The spleen and stomach are the organs responsible for nutrient absorption and the generation of qi and blood in our body. When the spleen and stomach are not functioning well, various diseases can arise.
Director Wang Fengyun from the Spleen and Stomach Department of the Xiyuan Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine shares some dietary therapy and acupressure techniques for maintaining the spleen and stomach.
01
The Spleen and Stomach as the Hub of Qi Movement
Symptoms of Spleen and Stomach Dysfunction
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the spleen and stomach occupy a central position in the body and are the hub of qi movement. The spleen governs the upward movement of qi, while the stomach governs the downward movement. This balance is essential for the proper circulation of qi.
If the qi movement of the spleen and stomach is disrupted, with spleen qi not rising and stomach qi not descending, it can affect the function of other organs, leading to various discomforts in the body.
Symptoms Caused by Stomach Qi Not Descending
Symptoms include stomach bloating, belching, heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, and bad breath.
Symptoms Caused by Spleen Qi Not Rising
Symptoms include fatigue, poor appetite, a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount, lack of energy, loose stools, and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.
Director Wang suggests that if you frequently experience digestive discomfort for an extended period, it is best to undergo a gastroscopy to rule out gastric diseases for more targeted treatment.
02
Two Common Spices for Cooking
Regulate Qi, Disperse Cold, and Transform Dampness
In daily life, what self-regulation methods can those with poor spleen and stomach health use to help unblock the qi of the spleen and stomach? Director Wang recommends incorporating the following two foods into your diet.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric and ginger are closely related, but they are not the same. Turmeric is a component of curry powder and has a distinct spicy flavor with a hint of orange aroma.
According to TCM, this spicy aroma gives turmeric its “penetrating” characteristic, allowing it to regulate qi, invigorate blood, and open meridians.
On the other hand, turmeric is warm in nature and can disperse cold and dampness. Therefore, TCM often uses turmeric to treat issues such as joint pain from cold, abdominal pain from cold, and qi stagnation due to cold.
How should turmeric be consumed? Director Wang suggests that when steaming buns or flower rolls, you can mix a little turmeric powder into the flour to make turmeric buns. It can also be used when stewing meat or boiling tea eggs. Those prone to heat should use less.
Turmeric Flower Rolls
2. White Cardamom
White cardamom is a common spice used in marinated dishes and is a dual-purpose food and medicinal ingredient.
It has the effects of transforming dampness, regulating qi, warming the stomach, and relieving bloating, making it suitable for those with spleen and stomach deficiency, poor appetite, loose stools, and post-meal bloating.
Director Wang mentions that in clinical practice, cardamom seeds are used more frequently, while the outer shell has milder medicinal properties.
If spleen deficiency symptoms are mild, you can use cardamom husks soaked in water. For more pronounced spleen deficiency symptoms, you can use whole cardamom when stewing meat or add cardamom seeds separately.
03
Massage Two Acupoints on the Hand
Unblock the Organs, Strengthen the Spleen, Harmonize the Stomach
In addition to diet, we can also improve spleen and stomach discomfort through acupoint massage. Director Wang recommends two acupoints on the hand.
1. Hegu (LI4) Acupoint
Located at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal bone in the web of the hand. Apply pressure towards the metacarpal bone to feel a distinct sour and swollen sensation.
Function: The Hegu acupoint belongs to the Yangming Large Intestine Meridian and has the effect of unblocking the organs and regulating the intestines, as well as stopping nausea and vomiting.
2. Neiguan (PC6) Acupoint
Located on the inner side of the forearm, 2 cun (approximately the width of three fingers together) below the wrist, in the gap between the two tendons of the forearm.
Function: The Neiguan acupoint is a meeting point of the eight vessels. It can not only relieve palpitations and insomnia but also regulate qi and harmonize the stomach, and stop vomiting. Director Wang states that for motion sickness or discomfort after eating improperly, pressing this point can help alleviate symptoms.
Director Wang suggests that you can massage these two acupoints after meals every day, for 1-3 minutes or 40-60 times, which is beneficial for regulating the qi of the spleen and stomach.
When the qi of the spleen and stomach is unblocked, various discomfort symptoms will naturally disappear.
Dietary therapy and acupoint massage are for daily regulation; persistent discomfort should be addressed by visiting a hospital.
-END-
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