The spleen is one of the important defence sites in the body and is an important part of the immune system. Its weakening is immediately noticeable in the tonsils, which are connected to the spleen by the lymphatic system. The spleen is a filter for lymph and catches tired red blood cells. It is also responsible for the production of red blood cells and platelets. Therefore, a weakened spleen does not mean that this organ is not functioning. It means that it is somehow manifesting on a bodily level and by knowing the principles of holistic medicine you can address the cause.
Qi or Earth energy
The organs and circuits that fall under the Earth element are to govern the digestive process. Basically, the "spleen" and the "stomach" are there. But the "liver", "small intestine" and "pericardium" also have the inner energy of the Earth.
The earth means the centre, the belly, the metabolism with the help of which we process influences from the outside world. The Qi of this element is very much about resting in ourselves - "being ourselves". As we start to think more about ourselves, often this occurs in adolescence (what others think of us, do we look comical, etc.), the Earth element weakens. Suddenly, instead of intuition and a sense of confidence coming from our belly, fear, brooding and insecurity come out there. Hand in hand with this go digestive problems, metabolic problems, allergies and, as the years go by, unstoppable weight problems.
The abdomen is where everything is processed
We are not just talking about food, but about everything we read, hear, see or feel - all these sensations must first be "digested". Which explains why the Earth's internal energy also has a "pericardium".
The Earth Qi helps to break down food, both physical and mental, and to convert some of it into a subtle essence which it absorbs and distributes throughout the body and especially to the BODY "lungs". This essence, on the one hand, constantly replenishes and renews the blood, therefore the spleen is also responsible for the production of blood, and on the other hand, it represents the source of the motive life force.
The earth qi of the "spleen" represents the "postnatal foundation". Simply put, it creates energy from what we take in. When the center is right, what nourishes us makes us stronger. If it is weak, however, problems arise. Instead of the "food" strengthening us, we start to have trouble after it. When you read these lines, don't just think about food. The earth qi of the "spleen" is a powerful creator of our energy.
Do you know what weakens the spleen the most?
Inappropriate food, irregular eating, eating in a hurry, eating with resistance, and especially mental work and constant thinking and pondering. When the "center" is weak, we are unable to bear our life. We are easily offended, we cannot forgive, we brood for hours over every sentence spoken, and we endlessly ruminate over our fears. We find it difficult to concentrate and learning something is a superhuman feat.
According to Chinese medicine, these excessive thoughts and the accumulation of crap in the head primarily affect the quality of qi, causing the qi to thicken and stagnate. This weakens its function, resulting in indigestion, lack of appetite, bloating, or even dizziness, darkening before the eyes, heart palpitations, etc.
In this case, however, it's a bit of a circle. If the spleen is already weakened, e.g. by a bad diet (e.g. yoghurt with a banana in the morning), then excessive overthinking already appears as a pathology.
Why is milk unsuitable for the "spleen" as an element of EARTH?
The yin principle of the Earth element is referred to as "spleen". However, this is not meant simply the organ mentioned, but a series of interrelationships and functional circuits, as mentioned above. The yin carries within it moisture and cold, which is perfectly fine as long as it is in balance. Occasionally we need to have damp and cold in the body, especially if we need to process something that is dry and hot.
However, if the dampness and cold are beyond measure, which happens when the YIN of the earth element is in a weakened state, it is not appropriate to take it beyond measure. And here we are with milk. Milk is not inherently unhealthy, it just carries dampness and cold. And "spleen" really hates damp and cold. That goes some way to explaining why milk weakens the spleen.
How can the spleen be strengthened?
In nature, we find substances that help strengthen the function of the spleen. These are mainly polysaccharides and flavonoids, which are found in many traditional mixtures and modern dietary supplements.
Diet or "healthy" diet
If you have any problems related to spleen qi it is a good idea to start addressing dietary measures. Especially not to eat in the evening. The spleen likes a warm and modified diet. It is therefore a good idea (especially in autumn and winter) to limit the intake of raw foods and juices. Rather, simmer or cook food sparingly. It is important to ensure a sufficient intake of good quality protein. Dairy products are not recommended. Limit beer, coffee, cold drinks and fruit juices, especially citrus juices.
How the weakened "spleen" looks in the body
- The weakening of the yin element of the earth can manifest as follows:
- Pain in the left lower back.
- Reduced immunity of the organism.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Feelings of stomach fullness, digestive problems (lack of appetite or, on the contrary, gnawing hunger, diarrhoea, weight loss, bloating).
- Feeling of heavy legs.
- Disorders of haematopoiesis, mainly in the red blood cells. Cracking of the veins (skin scrolls).
- Dizziness, flashes before the eyes, frequent nosebleeds.
- The formation of bruises and bruising due to insufficient platelet formation.
- Diseases of the spleen (even the real one) are usually accompanied by fatigue (the spleen is responsible for the "production" of energy from food). This fatigue is often accompanied by mild depression.
- Undigested food in the stool.
- A dull headache on the forehead.
- Feeling cold, especially cold hands and feet.
- Decline of the uterus or rectum (hemorrhoids).
- Increased sweet cravings, mainly as an energy replenisher.
That's a list of the basics. I don't have enough space here for a more in-depth description and the problems must be assessed individually. The whole of Chinese medicine is about an individual approach. There is never just one organ affected. Nowadays, when we don't eat at our best and can't stop our heads, the spleen is weakened very often. Then there's a domino effect.
For example, the duodenum, all muscles and blood are assigned to the element EARTH and its qi. The condition of EARTH is manifested on the lips (e.g. rashes on the lips are a sign of the accumulation of heat in the "centre", blue lips indicate stagnation and clotting of qi and blood, dry lips are a result of depletion of the blood of the earth, etc.).
Organ hours for the "spleen" are between 9 - 11 am. Thus, during this period we can observe a worsening of symptoms. Similarly, between 9 - 11 pm, when the "spleen" qi is weakest.
TURN OFF YOUR HEAD AND DON'T CLING TO STUPID THINGS
As soon as I understood the principle of the Earth element in the body, I realized that it was kind of referring to what we are discovering with great pomp today, namely the MICROBIOME.
AUTHOR
Mgr. Jana Kubíčková
SOURCE:
Classical Chinese medicine - basics of theory I, Vladimír ANDO, 8th Czech edition 2010, Svítání Publishing House, ISBN 978-80-86601-16-8
Chinese Medicine for Every Day, Christine Li, 1st Czech edition 2017, Jan Vašut Publishing House, ISBN 978-80-7541-029-0
Study materials (mainly lectures by Anastacia White) and work experience
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