Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers the spleen and stomach to be the “foundation of postnatal life,” and there is a saying that “injury to the spleen and stomach leads to the emergence of a hundred diseases.” The famous Ming dynasty physician Zhang Jingyue also proposed that “health preservation should prioritize the spleen and stomach,” referring to them as the foundation and axis of the body, highlighting their importance.The spleen is responsible for the transformation and transportation of nutrients from food, as well as the distribution of fluids and the regulation of blood. The stomach is the largest digestive organ in our body. When the spleen and stomach function poorly, it can lead to malnutrition and disharmony of qi and blood, resulting in poor complexion, weak body, and unhealthy skin.Therefore, managing the spleen and stomach is crucial. Below, I will discuss the management of spleen and stomach diseases, corresponding acupuncture points, foods, and more.1. The Functions of the Spleen and StomachProblems with the spleen and stomach not only affect appetite, sleep, and mood but can also lead to organic diseases over time. Conversely, a well-functioning spleen and stomach can ensure sufficient qi and blood, allowing all organs to function smoothly.More importantly, good spleen and stomach health can lead to longevity. A study conducted in Israel involving 1,258 elderly patients aged 70-82 found that after excluding factors such as physical activity, demographics, and nutrition, elderly individuals with healthy spleen and stomach and good appetites had a lower risk of mortality.2. Serious Issues with Spleen and Stomach DiseasesThe spleen prefers dryness and dislikes dampness; the stomach prefers regularity and dislikes stimulation. However, in the fast-paced modern lifestyle, unhealthy habits such as drinking alcohol, binge eating, consuming cold and pickled foods, prolonged sitting, and anxiety have placed additional burdens on the already weak spleen and stomach. The spleen has the characteristic of “earth,” which easily absorbs moisture, making it vulnerable to dampness. Most modern individuals experience “spleen dampness” issues. Additionally, data shows that there are approximately 120 million patients with gastrointestinal diseases in China, with over 70% being middle-aged and elderly individuals, commonly suffering from chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, with incidence rates of 30% and 10%, respectively.3. Manifestations of Spleen and Stomach Issues
1Yellow ComplexionA dull yellow complexion may indicate spleen deficiency, primarily manifested as poor appetite, abdominal distension after meals, and symptoms of diarrhea or loose stools. If not treated in time, the complexion may gradually turn “withered yellow,” characterized by yellow cheeks and emaciation, due to insufficient qi and fluids from the spleen, which cannot provide adequate nutrition to the body. In contrast to withered yellow is “yellow and puffy,” which refers to a yellow complexion with edema.2Dull Nose TipTouching the tip of the nose may reveal a small pit; this area reflects the physiological function and pathological changes of the spleen most clearly. If the nose tip is red, it indicates heat in the spleen and stomach, manifested by a strong appetite but easy hunger after eating, poor digestion and absorption, and a bitter, sticky mouth.3Pale and Dry LipsThe “Huangdi Neijing” states, “The lips are the orifice of the spleen,” meaning that issues with the spleen and stomach will manifest on the lips. Yang Li states that generally, individuals with good spleen and stomach health have rosy, moist, and smooth lips. Conversely, if a person’s lips are dry, peeling, and colorless, it indicates poor spleen and stomach health.4Drooling During SleepThe “Huangdi Neijing” also states, “The spleen governs saliva.” Sufficient spleen qi allows for normal saliva transmission, aiding in swallowing and digestion, and it remains in the mouth without overflowing. Once spleen qi is weak, saliva may overflow during sleep. If drooling occurs frequently, one can start by tonifying the spleen.5ConstipationUnder normal circumstances, the water consumed is transformed by the spleen and stomach into fluids for various organs. If the transformation ability of the spleen and stomach is weakened, it can lead to insufficient colonic motility, resulting in functional constipation.6Poor SleepAs the saying goes, “If the stomach is not harmonious, sleep will be disturbed.” Individuals with poor spleen and stomach health often experience reduced sleep quality, including difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently, and vivid dreams.7Poor Mental StateDisruption in the transformation of the spleen and stomach can lead to forgetfulness, palpitations, and sluggish responses. Conversely, a well-functioning spleen and stomach nourishes the brain, resulting in clarity of mind, abundant energy, and quick thinking.4. Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Spleen and Stomach Diseases1Spleen and Stomach Yang DeficiencyCaused by excessive consumption of cold foods or kidney yang deficiency, leading to insufficient warmth for the earth. Clinical manifestations include abdominal distension, reduced appetite, abdominal fullness that alleviates with warmth, abdominal pain relieved by pressure, clear water regurgitation, thin and watery stools, cold limbs, or heaviness in the body, or generalized edema, and difficulty urinating, or excessive thin white discharge, with a sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen and soreness in the lower back. The tongue is pale and swollen, with a white, slippery coating, and the pulse is deep, slow, and weak. The internal presence of cold dampness leads to clear water regurgitation, loose stools, and even undigested food in stools, with difficulty urinating and edema. In women, clear and thin discharge and lower back soreness are indicative of cold dampness descending.Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng and Atractylodes Powder), Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan (Ginseng Spleen Tonifying Pill)are indicated for digestive issues caused by spleen and stomach deficiency, including fullness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, poor appetite, and fatigue.2Spleen and Stomach Qi DeficiencyManifested by mental fatigue, general weakness, lack of appetite, or refusal to eat, accompanied by weight loss, pale complexion, and thin, watery stools with remnants of undigested food. The tongue is pale with a white coating, and the pulse is thin and weak.Can use Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (Aromatic Sand Six Gentlemen Decoction), Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng and Atractylodes Powder).3Yin Deficiency with Excess HeatAfternoon tidal fever or night sweats, fever with a desire to avoid clothing, heat in the palms and soles, or bone steaming tidal heat, irritability, insomnia, vivid dreams, flushed cheeks, night sweats, dry mouth and throat, dry and hard stools, scanty yellow urine, red and dry tongue with cracks, little or no coating, and a thin, rapid pulse. May also be accompanied by recurrent oral ulcers, pain, dizziness, and lower back soreness.Can use Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Flavor Rehmannia Pill), Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (Anemarrhena and Phellodendron Pill), Yu Nu Jian (Jade Woman Decoction).4Dampness Obstructing Spleen YangSpleen and stomach damp-heat syndrome is often characterized by abdominal distension, fullness, discomfort, nausea, dry mouth without desire to drink or drinking little, sticky mouth, and sticky stools or constipation. The tongue is pale red or red, with a yellow, greasy coating, and there is burning pain in the abdomen, acid regurgitation, and nausea. Dry mouth and bitter taste, thirst without desire to drink, sweet and sticky mouth, nausea after eating sweet foods, heaviness in the body, and burning pain in the abdomen.Can use Yin Chen Wu Ling San (Artemisia and Five-Ingredient Powder), Ge Gen Qin Lian Tang (Pueraria, Scutellaria, and Coptis Decoction).5. Recommended Four Massage Techniques for Spleen and Stomach Regulation
1Pinching the SpineThis technique is usually used for children but is equally effective for adults, suitable for patients with indigestion, halitosis, stomach bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weakness. Pinch 1-2 times daily, and consistent practice for one week will yield results.Method: First, gently massage the back several times to relax the muscles, then use the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger to simultaneously lift the skin along the spine from bottom to top, alternating hands to twist forward.Pinch the skin three times and lift it once, known as the “pinch three, lift one method.” The amount of skin pinched and the force used should be appropriate, avoiding twisting; the movement should be straight and not slanted.2Rubbing the AbdomenPlace both hands on either side of the navel and rub up and down until warmth is felt. This method is suitable for patients with stomach bloating and abdominal pain, performed 2-5 times daily. The area 2 inches beside the navel is the Tian Shu point, and this method can stimulate this point to treat acute and chronic gastroenteritis and digestive disorders leading to food accumulation, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
3Massaging Zu San LiZu San Li is a key health point located below the knee. Massaging this point 50-100 times daily can strengthen the spleen and stomach, regulate qi, and promote circulation, suitable for various types of spleen and stomach disorders.4Moxibustion for Qi Tonification and Spleen NourishmentIndividuals who often wheeze may have kidney yang deficiency, leading to difficulty in inhaling, resulting in symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath. To improve this condition, moxibustion and dietary therapy can be employed to enhance physical capacity.
5Rubbing the NavelPlace one palm or the base of the palm on the navel, and the other hand presses down on the back of the hand, rotating in a clockwise direction for about 5 minutes, 1-2 times daily. This method can warm yang, disperse cold, tonify qi and blood, strengthen the spleen and stomach, and aid digestion, commonly used for indigestion, stomach cold, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.6. Foods Beneficial for the Spleen and Stomach1Shiitake MushroomsSweet in flavor and neutral in nature. Functions: Benefits stomach qi and helps with skin rashes. Suitable for spleen and stomach deficiency, poor appetite, and fatigue. It is a food that can provoke reactions, so it should be avoided in cases of measles, skin diseases, and allergic conditions.
2Sweet PotatoesSweet in flavor and neutral in nature, belonging to the spleen and stomach channels. Functions: Tonifies the spleen and stomach, boosts energy, and regulates the intestines. Suitable for spleen and stomach deficiency, thinness, fatigue, and poor appetite. Excessive consumption may lead to acid reflux and gastrointestinal bloating.3ChestnutsSweet in flavor and warm in nature, belonging to the spleen, stomach, and kidney channels. Functions: Tonifies the spleen, strengthens the stomach, nourishes the kidneys, and invigorates blood. Suitable for spleen deficiency with poor appetite and diarrhea. Avoid in cases of qi stagnation and abdominal bloating.4Chinese YamSweet in flavor and neutral in nature, belonging to the spleen, lung, and kidney channels. Functions: Tonifies qi, strengthens the spleen, nourishes yin, benefits the lungs, and stabilizes essence. Suitable for spleen qi deficiency, poor appetite, and chronic diarrhea. Avoid in cases of excessive dampness and qi stagnation.5Hyacinth BeansSweet in flavor and slightly warm in nature, belonging to the spleen and stomach channels. Functions: Strengthens the spleen, transforms dampness, and clears heat. Suitable for spleen deficiency with excessive dampness, poor appetite, and loose stools. Avoid in cases of qi stagnation and constipation.6Red DatesSweet in flavor and warm in nature, belonging to the spleen and stomach channels. Functions: Tonifies the spleen and stomach, nourishes blood, and calms the spirit. Suitable for spleen and stomach deficiency, poor appetite, and fatigue. Avoid in cases of qi stagnation, damp-heat, and constipation.7HoneySweet in flavor and neutral in nature, belonging to the spleen, lung, and large intestine channels. Functions: Tonifies the spleen, moistens the lungs, relieves cough, and promotes bowel movements. Suitable for spleen and stomach deficiency with stomach pain, fluid deficiency, and constipation, and is used in modern times for peptic ulcers. Avoid in cases of dampness, damp-heat, stomach bloating, vomiting, and loose stools; should not be consumed with scallions or lettuce.8Long BeansSweet in flavor and neutral in nature, belonging to the spleen and kidney channels. Functions: Strengthens the spleen and nourishes the kidneys. Suitable for spleen and stomach deficiency, diarrhea, and vomiting. Avoid in cases of qi stagnation and constipation.7. Scientific Exercise for Spleen and Stomach HealthThe spleen governs the limbs, and appropriate physical exercise is beneficial for the spleen and stomach.From the perspective of TCM, the meridian system distributes throughout the limbs, so appropriate physical exercise can promote the flow of qi, positively affecting the spleen and stomach, enhancing their functions.Generally, individuals with strong spleen and stomach function also have well-developed limb muscles. For women, those with healthy spleen and stomach often have fuller breasts, as the pathway of the stomach meridian passes through the nipples. A strong spleen and stomach function and abundant qi in the stomach meridian play an important role in breast development and fullness.If your spleen and stomach function is poor, consider exercising, especially for the legs, which can provide good stimulation to the spleen meridian in the calves. Studies show that moving the toes can nourish the spleen and stomach.
It is best to choose gentle, low-intensity, and sustained exercise, where the body sweats slightly, and the muscles are relaxed, without feeling overly fatigued. High-intensity exercises that lead to excessive sweating are not suitable, as they consume qi and damage fluids, exacerbating symptoms of shortness of breath and fatigue, and reducing immune function.
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