What Do We Mean by the Spleen

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic view of health, where the balance of body, mind, and environment plays a crucial role in maintaining well-being. One of the most intriguing aspects of TCM is how it views internal organs, which often differ starkly from those in Western medicine.

The Modern Spleen

Modern medicine attributes three main functions to the Spleen.

The spleen filters the blood,  removing old, damaged, or malformed red blood cells. It also regulates the number of  blood cells and platelets throughout  the body.  By producing white blood cells (lymphocytes and macrophages), the Spleen is instrumental in fighting infection.

The Spleen in TCM

The spleen is considered a vital organ in Chinese medicine, associated not just with physical functions but also with emotional and energetic flow and harmony. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the functions of the spleen include those of the pancreas as well as the spleen.  If your digestive system had a brain of its own, it would be your spleen. Just as in the Western medical view, he spleen filters the blood, but in TCM, the spleen is understood to have responsibilities far beyond those known in Western medicine. TCM considers the spleen to be the source of Qi (life energy) and blood, responsible for transforming food into vital energy and for distributing this energy throughout the body.

The spleen is likened to a transformative processor, governing the entire digestion process of converting food into energy. It separates the pure from the impure, and what it extracts as pure is transported to nourish muscles and limbs, while the impure is sent downward to the intestines for elimination. This function makes it central to any digestion-related health concerns in TCM.

The spleen also has the job of governing the 'patency of the vessels'. ensuring that blood remains within the vessels. If the spleen is weak, conditions such as bruising, bleeding disorders, or excess menstrual flow might occur. 

The spleen also aids in harmonizing body fluids, preventing the accumulation of dampness, which is linked to conditions such as bloating, edema, and some skin conditions.

From a psychological standpoint, the spleen influences our capacity for thinking, studying, focus, and memory. An imbalance can manifest as overthinking, worry, or obsession, highlighting the spleen's role in mental health. 

A wide range of Chinese herbs is used to fortify and repair spleen function. Herbs such as Ginseng (Ren Shen), Licorice Root (Gan Cao), and Astragalus (Huang Qi) are among the powerful ingredients in prescriptions designed to boost Qi and bolster spleen efficiency. Consulting with a trained TCM practitioner to identify the most suitable herbs for your condition is key.


Dietary and Lifestyle Considerations

In TCM, diet is considered foundational for spleen health. Warm, cooked foods are recommended to aid the spleen's 'digestive fire,' while excessive cold and raw foods should be minimized.

Warm foods and drinks like soups, stews and broths require less energy to digest as they are usually cooked for a longer period of time breaking down the food even before it is eaten.  This enables to body to use less energy when digesting the food.

And remember that "how" you eat may be more important than "what" you eat. Regular meals, mindful eating, thorough chewing, avoiding excess, and reducing stress through activities like meditation can help keep your spleen healthy.

Some Common Basic Formulas for the Spleen

Jian Pi Wan

Gui Pi Wan

Liu Jun Zi Wan

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan