Middle-aged and elderly individuals often have weaker spleen and stomach functions. Coupled with the recent increase in rainfall and dampness, spleen and stomach disorders are on the rise.
Nationally renowned TCM expert Chai Rui’ai has shared his “Three Principles for Regulating the Spleen and Stomach” — Elevate, Dry, and Move.
What are the hidden meanings behind these three words? What small recipes can we use for daily regulation?
01
First Principle for Regulating the Spleen:
Elevate the Spleen
1. If the spleen qi does not rise, it will sink
We all know that the spleen and stomach are the foundation of postnatal life, and the nutrients and moisture from food need to be transformed by the spleen. In fact, the spleen has a significant characteristic, which is to “elevate”.
On one hand, the spleen governs the elevation of clear qi. The Huangdi Neijing states, “Spleen qi disperses essence, ascending to the lungs.” This means that the spleen distributes the refined nutrients upwards to the heart and lungs, nourishing the head and face, and through the heart and lungs, distributes to the entire body.
On the other hand, the spleen supports the elevation of organs. TCM believes that our internal organs can maintain their normal positions in the thoracic and abdominal cavities thanks to the spleen’s “support”.
When spleen qi sinks, it manifests as: loose stools, diarrhea, abdominal distension, lack of energy, reluctance to speak, shortness of breath, fatigue, and poor appetite.
2. Chai’s Elevating Spleen Decoction
For those with sinking spleen qi, Master Chai recommends trying this empirical formula.
Ingredients: Sheng Bai Zhu (Raw Atractylodes) 6-9g, Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng) 3-6g, Chao Gu Ya (Fried Barley Sprouts) 6-9g, He Ye (Lotus Leaf) 6-9g.
Formula Explanation: Bai Zhu and Gu Ya are commonly used herbs for strengthening the spleen. Xi Yang Shen nourishes qi and yin without causing heat, while He Ye can elevate spleen qi and clear heat and summer heat.
3. Lotus Leaf Porridge
He Ye is a favorite “elevating” herb of Master Chai. It is both a food and a medicine, capable of elevating spleen qi and clearing heat and summer heat. Cooking porridge with He Ye will impart a subtle fragrance and a pleasant taste.
Both dried and fresh He Ye can be used, with fresh leaves having stronger heat-clearing effects.
02
Second Principle for Regulating the Spleen:
Dry the Spleen
1. The spleen and stomach are sensitive to cold, which is a manifestation of deficiency and cold
Many middle-aged and elderly friends avoid cold foods and prefer warm items. The abdomen is also sensitive to wind and cold; exposure to cold can lead to abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Experts point out that this is a typical case of spleen and stomach deficiency and cold, with insufficient spleen yang.
Spleen and stomach deficiency and cold occur when spleen qi is weak and is invaded by cold and damp pathogens, requiring warming and drying herbs to dispel cold and transform dampness.
Manifestations of spleen and stomach deficiency and cold: dull abdominal pain, a tendency to cover the abdomen, frequent diarrhea, fatigue, cold hands and feet, and a weak pulse.
2. Chai’s Warming Spleen Decoction
If you have spleen and stomach deficiency and cold, consider trying “Chai’s Warming Spleen Decoction”.
Ingredients: Chao Bai Zhu (Fried Atractylodes) 6-9g, Sha Ren (Amomum Fruit) 3g, Tai Zi Shen (Pseudostellaria) 6-9g, Chao Gu Ya (Fried Barley Sprouts) 9g.
Formula Explanation: Bai Zhu and Gu Ya, when fried, have a warming property. Combined with the warming and spleen-strengthening Sha Ren, and the neutral Tai Zi Shen that tonifies the spleen and benefits qi, this formula can achieve spleen strengthening, qi tonifying, and warming the middle to relieve the stomach.
Sha Ren warms the middle and dries dampness, and it is also a spice. For those with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold, a few Sha Ren can be added when cooking.
3. Daily Warming Spleen with Jujube
Master Chai suggests that individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold can eat some jujubes to nourish the spleen and stomach, and tonify qi and blood. Eating one or two a day is sufficient; do not overconsume.
You can also cook jujubes with millet to make porridge. Millet porridge is very gentle, and adding a few jujubes to the porridge helps nourish the spleen and stomach.
Contraindications: Individuals with excess heat or fire should avoid jujubes.
03
Third Principle for Regulating the Spleen:
Move the Spleen
The final method is to move the spleen, adjusting the spleen and stomach’s energy, allowing the spleen and stomach to “have the energy to work”.
Master Chai introduced a formula he inherited from his father, the first batch of nationally renowned TCM expert Chai Haoran: Jujube Gold Powder.
First batch of nationally renowned TCM expert Chai Haoran
Jujube Gold Powder
Ingredients: 500g of jujubes, 50g of fried chicken inner golden.
Preparation: Remove the pits from the jujubes, dry them, and grind them into a fine powder with the chicken inner golden.
Suitable for: Those prone to digestive issues.
Dosage: Take 2-3 times a day, one small spoon each time. Stop when symptoms improve, and do not exceed the dosage. If symptoms persist for a long time, seek medical attention promptly.
Jujube Gold Powder
Can be used as a tea substitute and in medicinal dishes for daily regulation, but should not replace medication. For long-term use, please consult a TCM physician first.
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