1. What are the manifestations of Spleen Qi Deficiency?
1. Typical symptoms of Spleen Qi Deficiency: abdominal distension with reduced appetite, exacerbation of distension after eating, fatigue in limbs, mental exhaustion, shortness of breath and reluctance to speak, weight loss or obesity with edema, pale white tongue coating.
2. Typical symptoms of Spleen Yang Deficiency: loose stools, reduced appetite, persistent abdominal pain, preference for warmth and gentle pressure, fear of cold, cold extremities, a dull complexion or edema, short urination or excessive clear white discharge, and a white, slippery tongue coating. Many people, despite never staying up late and having good sleep quality, often have dark circles around their eyes and increasingly prominent eye bags.
3. Typical symptoms of Qi Sinking: such as chronic diarrhea, prolapse of the rectum, or uterine prolapse.
4. Typical symptoms of Spleen not governing blood: commonly seen in chronic bleeding conditions such as excessive menstruation, metrorrhagia, blood in stools, epistaxis, and subcutaneous bleeding. In addition to bleeding, symptoms of Spleen Qi Deficiency are also present.
2. The Five Major Symptoms of Spleen Qi Deficiency
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the Spleen belongs to the Earth element, which holds a very important position. The Spleen governs transformation and transportation, being the “source of Qi and blood production,” and is thus referred to as the “foundation of postnatal life.” Spleen disorders can affect other organs, and if Spleen Qi is deficient, the Qi of all five organs may also be deficient. Therefore, many of the ailments we suffer from may be caused by Spleen Qi Deficiency. When the Spleen is deficient, its function of transformation and transportation cannot operate normally, leading to Qi and blood deficiency, Spleen dampness, and Qi stagnation, resulting in various symptoms of Spleen Qi Deficiency.
1. Digestive Tract: Constipation or Loose Stools
From a digestive perspective, symptoms caused by Spleen Qi Deficiency generally include: loss of appetite, picky eating; tastelessness in the mouth; the Spleen plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of food, thus almost all gastrointestinal diseases may present with or be accompanied by Spleen Qi Deficiency. Spleen Qi Deficiency typically results in loose stools, but constipation may also occur due to the lack of motility in the intestines.
2. Muscles: Obesity or Emaciation
Light Diet: It is advisable to avoid “rich and heavy flavors” in daily meals; overly sweet, greasy, or salty foods are not beneficial for Spleen function. It is best to consume light, easily digestible, and varied foods. Each meal should be about 70% full, avoiding overeating.
Massage: Massaging the abdomen helps regulate the Spleen and Stomach and enhances their function. For those with dry stools, massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction; for those with loose stools, massage counterclockwise.
Regular Routine: It is also important to pay attention to emotional adjustments, maintain a regular schedule, and develop a habit of napping to replenish Qi and nourish blood.
Individuals with long-term Spleen Qi Deficiency are prone to stones and cysts, so we should maintain a good lifestyle, treat minor ailments promptly, and quickly address issues to prevent complications.
The Spleen governs the muscles, so those with Spleen Qi Deficiency may feel overall weakness, excessive sweating, and shortness of breath. Additionally, the eyelids are considered “muscle wheels,” and Spleen Qi Deficiency may cause a heavy sensation in the eyelids, making them feel difficult to lift, while the lower limbs may easily swell. Being too thin is due to the Spleen’s inability to transform and absorb, while obesity results from Spleen dampness, where dampness accumulates in the body. Spleen dampness-related obesity often manifests as abdominal obesity.
3. Gynecology: Excessive or Insufficient Vaginal Discharge
Women often experience Spleen Qi Deficiency due to gynecological inflammation. Excessive vaginal discharge, as well as excessive or insufficient menstrual flow, may be caused by Spleen Qi Deficiency. Insufficient menstrual flow is due to Qi and blood deficiency caused by Spleen Qi Deficiency, leading to a thin endometrium; excessive menstrual flow occurs because the Spleen cannot hold the menstrual blood.
4. Sleep: Drooling is also due to Spleen Qi Deficiency
Individuals with Spleen Qi Deficiency may experience symptoms of memory decline and feel foggy-headed with poor sleep quality. Many people drool while sleeping, which is also related to Spleen Qi Deficiency. TCM believes that saliva (spit) is a fluid of the Spleen, which normally should not overflow. When the Spleen is deficient and cannot hold fluids, drooling during sleep occurs.
5. Self-Examination: Check Your Tongue
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, you can also check your tongue in the mirror. If there are clear teeth marks on the edges of the tongue, this is a manifestation of Spleen Qi Deficiency.
3. Regulation: Restoring Spleen and Stomach Health
Regular Diet: Diet has the most significant impact on the Spleen and Stomach. It is essential to have regular meals, especially not to skip breakfast. Porridge is the best breakfast for nourishing the Spleen, which can be primarily made with millet, adding foods that strengthen the Spleen such as jujube and yam. If there is Qi and blood deficiency, add black sesame and peanuts; if there is excessive dampness, add Job’s tears; if sleep is poor, add sorghum.
Avoid Cold Foods: Minimize the intake of cold foods, and try to avoid cold-natured foods such as bitter melon.
Light Diet: In daily meals, avoid “rich and heavy flavors”; overly sweet, greasy, or salty foods are not beneficial for Spleen function. It is best to consume light, easily digestible, and varied foods. Each meal should be about 70% full, avoiding overeating.
Massage: Massaging the abdomen helps regulate the Spleen and Stomach and enhances their function. For those with dry stools, massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction; for those with loose stools, massage counterclockwise.
Regular Routine: It is also important to pay attention to emotional adjustments, maintain a regular schedule, and develop a habit of napping to replenish Qi and nourish blood.
Individuals with long-term Spleen Qi Deficiency are prone to stones and cysts, so we should maintain a good lifestyle, treat minor ailments promptly, and quickly address issues to prevent complications.