Spleen as described by Traditional Chinese Medicine

Main Physiological Functions of the Spleen

1. Transportation and Transformation:

- Transformation of Food Essence: After food is digested by the stomach, the essence of the food is absorbed and transformed by the spleen into qi, blood, and body fluids, which are then transported throughout the body to nourish the organs and tissues.

- Transformation of Water (Moisture): The spleen also transforms the excess water (moisture) from the essence of food and sends it to the lungs and kidneys. Through the activities of the lungs and kidneys, the excess water (moisture) is converted into sweat and urine and excreted from the body.

2. Raising the Clear: The useful essence of food is raised and distributed to the heart, lungs, and head through the ascending function of the spleen qi. Through the actions of the heart and lungs, it is transformed into qi and blood to nourish the entire body.

3. Controlling Blood: The spleen controls the blood, ensuring that it circulates within the vessels and does not leak out.

Spleen Dysfunction

- Spleen Qi Deficiency: When the spleen’s function is weakened, it leads to a deficiency of qi, causing symptoms such as general fatigue, weakness in the limbs, poor appetite, tastelessness, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, severe coldness in the abdomen, diarrhea, and pale skin.

- Spleen Qi Sinking: When the spleen’s function of raising the clear is weakened, in addition to the symptoms of spleen qi deficiency, it can also cause heaviness and discomfort in the stomach, stomach prolapse, dizziness upon standing, and rectal prolapse (a condition where the end of the rectum protrudes out of the anus).

- Spleen Failing to Control Blood: When the spleen’s function of controlling blood is weakened, blood leaks out of the vessels, causing symptoms such as subcutaneous bleeding, blood in the urine, and blood in the stool.

Prevention and Health Care

- Keep the spleen and stomach warm.

- Avoid eating foods that cause coldness in the body.

- Engage in sufficient physical activity to strengthen the muscles.

- Ensure adequate sleep at night.

- Use aromatherapy massage oils from the Spleen Meridian (Earth) and Stomach Meridian (Earth) in the 12 meridians for daily health care and maintenance.