The Spleen: Key to A Good Digestion, According to Chinese Medicine
Could this often-overlooked organ be key to your digestive health? Is it the secret to a good digestion?
In this article, Dr. Cesar Daoud, with over 20 years of experience in Integrative Medicine, delves into the intricate connection between the spleen and gut health, according to traditional Chinese medicine.
Dr. Daoud is not only a seasoned Health & Longevity Lecturer but also the founder and integrative health practitioner behind Bioenergy. He is also the author of the Bio-Acupressure Guide (Digestive System Acupressure), a comprehensive resource on harnessing acupressure techniques for digestive health.
Bioenergy link: https://www.bebioenergy.me/
Bio-Acupressure Guide link: https://www.bebioenergy.me/product-page/bio-acupressure-guide-digestive-system
What Does It Mean to Give Your Spleen Some More Love and Mindfulness?
As an acupuncturist, I have seen personally and with my patients, how interconnected our bodies are and how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can offer profound insights into our health. When we think about our digestive system health in Western medicine, we usually think about the stomach and intestines. But in my practice, I have experienced that TCM has a different star of the show that doesn't get nearly enough love and mindfulness: the spleen.
The Spleen’s Role in Traditional Chinese Medicine vs. Western Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the spleen is the cornerstone of digestive health and performance, playing a much bigger emotional role too than it does in Western counterpart. While conventional medicine sees the spleen mainly as part of the immunity system, TCM views it as the master organ of digestion and a main player in overall physical and mental wellness. From my professional experience, I have observed how essential a healthy spleen is for my patient’s overall vitality.
The Spleen’s Responsibilities in Traditional Chinese Medicine
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, the spleen’s responsibility is transforming and transporting nutrients from food throughout the body. It teams up with the stomach to process and break down food and extract our vital energy, known as Qi.
(Qi is a traditional Chinese character pronounced “chee” in English).
A happy content spleen ensures nutrients are properly absorbed and distributed and helps maintaining the body's fluid balance. When patients are in an overthinking mode and complains of digestive issues, I always consider the health of their spleen as top priority.
The Spleen’s Impact on Mental and Emotional Health
But the spleen’s job doesn't stop at food digestion. TCM practitioners, including myself, believe that a strong spleen is crucial for mental clarity, energy levels, and even emotional well-being.
When the spleen is feeling upset, down or out of balance, it can lead not just to a digestive discomfort but can cause fatigue, poor concentration, and an overactive worry machine in your brain. I have seen patients’ overall mood and mental sharpness improve significantly once we adjust spleen health.
How to Keep Your Spleen in Tip-Top Shape
Dietary Recommendations
I highly recommend and suggests a diet full of easily digestible foods, focusing on warm, cooked meals. Soups, stews, and lightly steamed vegetables are all spleen-friendly choices to follow. On the other side, raw foods, excessive dairy, and cold drinks, excessive consumption of sweets and greasy foods should be avoided for the spleen and can be enjoyed in moderation.
Herbal Medicine
We may prescribe herbal formulas to strengthen the spleen. Common herbs include ginseng, liquorice root, ginger and turmeric, which are believed to boost spleen function and improve digestion.
Acupuncture and Moxibustion
These Chinese medicine therapies can help regulate the body's energy and support the spleen health. Specific acupuncture points of Spleen and Stomach meridians and the application of moxibustion (burning an herb called mugwort near the skin) can stimulate spleen function and improve digestion energy.
Lifestyle Practices
Regular simple exercise (walking, cycling), adequate rest (good quality sleeping pattern), and stress responses management are essential for maintaining spleen health. Practices like Tai Chi and Qi Gong (meridians postures and dynamic exercises) are particularly beneficial as they promote the smooth flow of Qi throughout the whole body.
Life-Changing, Simple Implementations
Life changing implementations yet very simple and worth a lot In my own life, I have found that implementing these dietary adjustments make a sustainable difference in my digestion, specially on my physical and mental energy levels.
The Spleen: A Digestive Powerhouse Worth Considering
The idea of the spleen as a digestive powerhouse might seem strange if you are used to Western medical concepts, but it’s worth considering this ancient perspective. After all, TCM is a very well documented practice that has been tackling gut health system and many other systems for thousands of years, way before probiotics became the latest health craze. I have had many patients who initially approached me with scepticism but later embraced these time-tested principles after seeing the results.
It’s Always the Right Time to Focus on the Spleen
As we keep learning more about the gut-body connection, it’s always the right time to give the humble spleen the spotlight it deserves.
In the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the spleen it is the key to better digestion, more energy, and improved overall physical and mental health.
With over two decades of professional experience as an acupuncturist and Doctor of TCM, I highly recommend incorporating more mindful moments, care, and love for your spleen into your daily routine to unlock a happier, healthier you!
Make sure to read my previous article about how your emotions affect digestive health and vice versa.
About Dr. Cesar Daoud
Dr. Cesar Daoud is the founder and integrative health practitioner behind Bioenergy, established in 2008. A French/Lebanese integrative health practitioner, Dr. Daoud specializes in Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qigong, Visceral Osteopathy, Physical Therapy, Posturology, Biopuncture, and Vitamin Therapy. He is dedicated to optimizing physical and mental health, energy balancing, and promoting overall nervous system and hormonal well-being, as well as pain-free living.
With over 20 years of international experience, Dr. Daoud has helped thousands of patients—ranging from children to seniors, and including high-profile individuals such as presidents, ministers, ambassadors, diplomats, princes, actors, and singers. He emphasizes root cause treatment and prevention, not just through one-on-one approaches, but also by offering corporate workplace health programs and health conferences & public lectures that merge Eastern and Western practices.
Dr. Daoud also focuses on chronic pain relief, women’s health, and the body & emotions connection. He is a member of several associations, including the Acupuncture Cyprus Association, and is the author of the Bio-Acupressure Guide (Digestive System Acupressure), further solidifying his commitment to integrative health and well-being.
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Such a well written and super informative article
Perfect and very easy to read. Each article is very interesting, and very helpful...
Very interesting and insightful. I will definitely try to implement the recommendations
I never thought it would be connected! Now I understand better my body and my emotions! Very interesting!