Many people have a cold constitution, especially among women. When winter arrives and the weather turns cool, a cold wind blows, and the stomach begins to feel uncomfortable. Drinking a little hot water can alleviate the discomfort, which is referred to in TCM as Pi Wei Xu Han (Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency).
What is Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency?Pi Wei Xu Han is a term used in TCM, referring to the deficiency of Yang Qi in the Spleen and Stomach, characterized by the presence of internal cold and symptoms including Spleen Yang Deficiency and Stomach Yang Deficiency.What Causes Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency?
01Irregular DietThe primary cause of Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency is poor dietary habits, such as irregular eating, frequently consuming cold drinks or cold foods, etc. This is especially common among office workers who often eat out, have irregular meal times, and skip breakfast, making them prone to this condition.02Excessive Worry and StressIn today’s fast-paced life, many people experience significant mental stress and excessive worry, which can easily damage the Spleen and Stomach.03Spleen and Stomach Qi DeficiencyWhen the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach is deficient, it fails to transform Yang, leading to the generation of cold, which further develops into Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency.
What Are the Symptoms of Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency?01White and Thick Tongue Coating
A healthy tongue should be red and moist. The tongue surface should have a thin and clean coating. If the tongue edges show clear teeth marks and the coating is white and thick, appearing slippery and moist, it indicates the presence of cold in the body.02Decreased AppetiteIn TCM, the body’s Qi and blood are derived from the transformation of food by the Spleen and Stomach, making them the foundation of postnatal health. If Spleen and Stomach Yang is deficient, it can easily lead to indigestion and decreased appetite.03Stomach PainIn cases of Yang Deficiency of the Stomach, cold weather or consuming cold foods can lead to stomach pain, which is relieved by warmth. Hunger can also trigger stomach pain, which improves after eating, often accompanied by vomiting clear fluids.04Pale and Dull ComplexionWhen the Spleen is impaired, the food and water consumed cannot be properly transformed, leading to insufficient nourishment for the internal organs, resulting in a decrease in blood volume and a pale or yellowish complexion.05Cold ExtremitiesThe extremities of the body also require the nourishment from the Spleen and Stomach to maintain normal physiological activities. Those with Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency often have cold hands and feet and are very sensitive to cold.06Abdominal Distension and PainIn cases of Spleen Yang Deficiency, there may be abdominal distension with reduced appetite, and abdominal pain that is relieved by warmth and pressure.07Loose Stools (Diarrhea)
Individuals with Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency often experience loose, watery stools without odor, with a persistent feeling of incomplete evacuation, leading to frequent trips to the bathroom.08Menstrual Irregularities and DysmenorrheaCommon manifestations of Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency in women include menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, and increased thin vaginal discharge.How to Regulate Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency?01Gao Liang Jiang Porridge
Ingredients:15g Gao Liang Jiang (Galangal), 50g Japonica rice.Preparation:First, use Gao Liang Jiang with an appropriate amount of water to decoct the medicinal juice in a clay pot; then cook the porridge with the medicinal juice and Japonica rice, and consume it on an empty stomach.Effects:Warms the interior and disperses cold. Suitable for cold-induced stomach pain.02Clove and Cinnamon Brown Sugar TeaIngredients:6g Clove, 6g Cinnamon, 12g Brown Sugar.Preparation:Soak Clove and Cinnamon in warm water, boil over high heat, then simmer for 20 minutes, strain the liquid, and add brown sugar.Effects:Suitable for abdominal pain due to cold.03Orange Peel and Carp SoupIngredients:300g Carp, 30g Ginger, 10g Orange Peel, 1g Pepper, 15g Green Onion, 2g Salt, 1g MSG.
Preparation:Clean the carp, remove scales, gills, and internal organs; clean the ginger, slice it, and pack it with orange peel and pepper in a cloth bag, fill the fish belly, place in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer until cooked. Add a little salt and consume the soup and fish on an empty stomach.Effects:Suitable for stomach pain after exposure to cold.04Pork Stomach PorridgeIngredients:1 Pork Stomach (Dog Stomach is better), 100g Japonica rice, Clove, Cinnamon, and Fennel to taste.
Preparation:Put the pork stomach, clove, cinnamon, and fennel into a pot, add some seasonings like green onion, ginger, salt, wine, and soy sauce, and simmer until very tender. Add the Japonica rice to make porridge and consume on an empty stomach. Suitable for stomach pain.05Pepper Pork Stomach SoupIngredients:Pork Stomach, Pepper, Cinnamon, Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Green Onion, Salt.
Preparation:Clean the pork stomach, mix the seasonings with an appropriate amount of salt, fill the pork stomach, place in a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water, boil over high heat, then simmer until the pork stomach is tender. Consume the pork stomach and drink the soup on an empty stomach.Effects:Warms the interior, strengthens the Spleen, and disperses cold to relieve pain. Used for Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency.06Barley and Lamb SoupIngredients:50g Barley, 1 Grass Fruit, 150g Lamb, 3g Salt, 3g MSG, 10ml Cooking Wine.
Preparation:Boil the cleaned barley in water to make porridge and set aside; then boil the cleaned lamb and grass fruit in water until the meat is cooked; remove the lamb and grass fruit, add them to the barley porridge, and simmer until boiling. Add the cut lamb and season with salt, and serve warm.Effects:This formula warms the stomach and relieves distension, suitable for stomach distension and pain due to Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency.
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【Disclaimer】This article is sourced from the internet and organized by Han Fang Ji for the purpose of learning and disseminating TCM knowledge. All content in this account is not to be used as prescriptions. The copyright belongs to the original author, please delete if infringed! The content is for reference by professionals only; non-professionals should consult local qualified practitioners for diagnosis and treatment. All consequences are unrelated to this account.