The spleen is responsible for the intake, processing and distribution of nutrients from food. Digested food is turned into nutrients by the stomach and the spleen. It is then transported upwards by the spleen to the lungs. The heart and lungs take over and generate Chi and convert the nutrients to blood. Additionally, excess water produced from the digestion process is circulated to the lungs and kidneys where it is vaporized to form perspiration and urine and excreted out of the body.
The transportation and transformative role of the spleen depends greatly on the “pushing” action of the spleen ‘qi’. A distinctive feature of spleen ‘qi’ is that it mainly ascends, so as to relay the nutrients to the heart and lungs where it can pass into the circulatory system to the rest of the body. This ascending function of the spleen ‘qi’ also helps to maintain the position of the organs in the body. On the other hand, the stomach ‘qi’ mainly descends to facilitate the digestion process and excrete the undigested food out of the body. These ascending and descending actions complement each other to complete the digestion process. When the ascending function of the spleen becomes impaired, the ‘qi’ flows downwards and may result in symptoms such as giddiness, fatigue, flatulence, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Likewise, vomiting can occur when stomach ‘qi’ fails to descend.
Another psychological function of the spleen is the regulation of blood within blood vessels. This astringent effect on blood prevents abnormal bleeding disorders. If spleen ‘chi’ is weak, a person is prone to bruises, blood in the stools, and urine and purple-colored spots found under the skin, amongst other bleeding problems.
How fatigue is linked to the spleen
IIn TCM, fatigue is often attributed to a deficiency in spleen ‘qi’ and is commonly accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite, abdominal fullness especially after meals, loose stools, breathlessness and a pale yellow complexion. Since the spleen is responsible for transforming and transporting nutrients for bodily functions, a deficiency in spleen ‘qi’ will result in inadequate nourishment for the organs, suppressing their optimal functions, causing the individual to feel sluggish and tired. Over time, the deficiency will display outward symptoms like distinctive “teeth marks” can be imprinted on the edges of the tongue.
Dampness and the spleen
Dampness is a concept in TCM where the spleen is incapable of transporting and transforming body fluids, leading to an accumulation of moisture within the body. The characteristics of dampness are that it is turbid, heavy, and hard to get rid of. It often starts at the legs area and moves upwards to the abdomen. Depending on the location in the body, the pathogenic manifestations will be different. For example, if it is found in the female genital area, there will be an increase in smelling vaginal discharge; if dampness accumulates in the intestines, it results in loose stools. Other symptoms of dampness include: bloating, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, heaviness feeling in the body or limbs and a thick greasy tongue coating.
TCM believes that high and frequent intake of raw, cold and spicy foods can damage the spleen and result in dampness accumulation. If dampness in the spleen is already present, certain foods like dairy products, processed foods, alcohol, sugars and sweeteners are said to exacerbate the situation.