The Spleen and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers the spleen one of the most vital organs in the body. Many chronic health issues—such as fatigue, digestive troubles, brain fog, irregular periods, infertility, and immune dysfunction—can stem from spleen imbalances.

In Western medicine, the spleen is part of the immune system, responsible for producing white blood cells (WBCs) and removing old red blood cells (RBCs). In TCM, the spleen is paired with the stomach and is essential for digestion and nutrient absorption.

How Western Culture Disrupts the Spleen

Modern lifestyle habits and dietary choices weaken the spleen, including:

❌ Heavy reliance on wheat and dairy

❌ Cold/raw foods & processed foods

❌ Irregular eating habits (eating on the go, skipping meals)

❌ Sedentary lifestyles & chronic stress

❌ Antibiotics & medications (which energetically “cool” and weaken the spleen)

Signs of a Spleen Imbalance

🔹 Physical Symptoms:

• Digestive issues (IBS, bloating, nausea, acid reflux, constipation/diarrhea)

• Abdominal distention (especially after eating)

• Easily bruising (due to weak spleen Qi failing to hold blood in vessels)

• Fatigue & brain fog

• Weak/heavy limbs (worsened by dampness in the body)

• Loose muscles & weak flesh (spleen governs muscle tone)

• Edema & swelling (due to fluid retention from weak spleen function)

🔹 Emotional Symptoms:

• Excessive worry & overthinking

• Difficulty sleeping due to racing thoughts

• Over-nurturing others while neglecting self-care

• Cravings for sweets, carbs, and chocolate (an attempt to self-soothe)

The Spleen in Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Yang Organ: Stomach

• Emotions: Worry, overthinking

• Element: Earth 🌍

• Season: Late Summer ☀️

• Taste: Sweet 🍯

• Time of Peak Function: 9-11 AM ⏰

• Sense Organ: Mouth 👄

• Tissue: Muscles 💪

• Color: Yellow 💛

• Climate Sensitivity: Dampness 💦

Functions of the Spleen in TCM

✅ Governs Transformation & Transportation

• Extracts Qi (energy) from food & transforms it into Blood & Qi.

• Signs of Weak Spleen Qi: Poor digestion, bloating, loose stools, phlegm accumulation.

✅ Controls Blood

• Produces blood & keeps it within the vessels.

• Signs of Weak Spleen Qi: Bruising, heavy menstruation, anemia.

✅ Controls Muscles & Limbs

• Nourishes muscles & limbs with nutrients.

• Signs of Weak Spleen Qi: Muscle weakness, fatigue, soft flesh.

✅ Opens Into the Mouth & Manifests in the Lips

• Governs taste & oral health.

• Signs of Imbalance: Pale lips, loss of taste.

✅ Houses Thought & Mental Clarity

• Regulates focus, memory, and clear thinking.

• Signs of Weak Spleen Qi: Overthinking, worry, brain fog.

✅ Controls Upright Qi

• Keeps organs in place (prevents prolapse).

• Signs of Weak Upright Qi: Organ prolapse, hemorrhoids.

Foods to Support the Spleen 🍲

✅ Lightly Cooked Vegetables: Pumpkin, sweet potato, celery, turnip, mushroom, radish, watercress.

✅ Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, barley, rye.

✅ Legumes: Kidney beans, lentils, adzuki beans.

✅ Fruits: Cherries, raspberries, peaches, strawberries.

✅ Nuts & Seeds: Sesame seeds, walnuts, chestnuts, sunflower seeds.

✅ Spices & Herbs: Cinnamon, ginger, garlic, rosemary, fennel, turmeric.

✅ Seaweed & Kelp (mineral-rich to support spleen function).

Foods That Weaken the Spleen 🚫

❌ Dairy

❌ Wheat & refined grains (pastry, pasta, bread)

❌ Cold/raw foods (fruit juices, smoothies, salads)

❌ Processed foods & sugar substitutes

❌ Caffeine & alcohol

❌ Fried foods & greasy foods

❌ Peanuts & peanut butter

❌ Bananas & avocados (cooling & dampening to the spleen)

Other Factors That Weaken the Spleen

🔹 Overworked Immune System: Chronic infections & immune dysregulation overburden the spleen.

🔹 High Toxic Load: If the liver & detox organs are overwhelmed, the spleen takes on excess burden.

🔹 Poor Lifestyle Habits: Overuse of medications, stress, cold/damp climate exposure.

🔹 Chronic Worry & Stress: Mental overactivity depletes spleen Qi.

Tips for Strengthening the Spleen

✅ Eat warming, nourishing foods (soups, stews, broths).

✅ Minimize cold/raw foods & excessive liquids while eating.

✅ Avoid ice-cold drinks & processed foods.

✅ Chew food thoroughly & eat mindfully (no distractions like TV).

✅ Reduce stress with mindfulness & movement (yoga, Qi Gong, meditation).

✅ Exercise daily (walking, stretching, gentle movement).

✅ Keep meal times consistent & avoid overeating.

✅ Practice grounding & stress-reducing activities.

Essential Oils to Support the Spleen

🌿 Spleen Support™: Apply 2-3 drops over the spleen (left side, under breast) or earlobes.

🌿 Immune Support™: Apply diluted oil on throat or feet to reduce immune burden on the spleen.

🌿 Lymph™:  Supports detox pathways & lymphatic drainage (apply to neck, underarms, bikini line).

🌿 Spleen Qi™:  Supports vitality & sleep (apply to spleen area or Spleen 6 acupuncture point).

Recommended Products for Spleen Health

🛍 Dao Labs Digestive Harmony Herbal Powder 

The spleen is a foundation of digestion, immunity, and energy production. By following TCM principles, adjusting diet & lifestyle, and incorporating healing practices, you can restore spleen function and achieve better digestion, energy, and emotional balance.

🌿 When we nourish the spleen, we strengthen the mind, body, and spirit.