In modern society, many people experience pi wei xu han (Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency) but do not adjust their condition in a timely manner. Allowing the condition to develop unchecked can severely impact health, leading to decreased digestive function and gradually weakening the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. This can result in insufficient supply of various nutrients, leading to a decline in immune function, and even symptoms such as weight loss and poor mental state.
Therefore, when symptoms of Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency appear, it is crucial to adjust the body promptly. However, many individuals are not well-informed about Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency. What symptoms might the body exhibit when this condition arises? What precautions should be taken?
1. Loose Stools
Stools are a type of excretion in the human body, but in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the color and shape of stools can indicate the body’s condition. Normally, stools are yellow-brown and banana-shaped.
If you notice that stools are unformed and often stick to the toilet, it may indicate Spleen deficiency. This is because a weak Spleen and Stomach often result from abnormal water metabolism, preventing dampness from being expelled from the body. When there is excess moisture in the body, stools become diluted and loose, and may also become stickier.
2. Changes in Tongue Coating
In TCM, diagnosing diseases often involves observing the tongue coating, as changes in the tongue are an external manifestation of the Spleen. Generally, if a person is healthy, the tongue surface appears red with a thin and clean coating.
If the tongue coating is white and thick, but appears smooth and moist, it indicates internal cold; if the tongue coating is rough, thick, and yellowish, it suggests the presence of damp-heat in the body; if the tongue is red without coating, it indicates that internal heat has damaged Yin. Additionally, individuals with Spleen deficiency in summer often feel sticky in the mouth and may have a yellowish complexion.
3. Decreased Appetite but Gradual Weight Gain
According to TCM theory, when there is dampness in the body, the first organ affected is the Spleen, as the primary function of the Spleen is to absorb various liquids and foods, digest them, and transform these substances into usable nutrients for the body’s metabolism.
Thus, most people in a damp-heat environment will experience decreased digestive function, reduced appetite, or a feeling of fullness after meals.
For these individuals, although their appetite may not be good, they tend to gain weight easily. This is due to excessive dampness affecting water metabolism, leading to symptoms of edema. However, this type of weight gain is generally considered false weight; ordinary weight loss methods may not be effective. Therefore, to restore normal body shape, it is essential to treat the symptoms of Spleen deficiency first. Only after the dampness is expelled from the body can weight loss be achieved.
4. Cold Hands and Feet
After Spleen deficiency occurs, body temperature can show significant differences, with the most noticeable symptom being cold hands and feet. This is primarily due to the weakness of the body after Spleen deficiency, leading to insufficient nutrient absorption, which hinders the circulation of Qi and blood, resulting in poor cold resistance.
Hands and feet are the endpoints of blood circulation, and when blood flow is obstructed, coldness is a common symptom. Patients should promptly adjust their condition.
Since Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency can have significant effects on the body, it is important to take proactive measures in daily life. What should be noted?
1. Dietary Adjustment
For individuals with Spleen and Stomach deficiency, it is crucial to pay attention to diet. Avoid spicy and stimulating foods, especially cold foods, as they can exacerbate dampness in the body and hinder recovery.
Additionally, patients should develop good habits of going to bed early and rising early, ensuring adequate sleep, which can also promote body adjustment.
2. Physical Exercise
Engaging in physical exercise can enhance blood circulation and metabolic functions, facilitating the expulsion of dampness.
Through exercise, the body sweats profusely, which helps expel moisture from the body, reducing dampness and benefiting the Spleen’s health.
3. Keep Warm
Due to the lack of muscle and fat protection in the Spleen and Stomach area, it is easily affected by cold stimuli. Therefore, it is essential to keep warm in daily life, avoid consuming cold foods, and especially ensure a hearty and warm breakfast.
Through the explanations above, everyone should have a better understanding of the symptoms of Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency. In daily life, it is important to assess your condition based on these symptoms to prevent the worsening of the condition and greater impacts on health.
In daily life, pay attention to your diet, consume more walnuts and nuts, maintain a balanced diet, and engage in regular exercise. Also, be mindful of keeping warm to prevent cold exposure.