According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the spleen is one of the five zang organs that are responsible for the management and circulation of the body's blood and Qi, the life force that is the center of the body's subtle energy system. Unlike the Western perspective that views the spleen as an individual organ, Chinese medical practitioners consider spleen energy as a functional and integrated system that affects the physical, emotional and mental processes of the body.
Symptoms of Spleen Deficiency
Arthritis, chronic fatigue and obesity are symptoms that may suggest a deficiency in spleen Qi. Spleen energy also influences mental processes, and a lack of mental clarity and concentration, excessive worry or the inability to focus is viewed by Chinese medicine practitioners as a possible disruption in energy flow to the spleen. Because lifestyle choices and environmental factors can interfere with spleen energy, proper nourishment and eating habits are essential for spleen health.
The Role of Diet in Spleen Energy
From a TCM standpoint, the energetic properties of food directly affect the function of the spleen. Nutritionists will recommend specific foods according to temperature and moisture content and the subsequent affect on spleen energy. Cold and raw foods are cooling, and require additional energy that can further compromise a depleted spleen. Conversely, cooked or room temperature foods require less energy to digest, are more easily absorbed and help to keep the spleen strong.
Dietary Recommendations
For optimum spleen function, Chinese dietitians advise a diet of freshly cooked vegetables and grains and a limited amount of lean protein with each meal. Stewed, baked or roasted squash, cooked root vegetables and beans are energetically warming, and can be seasoned with warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves and turmeric. A small portion of a sweet potato glazed with maple syrup serves as a sweet dessert that will help to stimulate the circulation of the blood and Qi. Dairy products, citrus fruits and raw vegetables require additional energy to digest and further deplete spleen energy.
Considerations
In Chinese culture, mealtimes are meant to be a time of relaxation, contemplation and appreciation for the food. Overeating, poor posture and eating too fast place a strain on spleen energy and inhibit digestion. If you choose to drink fluids during your meal, avoid cold drinks and limit your intake to a small amount of a warm fluid, such as ginger tea. Eat heavy meals earlier in the day to allow your digestive system adequate time to digest your meal before you retire.
References
- My Body Wisdom; Spleen Qi Deficiency - A Nutritional Perspective; Anasuya Batliner; 2004
- East Mountain; Diet Guidelines for Spleen Yang Deficiency; James Saper, 2006
- Compassionate Acupuncture; Chinese Medical Dietary Recommendations, Spleen Qi Deficiency
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Basics: Spleen
- Energy Medicine: Donna Eden, 2008
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