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The spleen and stomach are often considered together in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as the body’s qi and blood are derived from the transformation of food by the spleen and stomach. How can we distinguish between Spleen-Stomach Yang Deficiency (脾胃虚寒, pǐ wèi xū hán) and Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat (脾胃湿热, pǐ wèi shī rè)? Here are some points to consider.Different Causes
Symptoms of Spleen-Stomach Yang Deficiency
In cases of Spleen-Stomach Yang Deficiency, the spleen’s transformation function is weak, leading to abdominal distension and poor appetite. Cold congeals and obstructs qi in the stomach, resulting in dull stomach or abdominal pain that worsens when fasting and slightly alleviates after eating. There may also be easy regurgitation of clear fluids, along with symptoms of fatigue, lack of energy, cold hands and feet, loose stools, a pale tongue with white coating, and a weak or slow pulse.
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Causes of Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat
Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat, also known as Middle Jiao Damp-Heat, is often caused by external damp pathogens (environmental factors) or irregular eating habits, particularly excessive consumption of rich and fatty foods, leading to the accumulation of damp-heat. This damp-heat obstructs the spleen and stomach’s transformation functions, resulting in pathological changes that can affect the entire body.
Different Symptoms
Symptoms of Spleen-Stomach Yang Deficiency
In cases of Spleen-Stomach Yang Deficiency, the spleen’s transformation function is weak, leading to abdominal distension and poor appetite. Cold congeals and obstructs qi in the stomach, resulting in dull stomach or abdominal pain that worsens when fasting and slightly alleviates after eating. There may also be easy regurgitation of clear fluids, along with symptoms of fatigue, lack of energy, cold hands and feet, loose stools, a pale tongue with white coating, and a weak or slow pulse.
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Symptoms of Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat
When damp-heat accumulates in the spleen and stomach, symptoms include burning pain in the epigastric region, acid regurgitation, loss of appetite, heaviness in the limbs, fatigue, dry mouth with a preference for cold drinks, or noisy vomiting, halitosis, swollen and painful gums (indicating excess heat), a red tongue with a yellow coating, and a slippery, rapid pulse.
Different Harmful Effects
Harm of Spleen-Stomach Yang Deficiency
Spleen-Stomach Yang Deficiency can easily lead to digestive disorders, which in turn can cause malnutrition due to inadequate nutrient absorption. Additionally, it increases the risk of pathogenic bacteria and viruses invading the gastrointestinal tract, leading to gastroenteritis, as the defensive function of the spleen and stomach is compromised.
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Harm of Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat
Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat is associated with various diseases affecting multiple systems, particularly digestive system diseases such as chronic gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric or duodenal ulcers, hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis, fatty liver, gallstones, and gallbladder polyps.
Dietary Therapy for Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat
Dry Ginger Honey Glutinous Rice Drink
Ingredients:Dry ginger, glutinous rice, honey in appropriate amounts.
Method:Grind dry ginger and glutinous rice into powder, add water to a pot, and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the thick juice and mix in an appropriate amount of honey. Take in the morning and afternoon.
Effect:This dietary therapy has the effects of warming the stomach, tonifying deficiency, and stopping vomiting, suitable for those with Spleen-Stomach Yang Deficiency.
Fennel Pig Stomach Soup
Ingredients:1 pig stomach, appropriate amounts of Sichuan pepper, fennel, oil, and salt.
Method:1. Soak and clean the pig stomach, boil in water for 3 minutes, then discard the water; 2. Add clean water and simmer until 70% cooked, then add salt, cooking wine, Sichuan pepper, and fennel, and continue cooking; 3. Once fully cooked, remove from heat, shred when cool, place in a bowl with ginger slices and an appropriate amount of MSG, and pour the second broth over the shredded stomach until covered. Steam for 45 minutes and serve hot.
Effect:Pig stomach helps regulate Spleen-Stomach deficiency and tonifies qi, suitable for those with Spleen-Stomach Yang Deficiency.
Job’s Tears and Red Bean Porridge
Ingredients:Job’s tears, red beans, and rice in appropriate amounts.
Method:Use equal amounts of Job’s tears, red beans, and rice, wash, and cook together to make porridge.
Effect:Job’s tears are excellent for clearing Spleen-Stomach damp-heat, while red beans strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness, both suitable for those with Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat.
Winter Melon Soup
Ingredients:Winter melon, oil, and salt in appropriate amounts.
Method:Wash and slice the winter melon, add water, and simmer until cooked, then season with oil and salt.
Effect:Winter melon clears damp-heat and strengthens the spleen and stomach, suitable for those with Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat.
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