By eating more warm food and supplementing with herbs that nourish and support its functions, you can improve digestion, promote good flora, decrease inflammation and boost immunity.<\/p>\n
Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fatty fish can help promote a strong spleen. Cold, raw or uncooked food can stifle digestion fire and make extracting nutrients from what we eat more difficult; to support healthy digestion instead consider cooking meals, sipping warming teas like ginger tea or fennel seed tea with honey as you consume your meals, and trying to eat in an informal and relaxing setting.<\/p>\n
The spleen is closely linked with sleep and rest, so reducing stress and getting adequate restful sleep are both proven methods for increasing spleen energy. Mindful meditation, deep relaxation and Qi Gong may also be effective ways of strengthening and relieving anxiety-inducing symptoms.<\/p>\n
According to Five Element theory, imbalances of the spleen can have a powerful impact on one’s emotional wellbeing. Different emotions impact differently on its functioning. Acupuncturists treat such emotional conditions by stimulating and balancing other Zang organs; for instance Gui Pi Tang is known for helping alleviate anxiety and depression through its regulation of balance between yin and yang forces in our bodies.<\/p>\n
Acupuncturists use various herbal formulas to address spleen imbalances. Huang Qin, for instance, has been proven to inhibit monocytes’ proinflammatory pathways while simultaneously reducing swelling, increasing cell proliferation and differentiation, and inhibiting post-trauma apoptosis re-emergence. Another popular spleen-nourishing herb Gan Cao can promote interferon production while activating natural killer cells.<\/p>\n
The lungs are responsible for taking in oxygen from the air we breathe, producing and storing phlegm that helps protect us against colds, flus, and allergies. According to Chinese medicine, lung energy plays an integral part of spleen energy. The spleen and lungs work closely together to regulate water and nutrient transport throughout the body. They also regulate blood circulation, playing an integral role between digestion, respiratory, and immune systems. An impaired spleen can contribute to many health issues, including digestive difficulties such as abdominal pain, weakness, chronic fatigue, bloating and soft bowel movements. Furthermore, its functions include regulating skeletal muscle function as well as playing an essential part in our immune systems.<\/p>\n
Spleen Qi deficiency can result in dampness, which occurs when the spleen fails to transform and transport fluids properly. Dampness typically appears as sticky or swollen feelings in legs, abdomen and limbs as well as easy bruising, blood in stool or loose stool feces. Other symptoms of weak spleens can include weak coughs with thin, watery phlegm; fatigue; empty or weak pulse qualities on right-side cun or Guan positions.<\/p>\n
To support your spleen and digestion, it’s wise to avoid eating too much fruit, drinking a lot of warm water or herbal tea, eating root vegetables and grains along with lean proteins like chicken, pork, fish and beans can also be helpful in this respect. Similarly, salads, iced drinks, sorbet and dairy should all be avoided for maximum efficiency of digestion.<\/p>\n
Regular exercise, avoiding overwork and resting when necessary can all help strengthen spleen energy. Furthermore, acupuncture may be useful if you suffer from lung- or spleen-related ailments; imbalances within these organs often contribute to chronic fatigue as well as digestive conditions like acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome. It is advised to consult an experienced practitioner regarding which herbs and acupuncture points may best benefit your specific case.<\/p>\n